Colorful M&M Cookies Recipe

Easy Rainbow M&M Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Burst of Joy

Sweet-toothed bakers can whip up these vibrant rainbow M&M cookies that burst with colorful charm.

Chocolate chip cookies just got a playful makeover with scattered candy pieces.

Soft, chewy textures combine perfectly with crunchy candy shells.

Every bite promises a delightful surprise of melty chocolate and candy crunch.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these whimsical treats.

Simple ingredients create magical moments in your kitchen.

You can’t resist the joy these cookies bring to any gathering.

Grab your mixing bowl and let the baking adventure begin!

Rainbow M&M Cookies Bursting with Color

  • Burst with Color: Brighten up your dessert table with these vibrant, eye-catching cookies packed with colorful M&M candies that make every bite a joyful experience.
  • Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Perfect for getting children involved in the kitchen, this recipe offers a fun and simple way to create delicious treats together with minimal supervision.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these crowd-pleasing cookies in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for spontaneous gatherings, potlucks, or unexpected sweet cravings.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap out M&M colors for seasonal themes or special occasions, allowing you to personalize these cookies for birthdays, holidays, or school events with zero hassle.

Ingredients for Rainbow M&M Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and helps bind the cookie dough together.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add depth of flavor and contribute to the cookie's soft, chewy texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help create a rich, moist cookie.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their classic shape and texture.
  • Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Candy Topping:
  • M&M Candies: Colorful chocolate candies that add a fun, vibrant touch and burst of sweetness to the cookies.

How to Bake Rainbow M&M Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn on the oven to 350F and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. Use an electric mixer for smooth consistency.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time into the sugar-butter mixture, then pour in vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are perfectly combined and look smooth.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Mixture

Grab another bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are well blended with no lumps.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Components

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Step 6: Add Colorful Crunch

Fold in colorful M&M candies throughout the cookie dough. Distribute them evenly for a rainbow effect in every bite.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon or your palm.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden edges as a sign they’re ready.

Remove and let cool completely before enjoying.

Tips for Soft and Colorful Rainbow M&M Cookies

  • Select room temperature butter for smoother, more even mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape.
  • Reserve some M&Ms to press on top of cookies just before baking for a more colorful, visually appealing appearance.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure easy cookie removal and prevent sticking.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.

Fun Twists on Rainbow M&M Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure M&M candies are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly cookies.
  • Vegan Version: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose vegan M&M-style chocolate candies for plant-based treat.
  • Healthier Option: Substitute half the butter with mashed banana, use whole wheat flour, and select dark chocolate M&Ms for reduced sugar content.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the dough for extra texture and incorporate white chocolate M&Ms for a different flavor profile.

Serving Rainbow M&M Cookies With Joy

  • Colorful Cookie Platter: Arrange cookies on a vibrant ceramic plate, creating a playful rainbow pattern that showcases the bright M&M colors.
  • Sweet Party Treat: Serve these cookies at kids' birthday parties or gatherings, letting guests enjoy the fun, burst of color and chocolate crunch.
  • Dessert Pairing Perfection: Complement the cookies with cold milk, vanilla ice cream, or a creamy milkshake to enhance the sweet experience and balance the cookie's texture.
  • Gifting Delight: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons, making them a cheerful homemade gift for friends and family.

Best Ways to Store Rainbow M&M Cookies

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture and vibrant colors.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve the cookies' shape.
  • Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, wrapping them individually in plastic wrap before placing in the container.
  • Reheat frozen cookies by letting them thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or warming them in a preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes until slightly crisp and warm.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of M&M candies?

Yes, you can use any variety like peanut, crispy, or seasonal M&M candies to create unique flavor combinations and colorful looks.

  • How do I prevent M&Ms from breaking while mixing?

Gently fold the M&Ms into the dough at the end of mixing and use a soft spatula to prevent crushing the candies.

  • Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if butter is too soft or warm. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain the cookie shape.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months before baking.

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Colorful M&M Cookies Recipe

Colorful M&M Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Colorful rainbow m&m cookies bring playful sweetness to classic chocolate chip cookie magic. Crisp edges, chewy centers, and sprinkled m&m candies create delightful moments when you bite into these cheerful treats.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookies Base:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups (313 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Candy Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups rainbow M&M candies

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal non-stick surface.
  2. Using an electric mixer, blend softened butter with brown and white sugars until the mixture becomes airy and pale.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually into the sugar mixture, then introduce vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until smooth.
  4. Separately, combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a clean bowl, whisking to distribute ingredients evenly.
  5. Slowly integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated without overmixing.
  6. Gently fold colorful M&M candies throughout the cookie dough, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Portion dough onto prepared baking sheets, using a scoop or spoon, and delicately press each mound to create a slightly flattened shape.
  8. Place cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as a sign of perfect doneness.
  9. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving plate.

Notes

  • Soften butter at room temperature for easier creaming and smoother cookie texture.
  • Use room temperature eggs to ensure even mixing and better incorporation with other ingredients.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 130 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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