Name: Festive M&M Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 3 cups old-fashioned oats; 1 1/2 cups festive M&Ms (plus extra for topping)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the nostalgic flavor of oatmeal cookies with the vibrant crunch of candy-coated chocolate. It’s easy to whip up, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m baking for a party or prepping gift boxes, these cookies always stand out. Plus, the recipe is simple enough to make with kids for a fun and festive activity.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Old-fashioned rolled oats
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon (optional for warmth)
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Large eggs
Vanilla extract
Festive M&Ms (holiday-colored or themed)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, I whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if I’m using it.
In a separate bowl, I cream the softened butter with both sugars until it’s light and fluffy.
I beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Gradually, I mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
I fold in the M&Ms gently, making sure not to crush them.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, I drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
I bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
Once out of the oven, I let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 24 cookies depending on the size of each scoop. The prep time is around 15 minutes, with a bake time of 10–12 minutes per batch. Including cooling time, I can have a batch ready to enjoy in under 45 minutes.

Variations

Color themes: I switch up the M&M colors for different holidays—red and pink for Valentine’s Day, pastels for Easter, or red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July.
Add-ins: I like to toss in a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture.
Base twist: For a deeper flavor, I sometimes swap half of the butter for browned butter or add a pinch of nutmeg.

storage/reheating

I store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, I add a slice of bread to the container. For longer storage, I freeze the cookies in layers with parchment paper between them for up to 3 months. To reheat, I microwave one or two cookies for about 10–15 seconds until just warm.

FAQs

How do I keep the M&Ms from cracking while baking?

I gently press a few extra M&Ms onto the tops of the dough balls just before baking. That way, they stay intact and show up nicely after baking.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

I can use quick oats in a pinch, but the texture will be slightly softer. I prefer rolled oats for a heartier, chewier bite.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I make the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. I let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely. I scoop the dough onto a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer the balls to a zip-top bag. I bake from frozen, just adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Definitely. I let them cool completely and package them in festive tins or clear treat bags. They stay fresh and look great for holiday sharing.

Conclusion

These festive M&M cookies are one of my favorite go-to holiday treats. They’re easy to make, full of texture and color, and bring instant joy to any occasion. Whether I’m baking for loved ones or adding something special to my dessert table, these cookies never disappoint.

Festive M&M Cookies