These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies are a fun and sweet treat that’s perfect for celebrating love and friendship. They’re loaded with chunks of Oreo cookies and colorful M&M’s, giving each bite a delightful mix of crunchy, creamy, and chocolaty textures that everyone will enjoy.
I love making these cookies because they’re easy to whip up but look so festive and fun with those bright M&M’s popping through the dough. It always feels like a little party in the kitchen while I’m mixing them, and the smell as they bake is just impossible to resist!
My favorite way to enjoy these cookies is with a cold glass of milk or wrapped in a cute Valentine’s-themed bag to share with friends or family. They’re great for sending kids’ classmates a sweet surprise or just treating yourself to something special on a cozy night in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the saltiness in your cookies. If you’re out, you can swap with margarine, but real butter gives the best flavor and texture.
Mini Oreos: These add crunch and a chocolatey twist. If you can’t find minis, just chop regular Oreos into smaller pieces. They melt differently but work well.
Valentine’s Day M&M’s: The red, pink, and white colors give these cookies a festive look. For a similar effect, use any colored candy-coated chocolates or even chocolate chips with a little color added on top after baking.
Candy Melts (Optional): Heart-shaped candy melts are a fun way to decorate, but you can also drizzle melted white or colored chocolate over cookies to keep things simple.
How Do I Keep the M&M’s from Melting or Losing Color?
M&M’s can sometimes lose their bright color or melt too much when baked. Here’s how to keep them looking good:
- Mix carefully: Fold M&M’s gently into the dough instead of stirring vigorously.
- Decorate on top: Press some M&M’s and mini Oreos on top of each cookie dough ball right before baking. This helps them stay colorful and neat.
- Bake at the right temperature: Stick to 350°F (175°C) and avoid overbaking. Cookies should be soft in the center when you take them out.
- Cool gently: Let cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes so the candy sets without cracking.
These tips keep your cookies looking festive and ensure the M&M’s give that fun crunch and color on Valentine’s Day!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I like having one for wet and one for dry ingredients to keep things organized.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps you get the right amounts for perfect cookies every time.
- Baking sheet – a flat, rimmed sheet lets cookies spread evenly and bake nicely.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – shapes the dough into even balls, so baking time is consistent.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap out mini Oreos for chopped regular Oreos if you want chunkier cookie bits.
- Use peanut butter or peanut butter-flavored M&M’s for a nutty twist that pairs well with chocolate.
- Add a handful of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and a creamy touch.
- Try mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch and balance.
Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini Oreo cookies, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day themed M&M’s (red, pink, white)
- Extra mini Oreos and M&M’s for decorating on top
- Optional: Valentine’s Day heart-shaped candy melts for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 10-12 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling. So, from start to finish, you’ll need around 30 to 35 minutes to enjoy these festive treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Preheat:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick and cleanup is easy.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a big bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer or by hand until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined so your cookies turn out tender.
4. Add the Good Stuff:
Gently fold in the chopped mini Oreos and Valentine’s Day M&M’s, making sure they’re spread evenly through the dough.
5. Shape and Decorate:
Scoop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for spreading. Press extra mini Oreos and M&M’s on top of each cookie dough mound to give them a pretty, festive look.
6. Optional Festive Touch:
For an extra pop of Valentine’s spirit, add heart-shaped candy melts or drizzle melted candy melts over your cookies before baking or right after cooling.
7. Bake and Cool:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until your cookies are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your colorful, chewy, and chocolate-packed cookies to friends, family, or enjoy them yourself with a cold glass of milk. Happy Valentine’s Day baking!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter for creaming with the sugars to get a light, fluffy dough. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bring it to room temperature before using.
Can I Substitute Regular M&M’s for Valentine’s Day M&M’s?
Absolutely! Regular M&M’s work just fine and will still add that lovely chocolate crunch. If you want to keep the festive vibe, consider adding some colored icing or sprinkles after baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can enhance the flavor and improve texture. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping to make handling easier.
