Irresistibly Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies: A Family Favorite Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Oatmeal M&M Cookies – perfectly soft and delightfully chewy, each bite bursting with pockets of gooey chocolate chips and a vibrant explosion of colorful M&M’s. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a batch of heartwarming cookies that are sure to become a cherished family favorite.

There’s something inherently comforting about a batch of homemade cookies, especially when they feature the wholesome goodness of oats. Much like our beloved Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies or the classic Apple Oatmeal Cookies, these Oatmeal M&M Cookies deliver on both flavor and texture. They’re straightforward to make, requiring no fancy equipment, and promise a delicious reward that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to a simple weeknight indulgence.

Why These Oatmeal M&M Cookies Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

In a world full of complex recipes and elaborate desserts, sometimes all you crave is a simple, satisfying cookie. These Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies fit the bill perfectly. While the holiday season often floods our feeds with intricate dinner ideas and decorative treats, my heart, and often my Pinterest board, gravitates towards a plate piled high with comforting cookies. And these M&M-studded oatmeal cookies are exactly what I reach for.

Imagine dunking one of these soft, chocolate and candy-filled bites into a cold glass of milk, a moment of pure bliss even amidst the hustle and bustle of planning a festive meal or tackling an endless shopping list. What makes this recipe truly stand out is its incredible ease. We utilize melted butter for the dough, which means you can skip the stand mixer entirely. No creaming, no whipping – just a simple stirring process. This technique results in an incredibly tender, chewy cookie texture that’s utterly irresistible. All it takes is a quick mix, a couple of hours of chilling, and then you’re ready to scoop and bake your way to cookie perfection.

Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but these cookies also boast a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The hearty chewiness of old-fashioned oats provides a rustic base, perfectly complemented by the rich, melting chocolate chips and the playful crunch of M&M candies. Their vibrant colors make them a visual treat, ideal for brightening any dessert platter, especially during holidays or celebrations. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, offering a nostalgic taste with every bite.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Oatmeal M&M Cookies

Crafting these delectable oatmeal M&M cookies requires a balanced blend of dry and wet ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature soft and chewy texture with bursts of flavor. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Old-fashioned oats: 1.5 cups (not quick cooking oats, as old-fashioned oats provide the best chewiness and texture).
• All-purpose flour: 1 cup (the base for our cookie structure).
• Baking powder: ¾ teaspoon (helps with lift and tenderness).
• Baking soda: ½ teaspoon (contributes to spread and browning).
• Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon (adds warmth and depth of flavor, classic with oats).
• Ground cloves: ⅛ teaspoon (optional, but highly recommended for an extra layer of warm spice, especially for fall or holiday baking).
• Salt: ½ teaspoon (balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors).
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted and cooled (using melted butter is key to the no-mixer method and contributes to the chewy texture).
• Pure vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon (essential for a rich, aromatic flavor).
• Packed light brown sugar: ½ cup (provides moisture, chewiness, and a lovely caramel-like flavor).
• Granulated sugar: ¼ cup (for sweetness and contributes to the crispness around the edges).
• Large egg: 1 (acts as a binder and helps with richness).
• Chocolate chips: 1 cup (any kind will work – milk, semi-sweet, or white – choose your favorite!).
• M&M’s candy: 1 cup (adds color, crunch, and extra chocolatey goodness).

Using old-fashioned oats is crucial for the desired chewy texture. Quick-cooking oats are cut smaller and absorb liquid faster, which can result in a cakier or drier cookie. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar is intentional; brown sugar imparts moisture and a soft chew, while granulated sugar helps with a slight crispness on the exterior. Don’t skip the cooling step for the melted butter – adding warm butter to the other ingredients can affect the dough’s consistency and lead to greasy, spreading cookies.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake the Best Oatmeal M&M Cookies

Follow these simple instructions to create a batch of the most delicious and satisfying oatmeal M&M cookies. The key to success lies in proper measurement and a bit of patience with chilling the dough.

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves (if using), and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the cooled melted butter, pure vanilla extract, packed light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and the large egg. Stir vigorously with a spoon or spatula until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
3. Integrate Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir with a sturdy spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and lead to tougher cookies. The dough will be noticeably sticky at this stage.
4. Fold in Chocolates and Candies: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&M candies until they are evenly distributed throughout the sticky dough. Make sure every cookie gets a generous share of these delightful additions.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For best results and to enhance the flavor and texture, chilling the dough overnight is highly recommended. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld.
6. Prepare for Baking: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
7. Scoop and Space: Using a medium-sized cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons), scoop out uniform portions of the chilled dough. Place the scoops onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading. For an extra aesthetic touch, you can press a few additional chocolate chips and M&M’s onto the top of each dough ball before baking.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 13 to 15 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden brown and set, but the centers still look slightly soft and chewy. For me, 14 minutes often yields the perfect result.
9. Cooling Process: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the hot baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set up further and prevents them from breaking when transferred. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the warm cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips for Perfectly Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies

Achieving that perfect soft and chewy texture, along with beautiful, vibrant cookies, is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher, drier cookies. A few streaks of flour are fine; they’ll disappear during the chilling process.
• The Importance of Chilling: Do not skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours (or even better, overnight) solidifies the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the oats to fully absorb moisture, resulting in a chewier cookie, and gives the flavors time to deepen, enhancing the overall taste.
• Use Old-Fashioned Oats: While quick oats can be used in a pinch, old-fashioned (rolled) oats are essential for the best chewy texture. Quick oats are cut finer and will result in a less chewy, more cake-like cookie.
• Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate results, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping flour directly from the bag can compact it, leading to too much flour and a dry, dense cookie.
• Cool the Melted Butter: Ensure your melted butter has cooled completely before mixing it with the sugars and egg. Hot butter can start to cook the egg and affect the dough’s consistency, potentially leading to greasy, flat cookies.
• Uniform Cookie Size: Using a cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are the same size, which means they will bake evenly. This prevents some cookies from being underdone while others are overbaked.
• Don’t Overbake: For soft and chewy cookies, it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake. The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet even after they’ve been removed from the oven. Look for edges that are set and lightly golden, with centers that still appear slightly soft.
• Add Extra M&M’s and Chips: For a picture-perfect finish, press a few extra M&M’s and chocolate chips onto the tops of the cookie dough balls just before baking. This makes the cookies look even more appealing.

Storage Solutions for Your Homemade Cookies

Keeping your Oatmeal M&M Cookies fresh and delicious is key to enjoying them for longer. Proper storage will help maintain their desirable soft and chewy texture:

How to Store Baked Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. A cookie jar with a rubber seal in the lid is an excellent choice. Store them at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. To keep them extra soft, you can place a slice of bread in the container; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, maintaining their chewiness.

Can You Freeze Baked Cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Once fully cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, or until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Creative Variations & Serving Ideas

These Oatmeal M&M Cookies are fantastic as is, but they also offer a versatile base for creativity. Here are a few ways to switch things up and enjoy them:

Make Them Into Cookie Bars

Yes, you can absolutely transform this recipe into convenient cookie bars! Simply press the entire batch of dough evenly into an 8-inch square baking pan that has been lined with parchment paper. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let them cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting them into squares. This is a great option for parties or when you want a quick dessert without scooping individual cookies.

Create “Cookies in a Jar” for Gifting

This recipe is perfect for a thoughtful, homemade gift! Layer the dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, salt, sugars) beautifully in a clean, clear jar. Write down the wet ingredients (melted butter, vanilla extract, egg) and the baking instructions on a charming tag to attach to the jar. Don’t forget to include the M&M’s and chocolate chips as the final layer in the jar, or in a separate small bag tied to it. It’s a delightful present that allows the recipient to bake fresh cookies whenever they wish.

Other Delicious Mix-ins

Feel free to experiment with different additions to customize your cookies:

• Nuts: Add ½ to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried cherries can add a pleasant chewiness and fruity note.
• Different M&M Flavors: Try peanut M&M’s, crispy M&M’s, or seasonal M&M’s for different textures and holiday themes.
• White Chocolate Chips: Swap out some of the milk/semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate for a creamier contrast.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are wonderful on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your cookie experience:

• Classic with Milk: Nothing beats a warm cookie with a tall glass of cold milk.
• Coffee or Tea Companion: A perfect treat alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Press softened vanilla ice cream between two cooled cookies for a decadent dessert.
• With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping for a slightly more elegant presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oatmeal M&M Cookies

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you bake the best possible oatmeal M&M cookies.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

While old-fashioned oats are recommended for their robust texture and chewiness, you can use quick oats if that’s all you have. However, be aware that the texture of the cookies will be softer and less chewy. You might also need to slightly reduce the amount of flour by a tablespoon or two, as quick oats absorb liquid differently.

Why is chilling the dough so important?

Chilling the dough is a crucial step for several reasons:

1. Prevents Spreading: It solidifies the butter, which helps the cookies hold their shape better and prevents them from spreading too thin during baking.
2. Enhances Flavor: It allows the ingredients to fully hydrate and the flavors to meld, resulting in a more complex and delicious cookie.
3. Improves Texture: The rest period helps create a chewier cookie by allowing the oats to soften and absorb moisture from the dough.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these Oatmeal M&M Cookies will stay fresh and delicious for 5 to 7 days. If you freeze them, they can last for up to 3 months.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can! To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Additionally, ensure you use certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats, as regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated with wheat during processing.

My cookies turned out flat. What went wrong?

Flat cookies are often a result of one of a few common issues:

• Warm Butter: Using butter that isn’t fully cooled after melting.
• Insufficient Chilling: Not chilling the dough long enough (or at all).
• Too Much Butter: Incorrect measurement of butter.
• Expired Leavening Agents: Baking soda or baking powder that has lost its potency.
• Oven Temperature: An oven that isn’t accurately calibrated and is running too hot.

Ensure you follow the chilling instructions and use fresh ingredients for the best results!

More Delicious Cookie Recipes to Try

If you’ve fallen in love with these oatmeal M&M cookies, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our delightful cookie creations:

• Oatmeal Carrot Cookies
• Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
• Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies
• Perfect Sugar Cookies

For even more fantastic cookie ideas and sweet treats, feel free to browse our Cookies Category. You’re sure to find your next favorite recipe!

Your Complete Recipe for Irresistible Oatmeal M&M Cookies

Oatmeal M&M Cookies

Author: Anna

These Oatmeal M&M Cookies are soft and chewy oatmeal cookies packed with gooey chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s! A delightful treat for any occasion.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 13-15 mins
• Total Time: 23-25 mins (plus chilling time)
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup old-fashioned oats (not quick cooking)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted and cooled
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup chocolate chips (any kind will work: milk, semi-sweet, or white)
• 1 cup M&M’s candy

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves (if using), and salt.
2. In another mixing bowl, stir together the cooled melted butter, vanilla, both sugars, and the egg. Stir until well combined.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough will be sticky.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips and M&M candy until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for preventing spreading and enhancing flavor.
6. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
7. Scoop the dough with a medium-sized cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons). Place scoops of dough on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Optionally, press a few extra chocolate chips and M&M’s onto the top of each dough ball.
8. Bake cookies for 13 to 15 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers should still look slightly soft.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

1. You can use any variety of chocolate chips you prefer – milk, semi-sweet, or white chocolate all work wonderfully in this recipe.
2. For a convenient treat, you can press the entire cookie dough batch into an 8-inch square baking pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes to create delicious cookie bars.
3. Please note that the nutritional values provided are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and products you use. Always use a calorie counter or nutritional calculator you are familiar with for precise information.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 45mg | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 145IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.6mg

We love seeing your creations! If you try this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag us @crunchycreamysweet so we can admire your delicious cookies and leave a comment! We can’t wait to see them! 😊