Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic crunch of Oreos with the colorful, chocolatey fun of M&M’s. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with little bursts of sweetness and crunch in every bite, making them perfect for celebrating love and friendship.
I love making these cookies because they’re not just yummy—they’re also super festive and easy to share. Tossing in those red, pink, and white M&M’s instantly gives them that Valentine’s Day vibe, and the Oreo pieces add a cool twist that everyone seems to enjoy. I often find myself sneaking a few warm from the oven, so delicious!
These cookies are great for sharing with friends, packing in lunchboxes, or even gifting in a cute little bag. I like to serve them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa to make the moment extra special. They’re a sweet way to spread a little love and happiness one cookie at a time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness better. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut oil, but expect a slight flavor change.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar helps create a chewy texture with a hint of caramel. You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a different flavor.
Oreo Cookies: These add crunch and a chocolate twist. If you want to make these gluten-free, use gluten-free sandwich cookies or skip them for extra M&M’s instead.
Valentine’s Day M&M’s and Sprinkles: They bring color and fun! If you can’t find holiday-specific ones, regular red, pink, and white candies work just as well.
How Do You Get the Best Cookie Texture with Mix-Ins?
To keep cookies soft with crunchy pieces inside, fold in the Oreos and M&M’s gently at the end. Over-mixing can make the dough tough.
- Scoop even-sized balls so cookies bake uniformly.
- Press candy and cookie pieces on top before baking to get pretty designs and extra crunch on top.
- Bake until edges are lightly golden and centers look just set, then cool on the pan for a few minutes to finish cooking without over-baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining wet and dry ingredients separately and then together without making a mess.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Baking sheets – you’ll bake your cookies on these; choose rimmed ones to keep cookies from sliding off.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – they stop cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – helps you get evenly sized dough balls for uniform baking.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly and keeps bottoms from becoming soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Valentine’s M&M’s with peanut butter or caramel M&M’s for a tasty twist and extra flavor layers.
- Use white chocolate chips or chunks instead of Oreos for a sweeter, creamier bite.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and a nutty contrast that pairs well here.
- Mix in mini marshmallows or drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking for a gooey, fun finish.
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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 10 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day-themed M&M’s (pink, red, white)
- 1/2 cup Valentine’s Day-themed sprinkles (including hearts and crunchy sprinkles)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake each batch, plus cooling time of around 10 minutes. Overall, you’ll have tasty, fresh cookies ready in under 40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Area:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay out parchment paper or silicone baking mats on your baking sheets to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until 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 combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and mix until just blended.
3. Add the Fun Stuff:
Gently fold in most of the chopped Oreo cookies and about half of the Valentine’s Day M&M’s. Save some pieces and candies to press on top of the cookies before baking for a pretty and festive look.
4. Form and Bake Your Cookies:
Drop cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press a few reserved Oreo pieces, M&M’s, and sprinkles on the tops for decoration. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden and the centers look set but still soft.
5. Cool and Serve:
Remove cookies from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to finish baking, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your chewy, colorful cookies fresh or store them in an airtight container.
Can I Use Frozen Oreos or M&M’s in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Oreos or M&M’s, but be sure to thaw them fully before mixing into the dough to avoid adding extra moisture that could affect the cookie texture.
How Do I Store These Valentine’s Day Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute Regular Chocolate Chips for M&M’s?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Valentine-themed M&M’s, regular chocolate chips or other candy-coated chocolates work great. Just add your preferred mix-ins and decorate with sprinkles if you want a festive touch.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps develop flavor and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.