Imagine sinking your teeth into a chewy cookie studded with pastel-colored Easter M&Ms that practically scream “springtime” with every bite. Easter M&M Cookies combine the best of traditional chocolate chip cookies with the festive flair of seasonal candies, creating a treat that’s both visually appealing and delicious. These colorful spring-themed cookies have become a staple in Easter celebrations, delighting both children and adults with their simple charm and satisfying taste.
What makes Easter M&M Cookies so popular is their versatility and ease of preparation. The recipe requires minimal baking experience, making it perfect for family baking sessions where everyone can participate. The vibrant pastel M&Ms transform an ordinary cookie into a festive Easter dessert that brightens any holiday spread. As one enthusiastic baker puts it, “Perfect for kids and adults alike, these cookies bring joy to any Easter celebration,” and it’s hard to disagree when you see the smiles they produce around the table.
Easter M&M Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup pastel M&M’s
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the pastel M&M’s and chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Customization: Swap pastel M&M’s for regular M&M’s or other festive colors for different occasions.
- Freezing Tip: Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months and bake straight from the freezer when needed.
Nutrition
The Nostalgic Appeal of Easter M&M Cookies
The tradition of Easter M&M Cookies has deep roots in American baking history. M&M’s candies were first introduced in 1941 as a convenient chocolate treat that wouldn’t melt in soldiers’ hands during World War II. Their durability and colorful appearance quickly made them popular for baking, as they held their shape while adding visual appeal to desserts.
By the mid-20th century, Mars began producing seasonal colors for holidays, and the pastel Easter M&M’s became an instant hit for spring baking. These special edition candies transformed regular cookies into festive treats that celebrated the season. Today’s Easter dessert recipes often feature these colorful candies as a nod to both tradition and whimsy.
The appeal of Easter M&M Cookies lies in their perfect balance of nostalgia and creativity. They remind many of childhood baking sessions while allowing for personalization and artistic expression through decoration. The pastel color palette symbolizes renewal and spring, making these cookies more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of the season itself.
Everything You Need for Easter M&M Cookies
Before diving into the baking process, gather all your ingredients and equipment. Having everything ready makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable, especially if you’re baking with children. Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible Easter treats:
For ingredients, you’ll need:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1¾ cups (219g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (85g) white chocolate chips
- ½ cup (100g) Easter pastel M&M’s, plus extra for decorating
For equipment, make sure you have:
- Medium and large mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork for dry ingredients
- Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Wire cooling rack
This chocolate chip cookie base with festive M&Ms creates the perfect foundation for Easter baking success. The combination of white chocolate chips and colorful M&Ms gives these cookies their distinctive spring appearance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Easter M&M Cookies
Creating these delightful Easter cookies is straightforward, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these detailed steps for cookie success:
- Prepare your workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Create the base: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with both brown and white sugars. Mix until smooth and slightly lighter in color, about 1 minute.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated and the mixture looks glossy.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in add-ins: Gently fold in white chocolate chips and M&M’s, reserving some M&M’s for topping.
- Portion the dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into 1½-tablespoon balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake to perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden while the centers still look slightly soft.
- Add decorative M&M’s: Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press additional Easter M&M’s into the tops of the cookies for a more colorful appearance.
- Cool properly: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
For budget-friendly Easter treats, these cookies are hard to beat. They use simple ingredients you might already have on hand, with just the addition of seasonal M&Ms to make them festive.
Full Recipe Card
Easter M&M Cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Description:
Soft and chewy cookies loaded with white chocolate chips and colorful Easter M&M’s for a festive spring treat.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1¾ cups (219g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (85g) white chocolate chips
- ½ cup (100g) Easter pastel M&M’s, plus extra for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter with both sugars until well combined.
- Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and stir until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and M&M’s, reserving some for topping.
- Scoop dough (about 1½ tablespoons each) onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still appear soft.
- Immediately press additional M&M’s into the tops of the cookies.
- Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
Nutrition Information (per cookie):
- Calories: 165
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Storage:
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Creative Variations and Pro Tips
While the classic Easter M&M Cookie is delicious on its own, there are numerous ways to customize this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some exciting variations to consider:
- Chocolate lovers’ version: Replace the white chocolate chips with semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Nutty twist: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Double chocolate: Replace ¼ cup of the all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate cookie base.
- Coconut addition: Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor that complements the white chocolate.
- Mini egg option: Substitute some or all of the M&M’s with chopped chocolate mini eggs for an alternative Easter twist.
For those with dietary restrictions, these cookies can be adapted. Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version, or try plant-based butter and egg replacers for a vegan-friendly approach. Just be sure to check that your M&Ms align with your dietary needs.
Here are some professional baking tips to ensure your Easter M&M Cookies turn out perfect every time:
- For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop rather than a spoon.
- If your dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake them by removing from the oven when the centers still look a bit underdone.
- For a prettier presentation, reserve about ¼ cup of M&M’s to press into the tops of cookies immediately after baking.
- Allow your baking sheets to cool completely between batches to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Looking for a fun twist on these cookies? Try making M&M cookie bars instead by pressing the dough into a 9×13 inch baking pan and adjusting the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
Storing and Keeping Easter M&M Cookies Fresh
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and texture of your Easter M&M Cookies. When stored correctly, these festive spring cookies can maintain their delicious flavor and chewy texture for days or even months. Here’s how to keep your cookies at their best:
For short-term storage of Easter M&M Cookies, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before placing them in an airtight container. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and breakage. Keep the container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Properly stored, your cookies will stay fresh for up to five days.
If you need to store your Easter M&M Cookies for longer periods, freezing is an excellent option. Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Squeeze out excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cookies can last up to three months while maintaining quality. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
Cookie dough can also be frozen for future baking. Scoop the dough into individual portions, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag for storage. When you’re craving fresh-baked cookies, place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and add 1-2 minutes to the regular baking time—no need to thaw first!
For gift-giving, Easter M&M Cookies can be packaged in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons. Include a note with storage instructions to ensure recipients know how to keep their treats fresh. These make wonderful homemade gifts for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who appreciates a thoughtful spring treat.
Creating Easter Cookie Traditions with Your Family
Easter M&M Cookies represent more than just a tasty treat—they offer an opportunity to create lasting family traditions and memories. Baking together during the Easter season connects generations and provides a creative activity everyone can enjoy regardless of age or baking experience.
Consider hosting an annual Easter cookie decorating party where family members can each customize their own cookies. Prepare the base cookie recipe ahead of time, then set up a decoration station with various colors of M&M’s, sprinkles, and icing. This interactive approach makes the experience memorable and gives everyone a chance to express their creativity while resulting in personalized treats.
Easter M&M Cookies also make perfect inclusions for Easter baskets or holiday care packages. Package them in colorful cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or arrange them in decorative tins for a thoughtful homemade gift. Recipients will appreciate the effort and love baked into each cookie, making your homemade treats far more special than store-bought alternatives.
Beyond just eating these delicious cookies, turn the baking process into an educational experience for children. Let them help measure ingredients to practice math skills, discuss the science behind why cookies rise and spread, and encourage creativity in decorating. These valuable learning moments happen naturally in the kitchen while creating wonderful memories.
Easter M&M Cookies have earned their place as a beloved spring tradition because they bring joy through both their creation and consumption. Their cheerful colors, delicious flavor, and simple preparation make them accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one this Easter season, these colorful cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your spring celebrations for years to come.