If you’re craving that perfect comforting treat that feels like it just came from your favorite neighborhood bakery, look no further than this Soft Bakery-Style M&M Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike a brilliant balance between pillowy softness and a gentle chewiness, all studded with vibrant M&Ms that add pops of color and delightful bursts of chocolatey crunch. They’re childhood nostalgia wrapped in an irresistible homemade package, guaranteed to bring smiles at every bite. Whether for an after-school snack, a party treat, or just a little moment of self-indulgence, these Soft Bakery-Style M&M Cookies Recipe beauties will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Soft Bakery-Style M&M Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity, using only everyday ingredients that come together to create magic. Each element plays a crucial role—from the creamy butter that gives softness and richness to the flour that provides structure, and of course, the colorful M&Ms that bring joy and texture.
- 1 ½ cups flour: The foundation that creates the cookie’s tender crumb and chewy texture.
- ½ cup butter: Adds richness and moisture, essential for that soft bakery feel.
- ½ cup sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with slight crisp edges.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Introduces a subtle caramel note and deeper flavor complexity.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to softness.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Provides lift to keep the cookies light and fluffy.
- 1 cup M&Ms: The star ingredient that adds burst of chocolate and color with every bite.
How to Make Soft Bakery-Style M&M Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars
Start by beating the butter with the white and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is fundamental because it incorporates air, which helps give the cookies their soft yet tender texture that mimics the bakery style so perfectly.
Step 2: Add the Egg
Next, add a whole egg to the creamed mixture and continue beating until completely incorporated. The egg enriches the dough and strengthens its ability to hold moisture, ensuring your cookies stay wonderfully soft for days.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gently stir in the flour and baking soda, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the dough tender; you want to maintain the delicate texture that makes these cookies feel like they’re straight off the bakery shelf.
Step 4: Fold in the M&Ms
Carefully fold in the colorful M&Ms so they’re evenly distributed without smashing the candies, preserving that perfect little burst of chocolate and vibrant color in every bite.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll want to remove them once the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. This ensures your cookies stay soft and chewy, not crispy or dry.
How to Serve Soft Bakery-Style M&M Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add extra charm, sprinkle a few extra M&Ms on top of each cookie right after baking while they’re still warm. This creates a glossy, colorful finish that makes your batch look as fun and inviting as they taste.
Side Dishes
Serve your Soft Bakery-Style M&M Cookies Recipe alongside a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of cocoa. The creamy drinks perfectly complement the sweet and soft texture, making every bite even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies with a layer of frosting or peanut butter between them for an easy cookie sandwich. Or arrange them in a festive tin or mason jar, tied with a ribbon, to turn your baking into a heartfelt gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover Soft Bakery-Style M&M Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it super convenient to enjoy guilt-free treats throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away, freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze fully baked cookies in airtight containers to keep their softness and freshness intact.
Reheating
To revive the freshly baked feel, warm cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. This makes them delightfully soft again and enhances the melty chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe?
While margarine might work in a pinch, butter is preferred for this Soft Bakery-Style M&M Cookies Recipe because it imparts richer flavor and better texture. Margarine may result in a less tender cookie.
Why do the cookies stay soft instead of crisp?
The combination of brown sugar and butter, along with a precise baking time, locks in moisture and gives these cookies their signature soft and chewy texture just like bakery versions.
Can I use other types of chocolate candies instead of M&Ms?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite candy-coated chocolates or even mix in mini chocolate chips. Just keep the quantity similar to maintain the texture balance.
What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
This can happen if the dough is too warm or the butter too soft. Chill your dough for 20–30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape and keep that perfect bakery-style look.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes about 18 medium-sized Soft Bakery-Style M&M Cookies, perfect for sharing or keeping a small stash of sweetness on hand.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Soft Bakery-Style M&M Cookies Recipe a try—it’s one of those heartwarming treats that can instantly brighten your day. Whether you bake it for family gatherings, friendly get-togethers, or just because, these cookies offer that perfect combination of soft texture, rich flavor, and colorful fun. Once you experience their magic, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them in your recipe collection!
Print
Soft Bakery-Style M&M Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
Description
Soft, bakery-style M&M cookies that are colorful and kid-approved, offering a delightful combination of a tender cookie base loaded with vibrant M&M candies in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
Add-ins
- 1 cup M&Ms candies
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or wooden spoon to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for the cookie dough.
- Add Egg: Beat in the egg thoroughly until fully incorporated, which will help bind the ingredients and create a tender cookie.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to form a cohesive dough without overworking it to keep the cookies soft.
- Incorporate M&Ms: Fold in the M&Ms carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the dough, making sure not to crush the candies.
- Scoop Dough and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set perfectly.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking and remove them when edges are just golden.
- You can substitute M&Ms with other chocolate candies or chocolate chips if preferred.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
