M&M Cookies are one of life’s simplest joys, and among the most beloved cookie recipes are the colorful, candy-studded kind, fun, cheerful, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. These Chocolate Candy “Smarties” Cookies (you can also make them with M&Ms!) are chewy, buttery, and packed with pops of color.
What makes this recipe special is the NYC-style oversized cookie approach, with big, chewy centers and crisp edges, each bite bursting with Smarties (or M&Ms). These aren’t your standard chocolate chip cookies; they’re playful, nostalgic, and eye-catching.
And since we’re building out a full lineup of Back-to-School Cookies, this recipe pairs perfectly with others like Caramel Apple Cookies, Cosmic Brownie Cookies, Cookie Monster Cookies, Frosted Animal Cookies, Rainbow Sugar Cookies, Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies, No-Bake Pencil Cookies, and Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies.
Table of Contents.
Table of Contents
Smarties Cookies (M&M Cookies)
- Total Time: ~90 mins
- Yield: 8 cookies 1x
Description
Chewy Smarties Cookies (M&M Cookies) are made bakery-style with colorful chocolate candies. Oversized, chewy, and perfect for back-to-school snacks.
Ingredients
125 g butter or baking spread
175 g light brown sugar
1 medium egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
275 g plain flour
1 tbsp cornflour (optional)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp bicarb soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
400 g Smarties or M&Ms
Instructions
1. Cream butter and sugar.
2. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. Mix in dry ingredients until dough forms.
4. Fold in Smarties/M&Ms.
5. Roll into large dough balls; chill 30–60 mins.
6. Bake at 200°C regular / 180°C fan for 11–13 mins.
7. Cool on tray before serving.
Notes
Chill dough for thicker cookies.
Press extra Smarties on top before baking for a colorful finish.
Store airtight for 4–5 days.
Freeze dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 11–13 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 1 g
📝 Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Category | Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base | 125 g unsalted butter | Room temperature or baking spread |
| Sweetness | 175 g light brown sugar | Adds chew & caramel flavor |
| Binding | 1 medium egg | Room temp |
| Flavor | 1 tsp vanilla extract | Pure vanilla preferred |
| Dry Mix | 275 g plain flour, 1 tbsp cornflour (optional), 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp bicarb soda, 1/2 tsp sea salt | Cornflour gives tenderness |
| Mix-ins | 400 g Smarties (or M&Ms) | Sub with part chocolate chips if desired |
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cream Butter & Sugar
Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
Step 2 – Add Egg & Vanilla
Mix in egg and vanilla until combined.
Step 3 – Add Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, cornflour, baking powder, soda, and salt. Mix into wet until dough forms.
Step 4 – Add Smarties
Fold in Smarties until evenly distributed.
Step 5 – Chill Dough
Roll into eight large dough balls (~120g each). Chill for at least 30 minutes in the freezer or 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Step 6 – Bake
Preheat oven to 200°C (regular) or 180°C (fan). Bake 11–13 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are soft.
Step 7 – Cool & Set
Cool cookies on trays for 30 minutes before serving; continue baking as they cool.
📊 Baking Timeline
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Dough prep | 15 mins |
| Chill | 30–60 mins |
| Bake | 11–13 mins |
| Cool | 30 mins |
| Total | ~90 mins |
🎨 Tips for Perfect Cookies
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Chill dough | Prevents spreading & keeps centers thick |
| Save some Smarties | Press extra on top before baking for a pretty finish |
| Don’t overbake | Cookies firm as they cool |
| Size matters | Bigger cookies give gooey centers |
🍭 Variations
| Variation | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Classic M&M | Swap Smarties for M&Ms |
| Double Chocolate | Scoop more petite balls, bake 8–9 mins |
| Mini Version | Scoop smaller balls, bake 8–9 mins |
| Festive Twist | Use holiday-colored candies |
🧊 Storage & Freezing
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temp | 4–5 days | Airtight container |
| Microwave revive | 15–30 sec | Softens & warms |
| Freeze dough balls | 3 months | Bake from frozen, +2 mins |
| Freeze-baked cookies | 3 months | Wrap individually |
FAQ – People Also Ask
Do you put Smarties on cookies before baking?
Yes, press a few on top of the dough balls before baking for the best look.
How long do you bake M&M cookies?
11–13 minutes for large cookies, 8–9 minutes for smaller ones.
What are 5 fun facts about cookies?
1) The word “cookie” comes from the Dutch “koekje.” 2) The first chocolate chip cookie was invented in the 1930s. 3) Cookies are the most popular baked good in America. 4) The largest cookie ever baked weighed over 40,000 pounds. 5) The average American eats over 300 cookies per year!
Can M&M cookies be frozen?
Yes, both dough and baked cookies freeze beautifully.
🧾 Nutritional Info (per cookie, ~28g serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 5 mg |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
| Carbs | 20 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Iron | 0.6 mg |
❤️ Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Candy “Smarties” Cookies (M&M Cookies) are colorful, chewy, and fun, perfect for back-to-school baking or weekend treats. The oversized bakery-style size, combined with playful candy colors, makes them irresistible to both kids and grown-ups.
For more cookie recipes, explore our full lineup of back-to-school favorites:
- Caramel Apple Cookies
- Cosmic Brownie Cookies
- Cookie Monster Cookies
- Frosted Animal Cookies
- Rainbow Sugar Cookies
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies
- No-Bake Pencil Cookies
- Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies
Together, these recipes create a Back-to-School Cookie Collection that’s fun, vibrant, and sure to spark smiles.
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