Best Easter M&M Cookies – Easy Holiday Treat

Did You Know 92% of Home Bakers Struggle With Festive Cookies That Actually Taste Good?

It’s true—most holiday cookies look picture-perfect but fall flat in flavor. But what if I told you these Easter M&M cookies break all the rules? Soft centers, crisp edges, and bursts of pastel chocolate in every bite. No dry, crumbly disappointments here!

Growing up, my grandmother’s Easter table was a pastel dream—dyed eggs, sugar-dusted cakes, and one iconic treat: her M&M cookies, studded with candy shells like tiny Easter eggs. I’ve tweaked her recipe over the years (adding a secret pinch of cornstarch for chewiness), but the magic remains: a cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

These aren’t just cookies; they’re edible confetti. The kind kids pile onto pastel napkins and adults sneak seconds of when no one’s looking. And the best part? You likely have everything you need in your pantry right now. Let’s turn those rainbow candies into something extraordinary.

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Best Easter M&M Cookies – Easy Holiday Treat

There’s something so joyful about baking cookies for Easter—especially when they’re studded with colorful M&Ms that look like tiny Easter eggs! These soft, chewy M&M cookies are a breeze to make and always disappear fast. Whether you’re leaving them out for the Easter Bunny or sharing them with loved ones, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Room temperature butter is key for that perfect cookie texture. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave (just until slightly softened) works in a pinch!
• 1 cup granulated sugar – For just the right amount of sweetness.
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar – The molasses in brown sugar adds depth and keeps the cookies irresistibly chewy.
• 2 large eggs – Always use room temperature eggs to help them blend smoothly into the dough.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – A splash of good-quality vanilla makes all the difference.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies—no one wants a hockey puck!
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Our leavening agent for that perfect rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – A little extra lift never hurt anybody.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 1/2 cups Easter M&Ms – The star of the show! I love using the pastel-colored Easter M&Ms, but any festive variety will do.
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) – Because why not double the chocolate?

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for that dreamy cookie texture, so don’t rush it!
2. Add the eggs and vanilla. Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. The batter should look smooth and glossy.
3. Whisk the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, so no one gets a bite of raw baking soda!
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
5. Fold in the M&Ms (and chocolate chips). Gently stir in the M&Ms and mini chocolate chips (if using) with a spatula. Save a handful to press on top of the dough balls before baking—it makes them look extra pretty!

At this point, you can either bake the cookies right away or chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer thicker, chewier cookies. (I usually can’t wait, but both methods work beautifully!)

Pro Tips for Perfect Easter M&M Cookies Every Time

Want to take your Easter M&M cookies from good to great? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:

• Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes – this prevents spreading and creates thicker, chewier cookies
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and perfect baking
• Press extra M&Ms on top right after baking for that picture-perfect look
• For extra softness, slightly underbake (they’ll continue cooking on the hot tray)

Fun Variations to Try

These cookies are wonderfully adaptable! Mix things up with:

• Pastel M&Ms for an extra Easter touch
• Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut for tropical vibes
• Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips
• Make them gluten-free with 1:1 GF flour
• Add 1 tsp peppermint extract for a cool twist

What to Serve With Your Easter Cookies

These cheerful cookies pair beautifully with:

• A tall glass of cold milk (the classic!)
• Hot cocoa with marshmallows
• Easter brunch spreads
• Fruit salad for balance
• As part of a cookie gift basket for neighbors

The Sweet Benefits of Homemade Easter Treats

Beyond being delicious, these cookies offer:

• Family bonding time – kids love helping decorate!
• A festive way to celebrate spring colors
• Perfect for classroom treats (nut-free option)
• Great for Easter baskets instead of store-bought candy
• Freeze beautifully for make-ahead convenience

Real-Life Tips From My Kitchen

After making these for years, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep soft
• Double the batch – they disappear fast!
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup
• Let cool completely before stacking to prevent sticking
• If dough seems dry, add 1 Tbsp milk

However you choose to make them, these cheerful Easter cookies are sure to become a beloved tradition. The bright colors and classic chocolatey taste make them irresistible to kids and adults alike. Happy baking!

Conclusion

These Easter M&M cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with a burst of color and sweetness. With their soft, chewy texture and festive candy-coated chocolates, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, the recipe is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels—just mix, scoop, and bake! Whether you’re making them for an Easter gathering, a fun family activity, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are a delightful treat.

Ready to whip up a batch? Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your creations with us in the comments or tag us on social media—we’d love to see your colorful cookies! And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our other holiday-inspired desserts for more baking inspiration.

FAQs

Can I use regular M&Ms instead of Easter-themed ones?

Absolutely! While Easter M&Ms add a festive touch, you can use any variety of M&Ms you prefer. Seasonal colors or even mini M&Ms work great too.

How do I keep my cookies soft and chewy?

For the best texture, avoid overbaking—remove the cookies from the oven when they’re just set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. Storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread can also help maintain their chewiness.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! This dough freezes wonderfully. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just add a minute or two to the baking time—no need to thaw.

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is best for flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch. Avoid using oil, as it will change the consistency of the dough.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread more than you’d like, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up, resulting in thicker cookies. Also, make sure your baking soda isn’t expired!