If you have a sweet tooth and love the nostalgic crunch and color of M&Ms, then the M&M Chocolate Cake Batter Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These cookies capture all the irresistible chocolaty goodness of a cake batter but come in a cozy, handheld cookie form studded with vibrant M&Ms that add a delightful pop of color and texture. They bake up soft yet slightly crisp on the edges, offering a perfect balance of flavors that feel like a little party in your mouth every time you take a bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a family dessert, or a quick indulgence, this recipe is incredibly straightforward and an absolute joy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this recipe because each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect M&M Chocolate Cake Batter Cookies. The chocolate cake mix creates that rich, cake-like base while eggs add moisture and help bind everything together. Butter and oil bring that melt-in-your-mouth softness and richness, and of course, the M&Ms add fun crunch and vibrancy.
- Chocolate cake mix (13 oz box): The foundation of the cookie’s flavor and texture, providing that authentic cake batter taste.
- Eggs (2): Essential for structure and moisture, ensuring the cookies aren’t dry.
- Butter, room temperature (½ cup): Adds creaminess and richness, helping the cookies stay tender.
- Oil (¼ cup): Keeps the cookies soft and slightly chewy.
- M&Ms (as desired): The star embellishments that provide color, sweetness, and a playful crunch.
How to Make M&M Chocolate Cake Batter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Mix
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, oil, and softened butter with the chocolate cake mix. Use a spoon or electric mixer to blend everything until you get a smooth cookie dough that’s firm enough to scoop but still moist. This simple mix-up forms the base of your M&M Chocolate Cake Batter Cookies Recipe and sets you up for delicious results with minimal fuss.
Step 2: Scoop the Dough
Grab a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough. Drop neat mounds of dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Using parchment helps with an easy cleanup and ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, keeping their pretty shape.
Step 3: Flatten and Decorate
Wet your fingers to gently press down each cookie mound just slightly — this helps them bake uniformly and creates that classic cookie look. Now comes the fun part: press as many M&M pieces as you like right onto the tops of the cookies. They’ll melt slightly in the oven and become extra colorful and tempting.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for about 8 minutes or until their edges turn a light golden brown. Watch them closely because the edges crisp up fast while the insides remain soft and cake-like. Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes after baking; this lets them set properly, so they don’t crumble when you transfer them to a cooling rack.
How to Serve M&M Chocolate Cake Batter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. The salty contrast enhances the sweet chocolate and candy flavors beautifully. Alternatively, drizzle a little melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decorative and decadent finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine wonderfully alongside a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. The classic combos allow you to enjoy the rich sweetness while balancing it with creamy or bitter notes, making every bite feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these colorful cookies on a vibrant platter for parties or box them in decorative tins for gift-giving occasions. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of frosting or cream cheese filling to turn the M&M Chocolate Cake Batter Cookies Recipe into a delightful cookie sandwich treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for snacking anytime you want a quick sweet pick-me-up without baking again.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, they freeze beautifully. Layer them between parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container or bag, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as delightful as freshly baked.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop cookie leftovers in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300 degrees for a few minutes. This revives the softness and melts the M&Ms slightly for a magical treat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix instead of chocolate?
Absolutely! While chocolate offers the best flavor contrast with M&Ms, vanilla or funfetti cake mixes also work well and create a lighter taste with colorful pops from the candies.
Do I need to refrigerate the cookie dough before baking?
For this particular recipe, refrigerating is not necessary. The dough bakes up beautifully right after mixing, saving you time.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 20 generous cookies, perfect for sharing or indulging over several days.
Can I substitute M&Ms with other candies or chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Mini chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or even chopped up peanut butter cups all make excellent alternatives.
Are these cookies crispy or soft?
They come out soft and moist in the center with slightly crisp edges, combining the best qualities of a cake and a cookie in every bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and irresistibly tasty dessert to brighten your day, the M&M Chocolate Cake Batter Cookies Recipe is the one to try. It brings together the best of cake and cookie worlds with a colorful twist that’s sure to put a smile on your face. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
M&M Chocolate Cake Batter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make M&M Chocolate Cake Batter Cookies, combining the rich taste of chocolate cake mix with colorful M&Ms for a fun and festive treat. Perfectly chewy with a slight crisp on the edges, these cookies bake quickly and are ideal for any occasion or snack time.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 13 oz box chocolate cake mix
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup oil
- M&Ms, amount as desired
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, oil, and softened butter with the chocolate cake mix. Stir thoroughly until you get a smooth, well-blended dough.
- Scoop Dough: Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto a parchment-lined baking tray, spacing them evenly so they have room to spread.
- Shape Cookies: Wet your fingers slightly and gently press down on each dough ball to flatten them just a bit. Then press as many M&Ms as you like onto the tops for a colorful finish.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 8 minutes or until the cookies turn golden brown around the edges. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the tray from the oven and allow the cookies to sit on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious cookies!
Notes
- Using room temperature butter helps the dough mix better for a uniform texture.
- Customize the number of M&Ms to your liking for more or less candy on top.
- Ensure not to overbake to maintain a soft, chewy center.
- If you prefer crisper cookies, leave them in the oven for a minute or two extra but watch closely.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
