These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s cookies are the perfect sweet treat for celebrating love and friendship. They’re soft, chewy cookies filled with crunchy Oreo pieces and colorful M&M’s that make every bite exciting and fun. With a pop of red and pink for Valentine’s Day, they’re as cute as they are delicious.
I love making these cookies because they’re a little bit special but still super easy to put together. Mixing Oreos and M&M’s right into the dough makes every cookie unique, and I always find myself sneaking an extra one or two while they’re still warm. Plus, the colors really brighten up the kitchen and make baking feel festive.
These cookies are great for sharing with friends, family, or your special someone. I like serving them with a cold glass of milk or wrapping them up in a pretty box as a thoughtful homemade gift. They’re a sweet way to show you care, without the fuss of fancy desserts.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted and softened butter helps control salt in your cookies and gives them a tender texture. If you’re out, melted coconut oil works, but it may change the flavor slightly.
Sugars: This recipe uses both granulated and brown sugar for balanced sweetness and chewy texture. You can swap light brown sugar for dark brown sugar for a richer taste.
Oreos: Classic Oreo cookies add crunch and chocolate flavor. If you want, try chocolate wafer cookies or another type of sandwich cookie as a fun variation.
M&M’s: Valentine-themed M&M’s add color and a bit of crunch. If you prefer, you can use regular M&Ms or any candy-coated chocolates in red, pink, or white shades.
How Do You Make Sure Your Cookies Stay Soft and Don’t Overbake?
Soft cookies are the best, especially with mix-ins like Oreos and M&M’s. Here’s how I make sure mine come out perfect every time:
- Preheat your oven fully before baking–this helps cookies bake evenly.
- Watch the baking time closely. Bake for 10-12 mins and remove when edges are set but centers look slightly underdone.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes; they’ll finish cooking with residual heat and stay soft.
- Don’t overmix your dough once you add flour to keep the texture tender.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – a large one for the dough and a smaller one for dry ingredients keep things organized.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar easy and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts, especially baking soda and salt.
- Baking sheets – flat and sturdy to help cookies bake evenly without spreading too much.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup quick.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – for evenly sized cookies that bake consistently.
- Wire rack – lets cookies cool properly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use peanut butter M&M’s instead of plain for a nutty twist that pairs well with chocolate and Oreos.
- Swap Oreos for crushed peppermint candies to add a refreshing, minty flavor perfect for Valentine’s season.
- Add white chocolate chips alongside the Oreos and M&M’s for extra sweetness and a creamy texture.
- Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts if you want some crunch and a bit of earthiness.
Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Mix-ins and Decorations:
- 1 cup Oreo cookies, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Valentine’s themed M&M’s (red, pink, white)
- Heart-shaped Valentine candy sprinkles (optional)
- Valentine-themed sprinkles for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus around 10-12 minutes of baking. Allow about 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet, then a few more minutes to cool completely on a wire rack. So, plan for roughly 30-35 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or use silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Make the Cookie Dough Base
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture feels light and fluffy. This usually takes a few minutes using a hand or stand mixer. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is mixed well.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix-In Cookies and Candy
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined—avoid overmixing. Fold in the chopped Oreos and Valentine’s themed M&M’s gently, reserving some to decorate the tops of the cookies later.
4. Shape, Decorate, and Bake
Scoop the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each dollop about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Press a few extra Oreo pieces, M&M’s, and heart-shaped candies onto the tops for a festive look. Sprinkle on Valentine-themed sprinkles to brighten them up. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until their edges are lightly golden but centers stay soft.
5. Cool and Enjoy
When your cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set without breaking. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your beautiful, colorful, and delicious Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s cookies!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for a smooth dough and even baking. If your butter is frozen, let it sit out for about 30-60 minutes until soft but not melted.
Can I Substitute the Valentine’s M&M’s with Another Candy?
Absolutely! You can swap them with regular M&M’s, chocolate chips, or any colorful candy you like. Just choose colors that fit your theme for the best look.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months, thawing at room temp before enjoying.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bring it back to room temperature before scooping and baking to help the cookies spread nicely.
