Easter M&M Cookies Recipe

If you are looking for a bright, fun, and utterly delicious treat to elevate your Easter celebration, the Easter M&M Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These cookies are bursting with colorful Easter M&Ms and creamy white chocolate chips that make every bite a joy. Crispy on the outside and soft in the center, they bring a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe captures the festive spirit and sweetness of the season perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to make these Easter M&M Cookies stand out. Each component plays a crucial role, providing the perfect texture, sweetness, and splash of color that transforms these cookies into a holiday classic.

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cookies structure and chewiness.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and tender.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 cup (213g) packed light brown sugar: Brings moistness and subtle caramel notes.
• ¾ cup (149g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that lovely crispy edge.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute a tender bite.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
• 1 ¼ cups white chocolate chips, divided: Provides creamy sweetness and decadent pockets in every cookie.
• 1 ¼ cups Easter M&M candies, divided: Delivers color, crunch, and festive fun.

How to Make Easter M&M Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze and your results flawless.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your leavening and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough, contributing to a balanced texture and flavor profile.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy. Add in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, then beat for another 2 to 3 minutes. This process introduces air into your dough for a tender crumb, so take your time and scrape down the bowl sides for even mixing.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Follow this by mixing in the vanilla extract to infuse your cookies with that irresistible warm aroma that pairs so beautifully with the chocolate and M&Ms.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here, or your cookies may turn out dense. The goal is a tender, soft cookie that melts in your mouth.

Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate Chips and Easter M&Ms

Gently fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1 cup of the Easter M&M candies. These add sweetness, creaminess, and those iconic pastel pops of Easter color that make these cookies truly festive.

Step 7: Scoop Dough and Chill

Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each scoop about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Pop the sheets into the refrigerator for at least 40 minutes to chill. Chilling helps prevent excessive spreading while baking and enhances the flavor.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers remain soft and puffy. This baking time is perfect to achieve the classic chewy cookie texture with a slightly crisp edge.

Step 9: Add the Finishing Touch and Cool

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press the remaining white chocolate chips and Easter M&Ms onto the warm cookies for an inviting, colorful topping. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Easter M&M Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few mini pastel sprinkles or edible glitter on top of your Easter M&M Cookies Recipe just after adding the final layer of chocolate chips and M&Ms. This not only amplifies their visual appeal but also adds a subtle crunchy texture.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of warm coffee or tea. For an Easter brunch, consider serving them alongside fruit salad or yogurt parfaits to balance the sweetness with fresh, tangy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For Easter gifting or party platters, arrange the cookies in pastel-colored tins or on decorative plates with fresh flowers or greenery. Wrapping a small stack with a ribbon and a handwritten tag makes for a charming homemade gift anyone would appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Easter M&M Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them soft and fresh, preserving the delightful chewiness while maintaining their festive appearance.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer bag. This is perfect for when you want fresh-baked cookies on short notice. Alternatively, baked cookies freeze well when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This little step brings back that just-baked warmth and softness, reviving those melty pockets of white chocolate chips and Easter M&Ms.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular chocolate chips for white chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While white chocolate chips add a lovely creamy sweetness, regular or semi-sweet chocolate chips work just fine and give a richer chocolate flavor. Feel free to customize based on your preferences.

Do I have to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances the flavors. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip chilling but watch closely while baking to avoid spreading.

Can I use peanut M&Ms or other colors for a different holiday?

Definitely! This Easter M&M Cookies Recipe is versatile and can be adapted for any occasion by swapping in holiday-themed M&Ms or candies. Just remember that peanut M&Ms may affect texture due to the nuts.

How big should the cookie dough scoops be?

Using a large cookie scoop of about 3 tablespoons ensures that your cookies bake up with a lovely thickness and chewy center. Smaller scoops will yield thinner cookies, which will bake faster and crispier.

Why add extra M&Ms and chocolate chips after baking?

Pressing a few extra candies and chips on the warm cookies right after baking makes your Easter M&M Cookies Recipe look extra festive and colorful. It also ensures you get that perfect candy crunch and gooey chocolate in every bite.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the joy of pulling a tray of freshly baked Easter M&M Cookies Recipe from your oven, with colorful candies glistening and sweet aromas filling your kitchen. These cookies are a beloved treat that brightens any Easter gathering or simply makes an ordinary day special. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create your own cherished memories with every delicious bite!

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