If you’re searching for a festive, delicious treat that perfectly captures the joyous spirit of love and celebration, look no further than this Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M Cookies Recipe. These cookies are an irresistible blend of crunchy Oreos and colorful Valentine’s-themed M&M’s, tucked inside soft, chewy cookie dough. Every bite bursts with chocolatey goodness and vibrant hues that make them as delightful to the eyes as they are to the taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a sweetheart, family, or just to treat yourself, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite for spreading joy and sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to cookie perfection. This simple but essential list ensures your Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M Cookies are chewy, flavorful, and visually festive. Each element plays a crucial role—from the all-purpose flour providing structure, to the Oreos and M&M’s adding that iconic crunch and colorful surprise that makes these cookies truly special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cookies structure and softness.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps your cookies rise and get that perfect chewy texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slight crispness on the edges.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Gives moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings depth and warmth to the cookie dough.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
- 1 cup chopped Oreo cookies: The star mix-in for crunch and that classic Oreo taste.
- 1 cup Valentine’s-themed M&M’s: Packed with vibrant color and sweet chocolate pops in every bite.
How to Make Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This sets you up for baking success from the get-go.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed, so every cookie rises perfectly and tastes balanced.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This fluffy base is key for tender cookies with a perfect crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow with the vanilla extract, which adds a comforting warmth that ties the recipe together beautifully.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so a gentle hand is your best friend here.
Step 6: Fold in Oreos and M&M’s
Now for the fun part: gently fold in the chopped Oreos and the Valentine’s-themed M&M’s. These delightful bits bring texture, sweetness, and those signature festive pops of color.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft—the hallmark of a perfect cookie.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, transfer the cookies onto wire racks to cool. This helps them set properly and keeps the bottoms from becoming soggy. Get ready for a cookie that’s every bit as good as it looks!
How to Serve Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning on their own, sprinkling a few extra Valentine’s-themed M&M’s on top right after baking adds an eye-catching finish. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a soft, snowy touch and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate to complement their rich flavors. For an elegant twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream to create an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Package these cookies in cute Valentine’s Day-themed boxes or cellophane bags tied with red and pink ribbons. They make fantastic homemade gifts or party favors. Alternatively, arrange them on a decorative platter with fresh rose petals or heart-shaped confetti for a festive display at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week—perfect for enjoying over several cozy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freezing is a great option. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm your cookies briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F to bring back that fresh-baked softness. This little trick is perfect when you want a comforting treat anytime, fresh from the oven feel included.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
While you could use margarine, butter is preferred for its rich flavor and better texture. Oil won’t give the same delicious crumb, and margarine can sometimes affect the cookie’s structure and taste.
What if I don’t have Valentine’s-themed M&M’s?
No worries! You can substitute with any regular M&M’s or even chocolate chips. For a festive touch, try mixing in red and pink candy melts or sprinkles instead.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking. Chilling helps the flavors develop and can improve the cookie’s texture, making them even more delicious.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too thin, your butter might be too soft or the dough too warm when baking. Try chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape and thickness.
How do I make the cookies softer or chewier?
For softer cookies, bake them for less time, just until the edges start to turn golden. Using more brown sugar and slightly underbaking will help achieve that perfect chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking cookies that bring color, sweetness, and love all in one bite, and this Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M Cookies Recipe does just that with flair. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or simply treating yourself, these cookies promise joy in every mouthful. So grab your apron, whip up a batch, and get ready to fall in love all over again with a cookie recipe you’ll reach for year after year.
Print
Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these delightful Oreo M&M Cookies, featuring a perfect balance of rich chocolate chunks, colorful M&M’s, and soft, chewy cookie texture. Easy to make and irresistibly festive, these cookies bring joy to any celebration or treat time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Mix-ins
- 1 cup chopped Oreo cookies
- 1 cup Valentine’s-themed M&M’s
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will help create tender cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, then add in the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition until thoroughly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together to avoid overworking, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chopped Oreo cookies and Valentine’s-themed M&M’s, ensuring an even distribution without breaking the candy pieces.
- Scoop Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets spacing them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra chewy cookies, avoid overbaking; the centers should still look slightly soft when removed from the oven.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing and texture.
- Chop Oreos roughly to get varied texture in each bite.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a festive touch, you can sprinkle extra M&M’s on top before baking.
