Rainbow M&M Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Rainbow M&M Cookies Recipe: A Colorful Sweet Treat

Sweet treats can turn any rainbow M&M cookies into a vibrant celebration of color and joy.

Magical chocolate chips dance alongside colorful candy pieces, creating delightful bursts of happiness.

Every baker knows these cookies spark instant smiles and childhood memories.

Mixing classic comfort with playful candy brings pure delight to your kitchen.

Crisp edges and soft centers promise a magical experience that enchants both kids and adults.

Nobody can resist the cheerful charm of these spectacular cookies.

You’ll want to whip up a batch right now and spread some edible cheer.

Rainbow M&M Cookies for Colorful Smiles

  • Quick No-Bake Delight: Craft a stunning dessert without turning on the oven, making it perfect for hot days and lazy afternoons.
  • Customizable Creativity: Swap ice cream flavors, cookies, and toppings to match personal preferences or seasonal celebrations.
  • Simple Crowd-Pleaser: Impress guests with a professional-looking dessert that requires minimal culinary skills and basic kitchen tools.
  • Freezer-Friendly Fun: Prepare ahead of time and store in the freezer, ensuring a ready-to-serve treat for unexpected gatherings or sweet cravings.

Your List for Rainbow M&M Cookies Essentials

For the Cookies Core:
  • Butter: A rich and creamy base that adds flavor and helps create a soft texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that provide sweetness and help with cookie caramelization.
  • Eggs: Binding agents that help hold the cookie dough together and add moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that brings warmth and depth to the cookie taste.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the cookie that provides necessary texture and form.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light.
  • Salt: A flavor balancer that enhances the overall sweetness of the cookies.
For the Mix-Ins and Decorative Elements:
  • M&M Candies, Mini Chocolate Chips: Colorful and sweet additions that provide bursts of chocolate flavor and visual appeal.

Rainbow M&M Cookies Baking Directions

Rainbow M&M Cookies Baking Directions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Grab your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Set the oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) to get ready for cookie magic.

Step 2: Whip Up Butter Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, transform softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into a fluffy cloud-like mixture. Use an electric mixer to beat until the ingredients become light and airy.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Crack eggs into the buttery mixture one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix until everything looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Combine Dry Components

In a separate bowl, bring together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly introduce the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add Colorful Excitement

Gently fold in:
  • M&M candies
  • Mini chocolate chips (optional)

Distribute the candies evenly throughout the dough for maximum color explosion.

Step 7: Form Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into delightful 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown.

The centers should remain soft and slightly gooey.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Watch the M&Ms create a beautiful rainbow of color across your freshly baked treats.

Top Baking Tips for Rainbow M&M Cookies

  • Soften butter completely at room temperature for easier creaming and smoother cookie texture.
  • Use room temperature eggs to help ingredients blend more evenly and prevent cookie dough clumping.
  • Reserve some M&Ms to press on top of cookies right after baking for a more colorful, professional appearance.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.

Fun Variations to Brighten Rainbow M&M Cookies

  • Gluten-Free M&M Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same soft and chewy texture while accommodating those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Rainbow Celebration Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select vegan M&M alternatives for a plant-based treat that's colorful and delicious.
  • Protein-Packed M&M Cookies: Incorporate protein powder and almond flour to boost nutritional value, creating a post-workout snack that satisfies sweet cravings.
  • Nutty Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra crunch and depth of flavor, complementing the classic M&M cookie profile.

Rainbow M&M Cookies for Every Occasion

  • Fun Party Platter: Arrange colorful cookies on a bright serving tray with scattered M&Ms around the edges, creating a festive dessert display perfect for birthdays or celebrations.
  • Lunchbox Surprise: Pack these cookies in kids' lunch boxes with a small note, adding a cheerful burst of color and sweetness to their midday meal.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Twist: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or rainbow sherbet between two cookies, creating a delightful frozen treat that combines soft cookie texture with creamy coolness.
  • Gift Packaging Idea: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rainbow ribbons, making adorable homemade gifts for friends, teachers, or neighbors that showcase the treats' vibrant charm.

Keeping Rainbow M&M Cookies Fresh and Chewy

  • Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
  • Scoop cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen dough stays good for 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.
  • Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Frozen baked cookies last up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of M&Ms in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap regular M&Ms with peanut, crispy, or dark chocolate M&Ms to create unique flavor variations.

  • How can I prevent M&Ms from bleeding color into the cookie dough?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before adding M&Ms and avoid overmixing to keep colors vibrant and intact.

  • Why do my cookies spread too much while baking?

This usually happens when butter is too soft. Make sure butter is just softened, not melted, and chill the dough before baking to help cookies maintain shape.

  • Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! Kids love adding colorful M&Ms and can help roll dough balls, making it a fun baking activity for the whole family.

Print
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Rainbow M&M Cookies Recipe

Rainbow M&M Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet rainbow m&m cookies bring colorful joy to classic chocolate chip treats. Chewy centers and crisp edges make these playful cookies irresistible for gatherings and celebrations you’ll love sharing.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups M&M candies
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
  2. Create a creamy base by vigorously blending softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture achieves a light, airy texture.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition, then introduce vanilla extract for aromatic depth.
  4. Separately combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, whisking to distribute leavening agents evenly.
  5. Merge wet and dry ingredients carefully, stirring until just incorporated to maintain a tender cookie texture.
  6. Gently fold colorful M&M candies and mini chocolate chips throughout the dough, distributing them evenly for maximum flavor in each bite.
  7. Form uniform dough balls approximately 1-inch in diameter, strategically placing them on the prepared baking sheet with 2-inch intervals to allow proper spreading.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges while keeping centers soft and slightly underbaked for ultimate chewiness.
  9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, facilitating initial set-up, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and crisp exterior development.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain a thicker, chewier cookie texture.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more evenly mixed cookie dough that blends seamlessly.
  • For gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Press extra M&Ms on top of each cookie dough ball before baking to create a more colorful, visually appealing surface.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 203
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 156 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 22 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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