How to Make Perfectly Soft M&M Cookies That Wow

Last spring, I stood in my kitchen with a bowl of pastel candies and one simple goal. I wanted bakery style cookies that stayed soft for days. So I tested, tweaked, and tasted. Now I finally know exactly how to make perfectly soft M&M cookies every single time.

Why These Soft M&M Cookies Always Turn Out Perfect

When you learn how to make perfectly soft M&M cookies, you quickly realize that softness starts with balance. The butter to sugar ratio matters most. Here, one full cup of butter gives richness and moisture.

Meanwhile, the mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar creates structure and chew. Brown sugar holds more moisture because of its molasses. As a result, the cookies stay tender in the center.

Then, baking time seals the deal. You bake just until the edges set. However, the centers should still look slightly underdone. They finish baking on the hot pan, which keeps them soft instead of dry.

Finally, slight leavening adjustments help reduce spreading. If you replace half the baking soda with baking powder, the cookies rise a bit more and spread less. Therefore, you get thicker, softer cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To understand how to make perfectly soft M&M cookies, you need to know what each ingredient does.

You need 1 cup softened butter. Soft butter creams better and traps air. That air helps create lift.

Next, use 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup brown sugar. The white sugar adds light crisp edges. Meanwhile, the brown sugar adds moisture and chew.

Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for warmth and flavor depth.

Then use 2 eggs. Eggs bind everything together and add structure.

For the dry ingredients, measure 3 cups all purpose flour. Flour forms the base of the dough.

Add 1 teaspoon baking soda. Alternatively, use 1/2 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. This small change helps control spreading and keeps the cookies thick.

Also add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Salt balances sweetness and sharpens flavor.

Finally, fold in 2 cups M&Ms. You can also swap in chocolate chips if needed.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Perfectly Soft M&M Cookies

Mix the Wet Ingredients Correctly

First, place softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Then cream them together for about 2 to 3 minutes.

The mixture should look light and fluffy. That step matters because creaming adds air.

Next, add the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition. Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly, so let them sit out for a bit before baking.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. If you use the baking soda and baking powder blend, mix both evenly.

Flour gives structure. Meanwhile, baking soda helps the cookies spread. Baking powder adds lift. Therefore, adjusting the balance slightly changes texture.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined. Do not overmix, or the cookies may turn dense.

Fold in the M&Ms

Now gently fold in the M&Ms. Stir slowly so you do not break the candies.

However, save a small handful. Press a few candies on top of each dough ball before baking. As a result, the cookies look bright and colorful once baked.

Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Use a cookie scoop for even portions. Uniform size helps the cookies bake evenly. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet with space between them.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should look set. Meanwhile, the centers should still look soft.

Pull them out at that point. They will firm up slightly as they cool.

Nutrition information is not provided for this recipe.

Tips for Extra-Soft, Thick, and Beautiful Cookies

If you truly want to master how to make perfectly soft M&M cookies, focus on dough handling.

First, avoid overmixing once you add flour. Overmixing develops gluten, which creates tougher cookies.

Next, shape your dough balls slightly taller than wide. Taller mounds bake into thicker cookies.

Also, consider the leavening swap. If you use half baking soda and half baking powder, the cookies spread less. However, adding extra baking powder creates a more cake like texture.

Most importantly, never overbake. Even one extra minute can dry them out. Therefore, watch closely near the 8 minute mark.

If you love festive variations, you might also enjoy these Soft, chewy M&M Bunny Cookies perfect for Easter or this cheerful Easter Cookies Recipe soft, chewy, and colorful spring dessert.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container. They stay soft for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature.

Meanwhile, you can chill the dough for thicker cookies. Chill for at least 30 minutes if you have time.

You can also freeze the dough. Scoop into balls first, then freeze. When ready to bake, add 1 to 2 extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQs About Soft M&M Cookies

What is the secret to making a soft cookie?

The secret lies in moisture and timing. Brown sugar adds moisture. Meanwhile, proper creaming adds air. Most importantly, bake just until the edges set and the centers stay soft.

What are common M&M cookie mistakes?

Overbaking ranks first. However, overmixing also causes dense cookies. In addition, using melted butter instead of softened butter can cause too much spreading.

What is the trick to making soft chewy chocolate chip cookies?

Use more brown sugar than white sugar. Also, slightly underbake the cookies. Let them finish cooking on the pan.

How long do you cook M&M cookie dough?

Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Pull them out when the edges look set but the centers still look soft.

Before you go, you can find more baking ideas and seasonal treats on my Pinterest page or join the conversation on my Facebook page.

More Such Recipes

• Easter cake mix cookie bars simple and delicious
• Easter Cookie Cake amazing easy festive treat
• Easter Peep Cake festive colorful dessert
• Easter Egg Peanut Butter Haystacks easy spring treat
• Mint Chocolate Kiss Blossom Cookies festive dessert

Conclusion

Now you know how to make perfectly soft M&M cookies with simple steps and smart baking timing. So grab your mixing bowl, scoop generously, and bake with confidence. Once you taste that soft center and sweet crunch, you will want to make them again and again.

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