Name: Easter M&M Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup white sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 egg; 1 ⅔ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; Pinch of salt; 2/3 cup pastel M&Ms; 1/3 cup pastel M&Ms, crushed

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 15 reviews

If you’re looking to brighten up your Easter festivities with a treat that’s both playful and downright delicious, this Easter M&M Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with vibrant, pastel-colored candies that melt into gooey pockets of chocolatey joy, these cookies are simple to make yet impressively festive. Whether you’re treating family, friends, or yourself, these irresistible cookies bring that perfect crunch, soft chew, and cheerful pop of color to every bite — making them an absolute Easter celebration essential.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a soft pink surface, filled with a thick, smooth dough that is light tan in color, almost like peanut butter. The dough has creamy ridges and swirls, showing it was recently mixed, with a texture that looks soft and slightly airy. The bowl is full enough to hold a generous scoop of the dough, but the edges remain clean with only a few small smears. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind these Easter M&M Cookies lies in using straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create the ultimate balance of flavor, texture, and eye-catching appeal. Each ingredient plays its part — from the rich, melted butter that ensures a tender crumb to the mix of whole and crushed pastel M&Ms adding that signature crunch and visual charm.

Unsalted butter, melted (1 stick): Provides richness and a tender texture to the cookies.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
White sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and assists in crisp edges.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses warmth and depth to the flavor.
Egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to softness.
All-purpose flour (1 ⅔ cups): Forms the structure of the cookie dough.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft center.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dough.
Pastel M&Ms, whole (2/3 cup): Adds cheerful color and chocolate bursts.
Pastel M&Ms, crushed (1/3 cup): Creates a delightful texture contrast within the cookie.

How to Make Easter M&M Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless. This small prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out with perfect bottoms every time.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Sugars

Place your stick of unsalted butter in a large bowl, cover it with a paper towel, and microwave in 30-second increments until fully melted. Then add both the brown and white sugars along with vanilla extract, stirring gently but thoroughly until everything blends into a smooth, unified mixture. This combination is what starts building that luscious cookie base.

Step 3: Incorporate the Egg

Fold in the egg carefully, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula to combine all the wet ingredients evenly. The egg adds moisture and helps bind the dough, resulting in cookies with a tender, satisfying bite.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Now add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently but well. Since this recipe doesn’t call for an electric mixer, be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl well to incorporate all the dry ingredients. If the dough feels too soft and lacks structure, feel free to sprinkle in an extra two tablespoons of flour until you reach that ideal cookie dough consistency.

Step 5: Fold in Your M&Ms

Gently fold both the whole and crushed pastel M&Ms into the dough. This step is what truly makes the Easter M&M Cookies Recipe come alive—those bright candies will melt slightly as they bake, leaving you with heavenly pockets of chocolate and vibrant spots of color throughout.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Using a medium cookie scoop (1 to 1.5 tablespoons), portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Lightly press each mound down into a thick disk rather than a ball, and press a few extra M&Ms on top to make each cookie look like a festive work of art.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers still look slightly underbaked. This keeps the cookies soft and chewy once cooled. If your cookies spread unevenly, gently use a glass or mason jar ring over each cookie and shake to round them back into shape while still warm.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they’re fantastic warm with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these Easter M&M Cookies Recipe beauties are just as wonderful once fully cooled, letting the flavors deepen and textures settle perfectly.

How to Serve Easter M&M Cookies Recipe

A stack of seven round cookies with a soft, golden-brown texture sits on a white speckled plate. Each cookie has colorful candy pieces in pastel shades of blue, green, pink, yellow, and purple scattered on and slightly melted into the surface. A few loose candies are placed on the white marbled surface around the plate. A gray cloth is partially visible on the left side. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the cookies' slightly chewy edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of springtime flair, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just after baking to bring out the rich sweetness. You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a soft, snowy look that fits Easter perfectly. Feel free to place a few whole M&Ms on top before baking to enhance the colorful visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine as a stand-alone treat but pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance their sweetness. For an Easter brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit or yogurt parfaits to keep the menu light and joyful.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform these cookies into a centerpiece by stacking them in a pretty jar or wrapping bundles in pastel cellophane tied with soft ribbons for gifting. You might also create a cookie platter surrounded by colorful decorated Easter eggs and spring greenery for a festive display that will dazzle guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Easter M&M Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain their soft, chewy texture, tuck a slice of sandwich bread inside the container—the moisture from the bread works wonders at preventing the cookies from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead for a later celebration, they freeze beautifully. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for the best texture.

Reheating

To revive your cookies’ fresh-baked charm, warm them for 5-7 minutes at 300°F in the oven. This method melts the chocolate just right and softens the cookie, making it seem like you just pulled it from the oven again. Avoid microwaving as it can make cookies rubbery.

FAQs

Can I substitute the pastel M&Ms with regular ones?

Absolutely! Any M&Ms work wonderfully in this recipe. Pastel colors just add that extra seasonal touch, but feel free to use your favorite color scheme or even peanut M&Ms for added texture.

Why do the cookies need both whole and crushed M&Ms?

The combination gives the cookies delightful texture variety and prevents all the candies from just melting into the dough. Whole M&Ms provide classic chocolate bursts and color pops, while crushed add little crunch points throughout.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, you can make an equally delicious batch. Just be sure to check the blend’s instructions for any adjustments in quantity or additional binders needed.

Should I refrigerate the dough before baking?

This recipe doesn’t require chilling the dough, making it perfect for quick baking. However, if you want thicker cookies, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help control spreading.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container with bread, these Easter M&M Cookies remain soft and tasty for up to five days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly joyful about baking and sharing these Easter M&M Cookies Recipe treats. Easy to whip up yet bursting with color and flavor, they’re the perfect blend of classic comfort and festive fun. So, whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or surprise spring snack, give this recipe a try — you’ll be gifting smiles all around with every bite!