These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s cookies are a fun and festive treat that bring together crunchy Oreos, colorful M&M’s, and soft cookie dough into one delicious bite. The combination of chocolate, cream, and candy makes each cookie a little party for your taste buds. They’re perfect for sharing or just sneaking a few when no one’s looking!
I love making these cookies because they’re as easy to whip up as they are to enjoy. The bright red, pink, and white M&M’s add a cheerful pop of color that instantly gives off Valentine vibes. Plus, the surprise of Oreo chunks inside each cookie adds a playful twist I always look forward to. I find that baking them a little longer gives a nice crisp edge while keeping the center soft and chewy.
For me, these cookies are a great way to celebrate the holiday without a lot of fuss. I like wrapping them up in little bags and giving them to friends or leaving them out with a sweet note. They’re simple, sweet, and just a little bit special—a perfect match for the day all about love and treats!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan butter or coconut oil, but note it may slightly change the texture.
Oreo Cookies: Crunchy Oreo chunks add great texture and that classic cookie flavor. If you want a twist, try chocolate sandwich cookies or gluten-free Oreos for allergies.
M&M’s & Sprinkles: Valentine’s Day-themed M&M’s bring fun color and sweetness. You can swap these for regular M&M’s or any candy-coated chocolates you like. Sprinkles make the cookies festive but can be omitted if you prefer a simpler look.
Flour and Leavening: All-purpose flour gives structure. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. Baking soda helps the cookies rise and spread nicely, so don’t skip it.
How Do You Keep These Cookies Soft Yet Chunky?
Balancing soft centers with crunchy Oreo bits is key. Here are some tips to get this just right:
- Cream Butter and Sugars Well: When you beat butter with sugars until fluffy, it traps air that helps cookies stay soft.
- Don’t Overmix Flour: Stir dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies dense.
- Fold in Oreos and M&M’s Gently: Avoid smashing the cookies; chunks add nice texture.
- Bake Just Until Edges Are Golden: The centers will still look soft when you take them out. Cooling will finish the baking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and butter at room temp blend better and make smoother dough.
By following these, your cookies come out soft with colorful candy and Oreo surprises that stay intact. Pressing some candy on top before baking adds a pretty Valentine’s look without much effort.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – sturdy ones help cookies bake evenly without warping.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – they keep cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Large mixing bowl – roomy enough to mix all ingredients without spills.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get ingredient amounts just right for perfect cookies.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – for portioning dough evenly, so cookies bake uniformly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Oreos for crushed peppermint patties during the holidays for a minty twist.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of M&M’s for a creamier, sweeter bite.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for some crunch contrast.
- Mix in dried cranberries or cherries to add a tart fruit note that pairs well with chocolate.
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 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped (about 10-12 cookies)
- 1/2 cup Valentine’s Day-themed M&M’s (red, pink, white)
- 1/4 cup Valentine’s Day-themed sprinkles (hearts, jimmies, peppermint bits)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet and a bit longer to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and help with easy clean-up.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
4. Fold In the Fun Stuff:
Gently fold in the chopped Oreo cookies and the Valentine’s Day-themed M&M’s, leaving a handful of M&M’s and sprinkles to press on top later.
5. Shape and Decorate:
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them roughly 2 inches apart. Press some of the reserved M&M’s and sprinkles onto the tops for a festive Valentine’s look.
6. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden but the centers are still soft. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your soft, chewy Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s cookies full of colorful candy crunch and chocolatey delight!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for easy creaming with sugars, which helps create a soft and fluffy cookie texture. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or soften it quickly by microwaving in short bursts, but avoid melting it.
Can I Substitute Other Candies for M&M’s?
Absolutely! You can swap Valentine’s Day M&M’s with regular M&M’s, chocolate chips, or other candy-coated chocolates you enjoy. Just keep the quantity similar to maintain the balance of texture and sweetness.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them soft longer, add a slice of bread in the container, which helps keep moisture in. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Prepare the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just bring the dough to room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking for best results.
