These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies are a perfect sweet treat for celebrating love and friendship. They’re soft, chewy cookies packed with crunchy pieces of Oreo and colorful M&M’s, making every bite a fun surprise. The festive red and pink candies add a cheerful touch that’s just right for the holiday.
I love baking these cookies because they’re super easy to make and everyone always asks for the recipe. Mixing the Oreos and M&M’s into the cookie dough gives such a great texture — a little crispy, a little chewy, and a lot of fun. Plus, the colors make them a hit with kids and adults alike, which is always a bonus in my book!
My favorite way to enjoy these cookies is fresh out of the oven with a glass of cold milk. They also make great gifts when wrapped up in cute bags or boxes, perfect for sharing a little sweetness with someone special. If you want to make the day even sweeter, try using different colored M&M’s or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. Either way, these cookies bring a smile to the table every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt in the recipe. If you want a dairy-free version, try a plant-based margarine with similar fat content for a similar texture.
Oreo Cookies: These add crunch and a chocolate flavor contrast. You can swap regular Oreos for gluten-free or other sandwich cookies if needed.
M&M’s: The colored candies bring fun and sweetness. If you prefer, you can substitute with chocolate chips or other festive candies for different textures or colors.
Sugars: Brown sugar adds chewiness and moisture, while granulated sugar helps crisp edges. For a healthier twist, coconut sugar can be used but expect a deeper flavor.
How Do You Keep Cookies Soft but Slightly Crispy on the Edges?
Balancing a soft center with a crisp edge is all about baking time and ingredient ratios. Here’s what helps:
- Butter & Sugars: The combination of butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar creates moisture and chewiness.
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing once you add the flour. Too much mixing develops gluten, making cookies tough.
- Baking Time: Bake just until edges turn golden and centers look set but soft, usually 10-12 minutes. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Cooling: Let cookies sit 5 minutes on the sheet before moving to a wire rack. This allows the edges to set nicely while the center stays soft.
Following these tips gives you cookies that feel fresh and tender with a satisfying slight crunch around the edges every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need at least two: one for wet ingredients and one for dry.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes creaming butter and sugar easier and faster.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredients exact and your cookies consistent.
- Baking sheets – a sturdy, flat sheet helps cookies bake evenly without spreading too much.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – for evenly sized cookies that bake evenly.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool quickly so they don’t get soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try white chocolate chips instead of M&M’s for a creamy, sweet touch that pairs well with Oreos.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture contrast and nutty flavor.
- Use peanut butter cups instead of Oreos for a rich, peanut-flavored twist.
- Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or chili powder for a warm or spicy note that surprises in every bite.
Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Mix-ins and Decorations:
- 1 1/2 cups Oreo cookies, roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup Valentine-themed M&M’s (red, pink, white), plus extra for topping
- Valentine-themed sprinkles (optional)
- Pink heart-shaped candies (optional, for decoration)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 10-12 minutes to bake, and additional 5 minutes to cool on the baking sheet, plus some extra cooling time on a wire rack. Total time is roughly 35-40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Mix the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, followed by the vanilla extract.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing for tender cookies.
3. Add Oreos and M&M’s:
Fold in the chopped Oreo cookies and 3/4 cup of Valentine-themed M&M’s gently, distributing them through the dough.
4. Shape and Decorate the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Press extra M&M’s, pink heart candies, and sprinkles on top for festive decoration.
5. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers still look soft. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your colorful, chewy cookies fresh or store in an airtight container to share with friends and loved ones this Valentine’s Day!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for creaming with the sugars to get the right texture. If you have frozen butter, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then leave it out for about 30 minutes to soften before baking.
Can I Substitute Oreos with Another Cookie?
Absolutely! You can use any sandwich cookies or chocolate chip cookies you like. Just chop them roughly and fold them in just like the Oreos for a different but equally tasty twist.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them softer later, warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before eating.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Just bring it to room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.
