Nothing beats the classic combination of chocolate chips and M&M’s in a soft, chewy cookie. Soft & Chewy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect balance of buttery richness, sweet chocolatey goodness, and colorful crunch. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a bake sale, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes these cookies so irresistible, tips for achieving the perfect texture, fun variations, and the best ways to store them. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions so you can bake these cookies like a pro!

Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic treat, but adding M&M’s takes them to the next level. Here’s why these cookies stand out:

• Perfect Texture – The combination of butter, brown sugar, and vanilla pudding mix creates an ultra-soft, chewy texture that stays fresh for days.
• Rich, Chocolaty Flavor – With both semi-sweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate M&M’s, every bite is packed with chocolaty goodness.
• Colorful & Fun – M&M’s not only add extra chocolate but also bring a vibrant pop of color, making these cookies perfect for holidays, birthdays, or special events.
• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this is a beginner-friendly recipe that delivers bakery-style results.
• Kid-Approved – Kids love the crunch of M&M’s mixed with gooey chocolate chips, making these cookies a family favorite.

Ingredients for Sweet Success

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 ½ sticks)
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup instant vanilla pudding mix*
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt (optional, to taste)
• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 ¼ cups milk chocolate M&M’s, divided (¾ cup for mixing into the dough + ½ cup for placing on top of the dough mounds)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cream the Butter & Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps create a soft and chewy texture.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. This ensures a smooth and rich cookie dough base.

3. Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

4. Fold in the Chocolate & M&M’s

Gently mix in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and ¾ cup of M&M’s, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

5. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This prevents spreading and enhances the flavor.

6. Shape & Decorate

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Press extra M&M’s (the remaining ½ cup) onto the tops for a colorful touch.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 85mg

These Soft & Chewy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate, crunchy M&M’s, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether for a holiday treat, bake sale, or just because—these cookies will disappear fast!

Secrets to Perfectly Soft & Chewy Cookies

Making the perfect cookie isn’t just about following the recipe—it’s about using the right techniques. Here’s how to achieve bakery-style softness and chewiness:

1. Use Softened Butter (Not Melted!)

Softened butter blends smoothly with sugar, creating a light and fluffy dough. Melted butter, on the other hand, can make cookies spread too much, resulting in thin, crispy cookies instead of thick, chewy ones.

2. The Power of Brown Sugar

Brown sugar contains more moisture than granulated sugar, helping the cookies stay soft. Using a higher ratio of brown sugar to white sugar gives these cookies their signature chewiness.

3. The Magic of Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix

A secret ingredient in this recipe, instant vanilla pudding mix adds extra moisture and helps maintain the cookies’ softness for days. It also enhances the flavor with a subtle vanilla undertone.

4. Chill the Dough for Better Texture

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to develop, making the cookies taste even better.

5. Don’t Overbake!

One of the biggest mistakes in cookie baking is overbaking. The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a soft, chewy center.

Fun Ways to Customize Your Cookies

While this recipe is already a winner, you can easily customize it to make it your own. Here are some fun variations to try:

1. Make Them Extra Chocolaty

• Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate chips.
• Use peanut butter M&M’s for a nutty twist.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a gourmet touch.

2. Add Crunch & Texture

• Mix in chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
• Add shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolatey sweetness.

3. Change Up the Flavors

• Use butterscotch pudding mix instead of vanilla for a caramel-like flavor.
• Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced touch.
• Try flavored M&M’s like caramel, pretzel, or crispy for a unique twist.

4. Make Them Holiday-Themed

• Use seasonal M&M’s to match the occasion (red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, orange and brown for Halloween).
• Add festive sprinkles to the dough for an extra pop of color.
• Sandwich two cookies with vanilla or chocolate frosting to create cookie sandwiches.

Best Ways to Store & Keep Cookies Fresh

One of the best things about these cookies is that they stay soft for days. Here’s how to store them properly:

At Room Temperature

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread inside the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture, staying fresh longer.

In the Refrigerator

If you prefer firmer cookies, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just bring them to room temperature before eating, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Freezing the Dough

To always have fresh cookies on hand, freeze the dough instead of baking everything at once:

• Scoop the dough into cookie-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
• When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Let baked cookies cool completely, then store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

No, instant pudding mix is necessary because it dissolves in the dough and enhances texture. Regular pudding requires cooking and will not work the same way.

2. Can I skip chilling the dough?

You can, but the cookies may spread more and lose some chewiness. Chilling the dough improves texture and flavor, so it’s highly recommended.

3. How do I prevent my cookies from getting too flat?

If your cookies are too flat, try these fixes:

• Make sure your butter isn’t too soft or melted.
• Chill the dough before baking.
• Use fresh baking soda. Expired baking soda won’t give the cookies enough lift.

4. Can I use different types of M&M’s?

Yes! You can use peanut, caramel, crispy, or any seasonal M&M’s to change up the flavor.

5. Why are my cookies too dry?

If your cookies turn out dry:

• Avoid adding too much flour—measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Don’t overbake. Remove cookies from the oven while they still look slightly underdone in the center.

6. Can I make these cookies without M&M’s?

Of course! Simply replace the M&M’s with extra chocolate chips, nuts, or any other mix-ins you like.

Conclusion

Soft & Chewy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of crispy edges, chewy centers, and bursts of chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just a cozy night in, these cookies never disappoint.

With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and plenty of customization options, this recipe is a must-have for any home baker. Plus, with the right storage techniques, you can keep your cookies fresh or freeze extra dough for later cravings.

So, grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that will disappear faster than you can say “M&M’s!”

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