Name: Easter M&M Cookies
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); ¾ cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1 large egg; 13.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix (box); ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup pastel-colored M&Ms; ½ cup pastel sprinkles

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Every year as Easter approaches, I find myself excitedly preparing for the family gatherings filled with laughter, joy, and of course, delicious treats. This year, I decided to whip up a batch of Easter M&M Cookies that not only celebrate the season but also bring a vibrant splash of color to our dessert table. I can still remember the first time I baked cookies decorated with pastel M&Ms, filling the house with that warm, sweet aroma. It felt like a warm hug, a perfect way to usher in spring. These cookies aren’t just tasty; they embody the spirit of Easter with their cheerful colors and delightful flavors, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.

As I rolled out the dough, I could already envision the smiles on my loved ones’ faces. The beauty of these Easter M&M Cookies lies not just in their looks but also in their soft, chewy texture, which I attribute to the secret ingredient: instant pudding mix. This simple addition elevates the flavor and keeps the cookies soft for days. With each bite, you’ll experience the delightful crunch of M&Ms along with the sweetness of brown sugar and buttery goodness. I can hardly wait to see how these cookies will become a staple in our Easter celebrations for years to come!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins

Prep Time:
60 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
120 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
6 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon

Why This Easter M&M Cookies Is So Good

Colorful Delight

The first thing that stands out about these Easter M&M Cookies is their vibrant colors. The pastel hues of the M&Ms are not just visually appealing; they evoke a sense of joy and playfulness that’s perfect for spring celebrations. Each cookie becomes a canvas of colors, making them a centerpiece on any dessert table.

Soft and Chewy Texture

Thanks to the addition of instant pudding mix, every bite of these cookies is exceptionally soft and chewy. Unlike traditional cookie recipes that can turn out crispy or dry, these cookies maintain their moistness, making them perfect for dunking in milk or enjoying on their own.

Quick and Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these cookies is a breeze. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find that the process is enjoyable and rewarding. The satisfaction of pulling warm cookies out of the oven never fades, and with these, you can achieve that in no time!

Family-Friendly Fun

These cookies are a fantastic opportunity to involve the kids in the kitchen. From mixing the ingredients to decorating with M&Ms and sprinkles, making Easter M&M Cookies can turn into a delightful family activity. Plus, children love the colorful candy toppings!

Perfect for Any Occasion

While these cookies are a hit during Easter, they’re versatile enough for any gathering throughout the year. You can easily swap out the M&Ms for seasonal candies, making them an excellent choice for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

Long-Lasting Freshness

With proper storage, these cookies maintain their softness for days. I often bake a batch ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container, allowing us to enjoy a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredients Required for Easter M&M Cookies

Understanding the ingredients in our Easter M&M Cookies is key to achieving the perfect cookie. Each plays a vital role in developing flavor, texture, and that irresistible sweetness. The combination of different ingredients creates a harmonious blend that results in cookies that are both fun and delicious.

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened: This is the foundation of our cookie dough, bringing a rich flavor and helping to create a tender texture.
¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar: The brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, making these cookies deliciously sweet.
1 teaspoon vanilla: This classic flavor enhances the warmth and depth of the cookies.
1 large egg: Binding the ingredients together, the egg contributes to the structure and richness of the cookies.
13.4 ounces (96g) box instant vanilla pudding mix: This is our secret ingredient, ensuring we get that soft, chewy texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly in the oven.
¼ teaspoon salt: A little salt balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour: The main structure of the cookies, providing the right consistency.
1 cup (195g) pastel-colored M&Ms: These candies not only add color but also delightful bursts of chocolate.
½ cup (76g) pastel sprinkles: For that extra festive touch, sprinkles add both color and a bit of crunch.

Making Easter M&M Cookies

Baking the perfect batch of Easter M&M Cookies is a delightful process that fills your home with irresistible scents. Let’s dive into each step to ensure these cookies turn out perfectly every time. Follow along closely as we create these colorful treats!

Before you start, remember that this dough requires chilling to achieve the best texture. Begin by creaming together ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter and ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar in a large bowl or stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a pale color and feels airy.
Next, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix on low speed until combined. The egg should be fully incorporated, adding richness to your cookie dough.
Now, it’s time to introduce the dry ingredients. Gradually mix in the 13.4 ounces (96g) box instant vanilla pudding mix, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix until everything is just combined, but don’t overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.
Slowly add in 1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour to the bowl. Mix on low until the flour is no longer visible, ensuring your dough is not overworked. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Gently fold in the ½ cup (76g) pastel sprinkles and 1 cup (195g) pastel-colored M&Ms using a spatula. Be careful to mix these in thoroughly, as they can break apart if over-mixed.
Scoop out 2 tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or a silpat baking mat. You don’t need to space them out at this stage, as you’ll be chilling them to enhance the flavor.
Cover the cookie sheet with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial; it helps the flavors meld and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
After chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silpat baking mats. This ensures easy removal of the cookies later.
Remove the chilled cookie dough balls from the fridge. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a golden brown. You’ll want the centers to look slightly underbaked for that chewy finish.
Once done, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to one month to enjoy later!

Things Worth Knowing

Chill the Dough: Always remember to chill your cookie dough before baking. This allows the ingredients to meld and results in a chewier cookie.
Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, be careful not to overmix your dough, especially after adding flour. This can lead to tough cookies.
Quality Butter: Using good quality unsalted butter is essential for flavor. It gives your cookies that rich taste we all love.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Every oven is different, and cookies can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

Making Adjustments

As with any recipe, you might want to tweak it to better suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some great adjustments you can make to the Easter M&M Cookies recipe:

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain their freshness.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month.
Pairing: Serve with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
Variations: Feel free to substitute the M&Ms with chocolate chips or other candies for a different flavor profile.
Color Options: Depending on the occasion, you can use themed sprinkles or M&Ms to match your celebrations.

What to Serve Alongside Easter M&M Cookies

These delightful Easter M&M Cookies are perfect for any occasion, and pairing them right can enhance your dessert table. Here are some great suggestions:

Milk: A classic pairing, serving these cookies with cold milk is a must! The creaminess of the milk complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
Ice Cream: Consider topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Fruits: Fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
Tea or Coffee: Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee; the flavors blend wonderfully.
Festive Treats: Incorporate other seasonal treats such as carrot cake or lemon bars to create a varied dessert platter for Easter.
Gift Them: These cookies also make a delightful gift for friends and family. Pack them in decorative boxes for an added touch!

FAQ

Absolutely! While the recipe uses vanilla pudding mix for a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate or butterscotch. Just keep in mind that this will change the overall taste of your Easter M&M Cookies, so choose a flavor that you love!

If you need gluten-free cookies, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that it’s a one-to-one substitution type. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll still enjoy those delightful Easter M&M Cookies without any gluten!

If M&Ms aren’t available, you can substitute them with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruits like cranberries. The versatility of this Easter M&M Cookies recipe allows you to customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you prefer!

Chilling the dough is a crucial step that allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This results in a thicker, chewier cookie, which is what we aim for with these Easter M&M Cookies. Patience pays off!

Conclusion

Baking Easter M&M Cookies is not just about creating a delicious treat; it’s about making memories with family and friends. The joy of sharing these vibrant cookies during your celebrations brings a special warmth to any gathering. I encourage you to try making these delightful cookies for your next event; they’re sure to be a hit! Enjoy the process and the smiles they bring.