Easter M\&M Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a treat that absolutely shouts “spring” with every bite, this Easter M&M Cookies Recipe is your ticket to dessert happiness. Imagine pillowy-soft cookies studded with pastel M&M’s and creamy white chocolate chips, perfect for sharing at Easter gatherings, gifting to friends, or just sneaking from the cookie jar. These cookies are not only eye-catching but also have a delightfully tender texture and a sweet vanilla aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake. Trust me, this is one holiday cookie recipe you’ll want to make year after year!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easter M&M Cookies Recipe is how a handful of classic baking staples come together to create something festive and irresistible. Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor, texture, or those signature pops of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the perfect cookie structure—don’t skip the measuring step for best results!
- Baking soda: Gives your cookies just the right amount of lift and a soft, chewy bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness in every bite.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Makes the dough rich and ensures that soft, tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar, packed: Adds a touch of caramel flavor and helps keep the cookies moist.
- Granulated sugar: Balances out the brown sugar for a classic cookie sweetness.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and give the cookies a soft, chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Pastel Easter M&M’s: The star of the show! These bring bursts of chocolate and festive color to every cookie.
- White chocolate chips (optional): For added creamy sweetness and extra decadence.
- Extra M&M’s for topping: Press a few on top before baking for bakery-style prettiness.
How to Make Easter M&M Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you’ll appreciate it when you’re popping out perfectly shaped cookies with zero fuss.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, setting you up for cookies that bake up beautifully every single time.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for that irresistible cookie texture, so don’t rush it!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These steps infuse the dough with richness and that classic cookie flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are fine. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and no one wants that!
Step 6: Add M&M’s and White Chocolate Chips
Fold in those beautiful pastel Easter M&M’s and, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, the white chocolate chips. This is the fun part where your dough starts to look as festive as it tastes.
Step 7: Scoop and Decorate
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For that bakery-worthy look, press a few extra M&M’s on top of each mound of dough before baking.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft. For extra-soft cookies, pull them from the oven when they look a touch underdone—they’ll finish setting up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle without breaking.
How to Serve Easter M&M Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
For that extra-special touch, sprinkle a few colorful sprinkles or drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. It adds a little sparkle and makes your Easter M&M Cookies Recipe truly stand out on any dessert table.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert combo. They’re also wonderful alongside a fresh fruit salad for a sweet and satisfying finish to your holiday meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Package the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbon for adorable edible gifts, or arrange them on a tiered platter surrounded by chocolate eggs and marshmallow chicks. They’re sure to be the highlight of your Easter snack spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Easter M&M Cookies Recipe leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy, making them just as irresistible on day five as they were fresh out of the oven.
Freezing
These cookies are freezer-friendly! You can freeze baked cookies once they’ve cooled completely, or freeze unbaked dough balls for up to two months. When you’re ready, just bake the dough straight from the freezer—add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If you love warm cookies, pop a baked cookie in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. It’ll taste like it just came out of the oven, with melty chocolate and a soft center that’s pure comfort.
FAQs
Can I use regular M&M’s instead of pastel Easter ones?
Absolutely! While pastel M&M’s give this Easter M&M Cookies Recipe its signature seasonal look, any variety of M&M’s will work beautifully. Use what you have or mix and match for your own twist.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling is required for this recipe, but if you want even thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking. It’s a great trick if you have the time!
How do I keep my cookies soft?
For extra-soft cookies, slightly underbake them and let them finish setting up on the baking sheet. Storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread can also help maintain their softness.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even coconut flakes make delicious additions. Just be careful not to overload the dough so the cookies hold together well.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Check your M&M’s and chocolate chips for gluten if you need the recipe to be fully gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fun, colorful treat that’s guaranteed to make your spring celebrations extra sweet, you simply have to try this Easter M&M Cookies Recipe. Each batch is a little bite of joy, perfect for sharing with family and friends—or sneaking a few for yourself. Happy baking and happy Easter!
Print
Easter M&M Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Easter M&M Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for springtime celebrations. Soft, chewy cookies packed with colorful pastel M&M’s and optional white chocolate chips provide a sweet and playful dessert that everyone will love. Easy to make and vibrant, these cookies add a fun holiday touch to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup pastel Easter M&M’s
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Extra M&M’s for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Carefully fold in the pastel Easter M&M’s and white chocolate chips if using, dispersing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Form Cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets spacing them approximately 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&M’s on top of each cookie for decoration and added color.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear just set for a soft texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set perfectly without breaking.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to finish setting on the baking sheet.
- Store finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze cookie dough balls for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg