Did You Know 92% of Easter Treats Disappear Before the Holiday Even Starts?

It’s true! According to a recent survey, most families can’t resist sneaking bites of their Easter goodies days before the holiday arrives. That’s exactly why these Best Easter M&M Cookies are my secret weapon—they’re so quick to make that you can whip up multiple batches to satisfy those pre-holiday cravings while still having plenty left for your Easter basket.

Picture this: soft, buttery cookies studded with colorful Easter M&Ms, their candy shells creating little bursts of happiness in every bite. These aren’t just any cookies—they’re edible confetti, a celebration of spring in dessert form. And the best part? You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now.

I first discovered the magic of holiday M&M cookies when my niece declared store-bought Easter treats “too boring” during our annual baking weekend. That’s when I knew we needed a homemade version that would make her eyes light up. After testing dozens of variations (a tough job, but someone had to do it!), this recipe emerged as our family favorite—perfectly balanced between chewy and crisp, with that nostalgic M&M crunch we all adore.

What makes these the Best Easter M&M Cookies isn’t just their cheerful appearance (though those pastel colors certainly help!). It’s the clever little tricks that ensure they come out perfect every time:

Using melted butter for that irresistible chew
A touch of cornstarch to keep them soft for days
Gently pressing extra M&Ms on top right after baking for maximum color

As you’ll see when we get to the recipe, these couldn’t be simpler to make—which is why they’ve become my go-to when I need a last-minute treat that still feels special. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, packing school lunches with a festive surprise, or just want to brighten someone’s day, these cookies deliver every time.

Easter M&M Cookies

Print Recipe

Colorful and festive cookies loaded with Easter M&Ms for a sweet holiday treat.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Author: Trusted Blog

Best Easter M&M Cookies – Easy Holiday Treat

There’s something magical about Easter baking—the pastel colors, the promise of spring, and of course, the joy of sharing sweet treats with loved ones. These Easter M&M cookies are my go-to recipe for the season, combining buttery cookie dough with those iconic candy-coated chocolates in cheerful holiday hues. They’re soft, chewy, and guaranteed to disappear fast from your dessert table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – The foundation of any great cookie! Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar for that perfect texture.
3/4 cup granulated sugar – For just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the M&Ms.
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar – Adds moisture and that lovely caramel note.
2 large eggs – Always use room temperature eggs—they incorporate better into the dough.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – The good stuff makes all the difference here.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Our leavening agent for that perfect rise.
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 the pastel spring mix, but any Easter-colored candies will do.
Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips – For extra decadence, though the cookies are fabulous without.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is crucial for that perfect cookie texture, so don’t rush it! The mixture should look pale and creamy.

Step 2: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract. If your eggs are cold, you might notice the mixture looks slightly curdled—don’t panic! It will come together once you add the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. I always do this by hand rather than sifting—it’s quicker and just as effective. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing leads to tough cookies!

Step 4: Fold in the M&Ms
Using a sturdy spatula, gently fold in the Easter M&Ms (and white chocolate chips if using). Reserve about 1/4 cup of M&Ms to press into the tops of the cookie dough balls before baking—this makes them picture-perfect!

Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. I know it’s tempting to skip this step, but trust me—it prevents the cookies from spreading too much and gives them that ideal chewy center.

Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

These Easter M&M cookies are wonderfully versatile, so don’t be afraid to make them your own! Here are some of my favorite tweaks:

Swap the M&Ms: Use pastel-colored M&Ms for an extra festive touch, or try mini M&Ms for a fun twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a treat everyone can enjoy.
Add a Hint of Flavor: A teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract enhances the buttery goodness of the dough.
Make Them Chewy: For softer cookies, slightly underbake them by 1-2 minutes and let them rest on the baking sheet.

What to Serve With Easter M&M Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right treats can make your Easter spread even more special. Here are a few ideas:

A tall glass of cold milk—classic and always a winner!
Hot cocoa or a creamy latte for a cozy afternoon treat.
Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a light, refreshing contrast.
Other Easter desserts, such as carrot cake or lemon bars, for a full dessert table.

Benefits of Baking These Easter M&M Cookies

Beyond being absolutely delicious, these cookies bring so much joy to the table:

Kid-Friendly: Little ones love helping press the M&Ms into the dough—perfect for family baking time.
Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, these cookies come together in no time.
Customizable: Whether you’re using seasonal colors or personalizing them for a party, they’re endlessly adaptable.
Great for Gifting: Package them in cute Easter-themed boxes or bags for a sweet homemade gift.

Real-Life Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time

Here are a few tried-and-true tricks I’ve learned from baking these cookies year after year:

Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes—this helps prevent spreading.
Use Parchment Paper: It ensures easy removal and prevents sticking without extra grease.
Press Extra M&Ms: After baking, gently press a few more M&Ms on top while the cookies are warm for a picture-perfect look.
Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days (if they last that long!).

Whether you’re baking for an Easter brunch, a spring gathering, or just because, these M&M cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!

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 goodness, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for an Easter brunch, a festive dessert table, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies bring joy to every bite.

Ready to whip up a batch? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the baking 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 recipes, check out our other Easter dessert ideas for even more delicious inspiration.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While the pastel 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.

How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

Store your 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 2 months—just thaw and enjoy!

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 before scooping and baking.

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, make sure your butter isn’t too soft—just slightly softened to room temperature is ideal.