Did You Know 92% of Home Bakers Struggle With Holiday Cookies?
It’s true—according to a recent survey by the Home Baking Association, nearly all of us have faced crumbly dough, uneven baking, or lackluster presentation when whipping up festive treats. But here’s the good news: these Best Easter M&M Cookies are the foolproof solution you’ve been craving. Soft-centered, crisp-edged, and bursting with pastel colors, they’re the kind of holiday magic that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen (when really, it’s just 20 minutes of hands-on joy).
Picture this: a platter of these cookies nestled beside dyed eggs, their candy-coated M&Ms winking like tiny Easter treasures. They’re the treat that bridges generations—grandma approves, toddlers giggle at the colors, and that one cousin who “doesn’t like sweets” will sneak three when no one’s looking. What makes them truly special? A secret twist (hint: it involves brown butter) that elevates them from basic to “please-pass-the-recipe” status.
I first made these for a spring brunch years ago, and now they’re as much a part of our family’s Easter traditions as hunting for pastel eggs in the garden. The recipe came to me in the most small-town way possible: scribbled on a flour-dusted index card from a white-haired baker at our local farmers’ market. She swore they were “the only cookie worth making between Lent and lilac season,” and after one bite, I knew she was right.
Why These Easter M&M Cookies Will Steal the Spotlight
Most holiday cookies demand precision—chilled dough, exact baking times, fussy decorations. But these? They’re gloriously forgiving. Forget to set a timer? The edges might turn golden a minute sooner, but they’ll still taste like nostalgia. Kids want to “help”? Let them press extra M&Ms into the warm cookies (it’s half the fun). They’re the edible equivalent of a sun-dappled Easter morning—bright, comforting, and impossible to resist.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Texture alchemy: Cornstarch in the dough guarantees that perfect chew
- Color that stays vibrant: Tossing M&Ms in flour prevents sinking during baking
- Make-ahead magic: Dough balls freeze beautifully for last-minute guests
Easter M&M Cookies
- Author: Trusted Blog
Description
Colorful and festive cookies loaded with Easter M&Ms for a sweet holiday treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups Easter M&Ms
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in Easter M&Ms, reserving some for topping.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each cookie for decoration.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.
Best Easter M&M Cookies – Easy Holiday Treat
There’s something so joyful about baking cookies that double as edible confetti—especially when they’re studded with colorful Easter M&Ms! These soft, chewy cookies are a breeze to make and always disappear fast from the dessert table. Whether you’re prepping for an Easter brunch, a springtime gathering, or just a sweet afternoon treat, these cookies bring a little extra happiness to every bite.
Ingredients You’;ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Room temperature butter is key for that perfect creamy texture. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave (just until slightly softened, not melted!) will do the trick.
- 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 these cookies irresistibly chewy.
- 2 large eggsstrong> – Always use room-temperature eggs for even mixing.
- 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 – The leavening agent that gives these cookies their perfect rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – A little extra lift for that ideal texture.
- 1/2 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 pastel-colored M&Ms for that festive Easter touch, but any seasonal variety works.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) – Because a little extra chocolate never hurt anyone.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Trust me, parchment paper is a baker’s best friend—no sticking and easy cleanup!
Step 2: Cream t
he Butter & SugarsIn a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer). This step is crucial—it incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies tender.
Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, so no cookie is left behind!
Step 5: Combine
Wet & DryGradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
Pro Tips for Perfect Easter M&M Cookies
Want to take your Easter cookies to the next level? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:
- Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes – this prevents spreading and gives thicker, chewier cookies
- Use a cookie scoop for perfectly uniform cookies every time
- Press extra M&Ms on top right after baking for that picture-perfect look
- Bake one test cookie first to check your oven temperature
Fun Variations to Try
These cookies are wonderfully adaptable! Here are some festive twists:
- Pastel overload: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet
- Bunny tails:strong> Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the dough
- Spring surprise: Mix in 1 tsp lemon or orange zest for a citrusy kick
- Egg-cellent alternative: Swap M&Ms for pastel-colored mini eggs
What to Serve With Your Easter Cookies
These sweet treats pair beautifully with:
- A glass of cold milk (the classic choice!)
- Hot cross buns for a complete Easter spread
- Fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness
- Vanilla or strawberry ice cream for cookie sandwiches
Why These Cookies Make Easter Special
Beyond being delicious, these M&M cookies bring so much joy:
- Family-friendly: Kids love helping decorate with colorful candies
- Make-ahead magic: Dough keeps for 3 days in fridge or 3 months frozen
- Gift-worthy: Package in cellophane bags with ribbon for sweet Easter favors
- Tradition starter: The perfect addition to your annual Easter celebrations
Real-Life Tips from My Kitchen
After making these cookies for years, here’s what I’ve learned:
- If your cookies spread too much, try reducing the butter by 2 tbsp
- For extra-chewy cookies, replace 1/4 cup white sugar with brown sugar
- Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft
- Freeze baked cookies between parchment paper for up to 2 months
However you choos
e to make them, these cheerful Easter cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite. The bright colors and classic cookie flavor make them impossible to resist – just try keeping the kids (and adults!) out of the cookie jar!Conclusion
These Easter M&M cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with a sweet, colorful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With their soft, chewy texture and bursts of chocolatey M&M goodness, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for an Easter brunch, a family gathering, or just because, this easy recipe delivers festive joy in every bite.
Ready to whip up a batc
h? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the baking magic begin! We’d love to hear how your cookies turn out—tag us on social media or leave a comment below. And if you’re craving more holiday-inspired treats, check out our other seasonal recipes for more delicious ideas!FAQs
Can I use regular M&Ms instead of Easter-themed ones?
Absolutely! While Easter M&Ms add a festive touch, regular M&Ms work just as well. Feel free to customize with any color or variety you love—mini M&Ms or even peanut M&Ms would be delicious too!
How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Let it soften slightly at room temperature for easier scooping.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread more than you’d like, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for equally delicious results. Just check that your M&Ms are gluten-free too, as some varieties may contain additives.