These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s cookies are a fun and colorful twist on a classic treat. They’re soft, chewy cookies packed with crunchy Oreo pieces and festive red and pink M&M’s that make every bite exciting. Perfect for sharing with someone special or just treating yourself with a little sweetness on Valentine’s Day.
I love making these cookies because they’re super easy and come together quickly, yet they look so cheerful and inviting. The combination of Oreo chunks and the candy-coated M&M’s adds a great mix of textures that keeps me reaching for another cookie. I usually sneak a few while they’re still warm—there’s just something magical about gooey cookies fresh from the oven.
These cookies are a hit at any Valentine’s party or as a surprise homemade gift. I like to package them in a simple box or tin with a little heart-shaped tag to make them extra special. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just because, these cookies bring a smile and a sweet festive vibe every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. Softened butter is best for creamier dough. If you want a dairy-free version, try coconut oil, but the flavor will shift slightly.
Oreo Cookies: Crushed Oreos add crunch and chocolate flavor. Feel free to use vegan Oreos or chocolate sandwich cookies if needed. Just don’t crush them too finely—bigger chunks give better texture.
Valentine’s Day M&M’s: These add color and sweetness plus a little crunch. If you can’t get festive M&M’s, use regular ones or other candy-coated chocolates. White chocolate chips work as a nice alternative too.
Sprinkles: They make the cookies festive and eye-catching. Use any heart-shaped or red/pink-white sprinkles you like. You can skip them if you prefer less sugar on top.
How Do You Keep Cookies Soft While Packing in Lots of Mix-Ins?
Mix-ins like Oreos and M&M’s can sometimes dry out cookies if the dough is too stiff or baked too long. Here’s how to stay soft and chewy:
- Don’t overmix the dough—just blend until ingredients come together.
- Fold in mix-ins gently so the dough keeps its light texture.
- Bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes; watch cookies closely so edges set but centers stay soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet first to let them firm up slightly before moving to a rack.
- If you like, add a bit of extra brown sugar or an egg yolk to the dough to boost chewiness.
With these tips, your cookies stay soft and tender, even with all the Oreos and M&M’s packed inside. It’s the perfect balance of chewy cookie and crunchy candy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining wet and dry ingredients separately and easily.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – helps cream butter and sugars smoothly for fluffy dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep ingredient amounts accurate for perfect cookie texture.
- Baking sheets – a flat surface to bake cookies evenly without spreading too much.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent cookies from sticking and make clean-up easy.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – for portioning out even cookie dough balls quickly.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Valentine’s M&M’s for peanut butter or caramel M&M’s to add a rich, nutty twist.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a bit of earthiness.
- Mix in mini white chocolate chips for bursts of creamy sweetness against the Oreos.
- Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon or peppermint extract for a warm or minty holiday flavor.
Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies (about 8-10 whole Oreos)
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day-themed M&M’s (pink, red, white colors)
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles (hearts, red, pink, white)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, allow about 5 minutes to cool the cookies on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack. Total time is roughly 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Bakeware:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
3. Add the Mix-Ins:
Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies and half of the Valentine’s Day M&M’s, reserving the rest for decoration.
4. Shape and Decorate the Cookies:
Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few whole Oreo halves and the reserved M&M’s onto the top of each cookie dough ball, then sprinkle with Valentine-themed sprinkles.
5. Bake and Cool:
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your colorful, festive Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s cookies fresh, or package them nicely to share the love!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter to get a creamy, smooth dough. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about an hour before baking.
Can I Substitute Oreos with Another Cookie?
Absolutely! You can use any sandwich cookie or chocolate cookie you like. Just crush them into chunks so they mix well into the dough.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To keep them soft longer, add a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.
