Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies are a fun and colorful twist on classic cookies that bring together the crunch of Oreo pieces and the sweet pop of M&M’s. These cookies are soft and chewy with little bursts of chocolatey goodness, perfect for celebrating the day with a sweet treat. The red, pink, and white M&M’s add a festive touch that makes them stand out on any cookie plate.
I love making these cookies because they’re simple to whip up but always get a big smile from anyone who tries them. Mixing the Oreos into the dough gives a playful texture that’s different from your usual cookie, and the Valentine’s Day M&M’s just make them feel special. I usually bake a batch in the afternoon and sneak a few warm, gooey cookies before dinner—I think that’s part of the magic!
These cookies are great for sharing with friends, family, or even as a thoughtful gift wrapped up with a little note. I find they’re especially fun to bake with kids, who enjoy folding in the colorful candies and breaking up the Oreos. Whether it’s for a party, a school treat, or just a cozy night in, these cookies bring a little extra sweetness to Valentine’s Day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using melted butter gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture. If you need a dairy-free option, plant-based butter works well—but keep it melted for the same texture.
Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar keeps the cookies moist and chewy, while granulated sugar adds a little crunch. You can replace light brown sugar with dark brown for a deeper flavor.
Oreos: Chopped Oreo cookies add nice crunch and flavor contrast. If you don’t have Oreos, chocolate sandwich cookies or any chocolate cookie can work.
M&M’s: Valentine’s Day themed M&M’s add color and a bit of chocolate crunch. You can switch them to plain chocolate M&M’s or even Reese’s Pieces for a peanutty twist.
How Do I Keep My Cookies Soft But Not Too Gooey?
Getting the perfect soft cookie means watching your bake time closely and using the right ingredients. Here’s what helps:
- Scoop cookie dough generously but keep cookies spaced to prevent spreading.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for around 10-12 minutes. Remove cookies just as edges turn golden but centers still look slightly underbaked.
- Let cookies cool a few minutes on the sheet before moving them to a rack to finish setting. This keeps centers soft but not raw.
Also, the mix of melted butter and brown sugar encourages chewiness, while the addition of egg yolk makes cookies tender but firm enough to hold add-ins like Oreos and M&M’s without falling apart.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – handy for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Electric mixer or sturdy spoon – makes mixing dough easier and smoother.
- Baking sheets – use heavy-duty ones for even baking without warping.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent sticking and help bake cookies evenly.
- Scoop or tablespoon – helps portion dough evenly for uniform cookies.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool properly and stay crisp on the edges.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Valentine’s M&M’s for peanut butter M&M’s to add a nutty flavor and a fun twist.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of some or all M&M’s for extra creaminess and subtle sweetness.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch and a bit of warmth to the cookie texture.
- Mix in dried cherries or cranberries for a tart pop that pairs well with chocolate and adds color.
Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins and Toppings:
- 1 cup broken Oreo cookie pieces (about 8 Oreos, roughly chopped)
- 3/4 cup Valentine’s Day-themed M&M’s (pink, red, white)
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles, crushed peppermint candies, and heart-shaped marshmallows for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Cooling takes an additional 5 minutes on the baking sheet plus time to cool completely on a wire rack. Overall, plan for about 30 minutes from start to ready-to-eat cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mix aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
4. Make the Cookie Dough:
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined—try not to overmix, so the cookies stay tender. Then gently fold in the chopped Oreo pieces and Valentine-themed M&M’s so they’re evenly spread in the dough.
5. Shape and Decorate Cookies:
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Press extra Oreo pieces, M&M’s, heart-shaped marshmallows, and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies or Valentine’s sprinkles on top for a festive look.
6. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers still feel soft. Take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s cookies are now ready to enjoy! Soft, chewy, and packed with colorful candies and Oreos, they’re perfect for celebrating with loved ones.
Can I Use Frozen Butter for the Dough?
It’s best to use melted butter that’s slightly cooled rather than frozen or cold butter. Melted butter helps create chewy cookies, while cold butter can lead to a different texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months—just thaw before eating.
Can I Substitute Oreos with Another Cookie?
Absolutely! You can use any chocolate sandwich cookies or even chocolate chip cookies broken into chunks if Oreos aren’t available. This will slightly change the flavor but still work deliciously.
What’s the Best Way to Make These Cookies Extra Festive?
Decorate the tops of each cookie dough ball with colorful Valentine’s-themed M&M’s, sprinkles, or heart-shaped marshmallows before baking. They add fun texture and a cute holiday look!