These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s cookies are a fun and colorful treat that’s perfect for sharing with someone special. Imagine soft, chewy cookies packed full of rich Oreo pieces and bright, festive M&M’s that add a sweet crunch in every bite. They’re simple to make but feel extra merry with their Valentine’s Day twist.
I love making these cookies because the mix of Oreos and M&M’s just works so well together — the chocolatey Oreo bits bring a little bitterness that balances perfectly with the candy’s sweetness. Plus, it’s a fun recipe to play with; I often sneak a few extra M&M’s on top before baking so they look bright and inviting.
These cookies are my go-to treat when I want to surprise friends or family on Valentine’s Day. I usually package them in little bags tied with a ribbon, and they always bring smiles. They’re great fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk, or even as a little sweet snack throughout the day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, try vegan margarine or coconut oil, but note the flavor and texture might change slightly.
Oreo Cookies: They add a nice crunch and chocolate flavor. You can swap regular Oreos for any sandwich cookie you like, even gluten-free options if needed.
M&M’s: Valentine’s Day-themed ones bring color and sweetness. If these aren’t available, regular red, pink, and white candies or chocolate chips work great.
Flour Blend: I stick with all-purpose flour for chewy cookies. For gluten-free baking, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend but check that it includes xanthan gum for best results.
How Do You Keep Cookies Soft and Chewy with Mix-ins Like Oreos and M&M’s?
Soft cookies come from the right balance of butter, sugar, and baking time. Here’s how I do it:
- Beat butter and sugars well until fluffy. This adds air and helps texture.
- Don’t overmix once you add flour; just combine to avoid tough cookies.
- Fold in Oreos and M&M’s gently to keep chunks intact but dough even.
- Bake cookies just until edges are golden but centers still look soft (around 10-12 minutes).
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet a bit before moving. This helps them set but stay chewy inside.
- Pressing extra M&M’s and sprinkles on top before baking keeps them visible and colorful.
Following these steps leads to cookies that are chewy with rich flavors and bright pops of color—perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – a couple of sturdy ones help bake batches evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – stops cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need at least two for wet and dry ingredients.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugars quick and smooth.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – great for folding in Oreos and M&M’s without breaking them up too much.
- Scoop or tablespoon – for evenly sized cookie dough balls, so cookies bake evenly.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Oreos for chopped chocolate chip cookies or peanut butter cups for a different flavor combo.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of M&M’s for a creamy, sweet twist.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough to warm up the flavors for winter.
- Try mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and richness.
How to Make Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Mix-ins and Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies (about 10 Oreos, roughly chopped)
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day-themed M&M’s (red, white, pink)
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles (hearts, red and pink jimmies, etc.)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake each batch. Cooling time is about 5 minutes on the baking sheet and then additional time on a wire rack. Overall, plan for about 30-40 minutes to make and enjoy these lovely cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture feels light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Add the Fun Fillings:
Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies and most of the Valentine’s Day M&M’s, saving some for decorating the tops of your cookies. This keeps lots of colorful candies visible and delicious.
5. Shape and Decorate:
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded mounds of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between cookies so they have room to spread. Press a few reserved M&M’s and sprinkles onto each cookie for an extra festive look.
6. Bake and Cool:
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden while the centers still look soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
7. Enjoy!
Serve these colorful, chewy Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s cookies warm, or store them in an airtight container for a sweet treat anytime.
Can I Use Regular M&M’s Instead of Valentine’s Day-Themed Ones?
Absolutely! Regular M&M’s work just fine and still add that wonderful color and crunch. You can also mix in other chocolates or candies if you like.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
What If I Don’t Have Oreos? Can I Use a Different Cookie?
Feel free to substitute Oreos with any sandwich cookies or even chocolate chips for a different twist. Just chop them roughly and fold them in the same way.
