If you’re looking to impress your sweetheart or just want a sweet treat that bursts with colorful fun, this Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These cookies combine a tender, buttery dough with festive red and pink M&Ms that melt into gooey pockets of chocolatey goodness. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or just enjoying with a cozy cup of tea. Once you try this Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies Recipe, you’ll have a new favorite to celebrate the season of love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies Recipe calls for a handful of simple, classic ingredients that come together to create a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and packed with color and crunch. Each ingredient plays a key role—from the richness of the butter to the perfect balance of sugars that give these cookies their irresistible texture and flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb when creamed with sugar.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that signature cookie crispiness on the edges.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel flavor for chewiness.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and gives structure to the dough.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base that lets these cookies hold their shape.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Creates just enough lift for soft, tender cookies without making them cakey.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup M&Ms (plus extra for topping): Packed with festive color and chocolatey bursts that shine in every bite.
How to Make Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This small prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air, helping your cookies achieve that perfect tender yet slightly crisp texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg
Beat in the large egg until fully combined. The egg adds moisture and structure while helping bind the dough together, so don’t rush this step.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing here can lead to denser cookies, so mix gently.
Step 5: Fold in the M&Ms
Carefully fold in 1 cup of M&Ms, taking care not to crush them. Save some extra M&Ms to press onto the tops of the cookies just before baking for that beautiful, colorful pop when they come out of the oven.
Step 6: Scoop and Top
Using a tablespoon, scoop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Gently press some of the reserved M&Ms on top to elevate the cookie’s look and add even more chocolatey spots.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden hue while the centers remain soft. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack or, even better, dive right in to enjoy warm goodness.
How to Serve Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few pink or red sugar crystals over the cookies as they cool. This adds sparkle and a delicate sweetness on top, making them even more beautiful and special for Valentine’s Day.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk, a cappuccino, or even a warm cup of herbal tea. The creamy beverages balance the sweetness and create a comforting experience that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet indulgent moments.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap your Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies Recipe in clear cellophane bags tied with a red or pink ribbon for charming gifts. Alternatively, arrange them on a festive platter surrounded by heart-shaped candies or rose petals to wow your guests at any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to a week, but honestly, they rarely last that long because they’re so addictive!
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by arranging them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until firm, and then transferring into a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for a few minutes. This refreshes their soft texture and melts the M&Ms just enough to feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate instead of M&Ms?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips or chunks work well too. Just be mindful that M&Ms add a festive color and slightly different texture, which is part of what makes this Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies Recipe so charming.
Do I have to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the saltiness of your cookies precisely. If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a reliable gluten-free blend, you can still enjoy these cookies. Just make sure the blend you use is meant for baking to get the best results.
How big should I make each cookie dough ball?
A tablespoon-sized scoop is perfect for these cookies. It ensures they bake evenly, have a lovely chewy center, and show off the M&Ms beautifully on top.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?
Of course! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even white chocolate chips could be a great addition. Just fold them in along with the M&Ms for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies Recipe is a joyful way to bring love and sweetness to your kitchen. The colorful candies, soft texture, and buttery flavor come together to create a cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether for a gift, a party, or just because, give this recipe a try and watch smiles grow with every bite!
Print
Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with colorful M&Ms for a festive treat that’s perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day. With a classic combination of butter, sugars, and a hint of salt balanced by crunchy chocolate candies, these cookies bake up golden with a soft, gooey center and a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup M&Ms (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add Egg: Beat in the egg until the mixture is well combined, providing moisture and richness to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning through the dough.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the cookies tough.
- Fold in M&Ms: Gently fold 1 cup of M&Ms into the dough, saving some to press on top of the cookies before baking for an attractive finish.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Press additional M&Ms on top of each dough ball.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden while the centers remain soft, for the perfect chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack or serving, as this helps them set up and prevents breakage.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, take them out closer to 10 minutes; for crisper edges, bake up to 12 minutes.
- Using parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Feel free to customize the candy mix-ins with other chocolates or nuts to suit your preferences.
- Make sure butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best texture in the dough.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to 5 days.
