Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies: Thick, Chewy, and Loaded with Colorful Crunch

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies bring together rich cocoa flavor, melty chocolate, and the classic crunch of M&M candies in a thick, ultra-soft cookie. These cookies are perfect for holidays, bake sales, or cozy evenings at home. Their fudgy centers and slightly crisp edges make them irresistible to both kids and adults. I once folded in a handful of mini chocolate chips along with the M&M’s, and the added richness made the cookies taste like bakery-style chocolate bombs—without any extra work. This recipe requires simple ingredients and comes together quickly, and the dough doesn’t need chilling unless you prefer extra-thick cookies. Whether you enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or give them as gifts, these Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies will become a go-to recipe in your baking rotation. They’re festive, fun, and endlessly customizable, making them a perfect treat for anytime of year.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Flour gives the cookies structure while keeping them soft and chewy. Measuring correctly ensures they don’t become dense.

Unsweetened cocoa powder
Cocoa powder provides deep chocolate flavor. Dutch-process creates an even richer, darker cookie.

Baking soda
This helps the cookies rise slightly while keeping the centers soft and tender.

Salt
Salt enhances all the chocolate flavors and balances the sweetness.

Butter
Softened butter makes the cookies tender and flavorful. Creaming it properly creates the ideal soft texture.

Brown sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture, helping the cookies stay chewy while giving a hint of caramel depth.

Granulated sugar
White sugar creates balance and supports proper spreading during baking.

Eggs
Eggs bind the dough and contribute to the cookies’ softness.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor and adds comforting aroma.

M&M candies
Colorful M&M’s add crunch, sweetness, and festive appearance. They hold their shape well during baking.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a larger mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Fold in most of the M&M candies, reserving a small handful to press on top later. If the dough feels too soft, chill it for 20–30 minutes for thicker cookies.

Scoop the dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop and place evenly onto the prepared baking sheets. Press a few extra M&M’s onto the tops for a bakery-style finish. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the centers. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 20–24 cookies depending on size. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, baking takes 9–11 minutes per batch, and cooling requires another 10 minutes. Total estimated time: 30–35 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container. They also freeze very well—store baked cookies for up to two months, or freeze the dough balls and bake straight from the freezer with one extra minute added to the baking time.

Variations and Customizations

Triple Chocolate Cookies
Fold in chocolate chips or chocolate chunks along with M&M’s for deeper richness.

Holiday M&M Cookies
Use seasonal M&M colors to match Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, or fall themes.

Peanut Butter M&M Twist
Add peanut butter M&M’s or swirl in a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter for extra flavor.

Mint Chocolate Version
Use mint M&M’s and add a drop of peppermint extract for a festive winter cookie.

Salted Chocolate M&M Cookies
Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.

Nutty Chocolate Cookies
Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy upgrade.

Extra Soft Version
Increase the brown sugar and decrease the white sugar slightly for an even softer bite.

Espresso Chocolate Cookies
Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Whole Wheat Option
Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie.

Gluten-Free M&M Cookies
Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend; the texture remains soft and chewy.

FAQs

Can I chill the dough?

Yes—chilling helps the cookies stay thick and prevents overspreading.

Can I use mini M&M’s?

Absolutely; they distribute more evenly throughout the dough.

Why are my cookies dry?

Overbaking or adding too much flour can dry them out.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze the dough balls and bake as needed.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt slightly.

Should the butter be softened?

Yes, softened butter gives the cookies their soft texture.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for flavor and structure.

Why aren’t my cookies spreading?

The dough may be too cold or too much flour was added.

Can I make jumbo cookies?

Yes, increase bake time by a few minutes.

How do I keep cookies soft?

Store airtight with a slice of bread or marshmallow.

Conclusion

Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies offer everything you want in a chocolate cookie—rich cocoa flavor, chewy centers, and plenty of colorful crunch. With simple ingredients, quick preparation, and endless customization options, they’re perfect for holidays, gatherings, or everyday baking. Serve them warm for melty chocolate goodness or pack them as gifts for a sweet, nostalgic treat. These cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your baking collection.

Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share