Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies are a perfect little treat that combines soft, chewy cookie goodness with the crunchy burst of Oreo pieces and colorful M&M’s. These cookies are fun to make and even more fun to eat, especially with their festive red and pink candies that bring a cheerful vibe to any snack time. They have that perfect balance of rich chocolate and sweet candy that makes every bite exciting.
I love how these cookies bring together two favorite treats in one bite. The Oreo bits give that classic chocolate crunch, while the M&M’s add a fun pop of color and a little candy shell crunch. When I make these, I often sneak a few extra M&M’s on top before baking to make them look extra bright and festive. It’s a little trick that makes them feel special and perfect for sharing.
These cookies are great for Valentine’s Day parties, gifting to friends, or just enjoying at home with a glass of milk. I find they’re also a wonderful bake to get kids involved with around the holiday—they love mixing in the candies and seeing those colors pop on the cookie tray. Plus, they store well, so you can make a batch ahead and enjoy a sweet moment anytime.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted and softened butter helps control salt levels and mix smoothly. If you need a dairy-free option, try vegan butter or coconut oil, but the texture may be a little different.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugars give sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar adds chewiness. If you only have white sugar, your cookies might be crisper but still tasty.
Oreos: The crushed cookies add chocolatey crunch inside. If Oreos aren’t handy, any crunchy chocolate sandwich cookie works well.
M&M’s: Valentine-themed M&M’s make the cookies colorful and festive. Feel free to swap with regular M&M’s, or use chocolate chips and heart sprinkles for similar flair.
How Do I Keep the M&M’s from Melting Too Much During Baking?
To keep the M&M’s from melting into the cookie dough, add most of them when mixing but save some to press on top right before baking. This way, the candy shell stays intact and colorful.
- Fold M&M’s gently to avoid breaking the candy shells.
- Press reserved M&M’s lightly onto dough balls before putting them in the oven.
- Bake at 350°F and pull cookies when edges are golden but centers still a bit soft to preserve color and shape.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – sturdy and flat to help cookies bake evenly without spreading too much.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – stops cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – one big for the dough and one smaller for dry ingredients keeps mixing neat.
- Electric mixer or sturdy spoon – makes creaming butter and sugar faster and smoother.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – helps portion dough evenly for uniform cookies.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly and keeps bottoms from getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Oreo pieces for chopped chocolate chip cookies for a different crunch and flavor.
- Use peanut butter M&M’s instead of regular for a nutty twist I find fun.
- Add ½ cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to boost texture and add a toasty bite.
- Mix in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and creamy pockets.
How to Make Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies (about 10-12 cookies, roughly chopped)
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day themed M&M’s (red, pink, and white)
- ½ cup Valentine’s Day heart-shaped candies or sprinkles (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes per batch to bake. Including cooling time, plan for about 30-40 minutes before your delicious Valentine’s Day cookies are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Sheets and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make clean-up simple.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to keep your cookies soft and tender.
4. Add Oreos, M&M’s, and Candies:
Gently fold in the crushed Oreos, most of the M&M’s, and heart-shaped candies if using. Save a small handful of M&M’s and candies to press on top of each cookie before baking for a festive look.
5. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop about 2 tablespoons of dough onto each spot on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few reserved M&M’s and heart candies onto the top of each dough ball.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers look just a little soft. This helps keep the cookies chewy.
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they set up properly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now your festive Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies are ready to share and enjoy with a glass of milk!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for easy creaming. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temp before starting.
Can I Substitute Regular M&M’s for the Valentine’s Themed Ones?
Absolutely! Regular M&M’s work just as well and give great color and crunch—feel free to mix in other candy colors or even chocolate chips if you prefer.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Chilling helps develop flavor and controls spreading when baking.
