These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s cookies are a fun and colorful treat that’s perfect for sharing with someone special. They combine the rich, chocolaty crunch of Oreos with festive red and pink M&M’s, all baked into soft, chewy cookies. The mix of textures and that burst of candy sweetness makes every bite a little celebration.
I love making these cookies because they bring such a happy vibe to the kitchen. The bright M&M’s make them look like little love-filled treasures, and the Oreo pieces add a delightful surprise in each bite. Plus, they’re so easy to customize—just swap out the colors for any holiday or occasion and you’re set.
My favorite way to enjoy these cookies is fresh out of the oven with a cold glass of milk. They’re also a big hit at parties and make a sweet little gift when wrapped up with a ribbon. Honestly, baking these cookies always puts me in a cheerful mood—you just can’t help but smile when you see all that chocolate and those cute candies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over saltiness. If you want a dairy-free cookie, try coconut oil as a substitute, but it may slightly change the texture.
Oreo Cookies: These add crunch and a chocolate-vanilla flavor. If you can’t find Oreos, any chocolate sandwich cookie works. Break them into chunks for better texture.
Valentine’s Day M&M’s: These colorful candies bring crunch and sweetness. You can swap for plain M&M’s or other chocolate candies. For a sugar-free option, use sugar-free chocolate chips.
Sprinkles & Marshmallows: They give a festive look and some extra texture. Feel free to use any themed sprinkles or skip marshmallows if you prefer a simpler cookie.
How Do I Make Sure the Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
Soft cookies are all about ingredients and baking time! Here are steps to get chewy Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s cookies:
- Use a mix of granulated and brown sugar—the brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add flour; gentle folding keeps the cookies tender.
- Bake at 350°F and watch closely—remove cookies when edges are lightly golden but centers still look soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before moving; they firm up but stay chewy inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – sturdy and flat for even baking without warping.
- Parchment paper – stops cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – one large for wet ingredients and one for sifting dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – helps cream butter and sugar quickly for a fluffy dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts to get perfect texture.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – to portion dough evenly so cookies bake uniformly.
- Cooling rack – lets air circulate so cookies cool evenly and don’t get soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Oreos for chopped peanut butter cups to add a nutty twist and creamy texture.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of M&M’s for a sweeter, creamier cookie.
- Add chopped dried strawberries or cherries for a tart pop that complements the chocolate.
- Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder to give the cookies a warm or spicy kick.
Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins & Decorations:
- 10 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped (reserve some halves for topping)
- 3/4 cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s (pink, red, white)
- 1/4 cup Valentine-themed sprinkles
- Optional: pink heart-shaped marshmallows or candies for decoration
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for baking. Allow an additional 5-10 minutes for cookie cooling, so plan for a total time of roughly 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes using an electric mixer. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
4. Add Oreos and M&M’s:
Gently fold in the roughly chopped Oreos and Valentine’s Day M&M’s, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
5. Shape and Decorate the Cookies:
Scoop the cookie dough with a cookie scoop or tablespoon onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing the dough about 2 inches apart. Press a half Oreo, extra M&M’s, heart-shaped marshmallows (if using), and some Valentine-themed sprinkles on top of each cookie mound to add fun decoration and festive flair.
6. Bake:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden while the centers still look soft.
7. Cool and Serve:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these colorful, chewy Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s cookies fresh with a glass of milk or give them as a sweet gift!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for creamy, well-mixed dough. If your butter is frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge or soften quickly by microwaving in 5-second bursts until pliable but not melted.
Can I Substitute Oreos with Another Cookie?
Absolutely! Chocolate sandwich cookies or any crunchy cookies work well. Just chop them roughly to keep a good texture and flavor contrast in the cookies.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Let dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking for best results.