Name: M&M Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 3/4 cup M&M candies (plus extra for topping)

Why You’ll Love M&M Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe

These cookies combine the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with the indulgent appeal of chocolate chips and M&Ms. They’re great for parties, bake sales, or anytime you need a vibrant, feel-good dessert. The dough comes together quickly and doesn’t require chilling, making them a fast and fuss-free option for last-minute baking. Plus, the crisp edges and chewy centers give you the best of both cookie worlds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
M&M candies

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms, reserving a few M&Ms for topping.
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Gently press a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball for a more colorful finish.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Peanut Butter M&M Cookies: Swap out some of the butter for peanut butter for a nutty twist.
Mini Version: Use mini M&Ms and mini chocolate chips for bite-sized cookies.
Holiday Edition: Use seasonal M&Ms (like red and green for Christmas or pastel for Easter) for festive flair.
Double Chocolate: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate cookie base.
Oatmeal Blend: Mix in 1/2 cup of quick oats for a heartier texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze, place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

FAQs

How do I keep M&M cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help control spreading, though it’s not required for this recipe.

Can I use different types of M&Ms?

Yes, feel free to use peanut, crispy, caramel, or other M&M varieties for added texture and flavor.

Why are my cookies too hard after baking?

Overbaking can cause them to dry out. Remove the cookies when the edges are just golden and the centers look slightly underdone—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw before baking.

Do I need to use both sugars?

Using both granulated and brown sugar gives the cookies the right mix of crisp edges and chewy centers.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

How do I get my cookies to look bakery-style?

Top each dough ball with a few M&Ms before baking to ensure they stay visible and colorful on top.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely—chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and complement the chocolate flavors well.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon molasses.

How should I measure the flour?

Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accurate results—don’t pack it down.

Conclusion

M&M Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies are a cheerful, delicious twist on a classic favorite. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift, or just to satisfy a craving, these cookies deliver flavor, color, and joy in every bite.