Description

Celebrate the spring season with these festive Easter Cookies loaded with colorful M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and pastel sprinkles. These soft and chewy cookies are easy to make, perfect for baking with family, and bring a delightful burst of sweetness and crunch to your holiday treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1½ cups plus one tablespoon all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter (softened but still cool)
½ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup brown sugar (lightly packed, fresh and soft)
1 large egg (cold, straight from the fridge)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Mix-ins and Decorations

¾ cup Easter/spring M&M’s (plus extra for topping, if desired)
½ cup white chocolate chips or chunks (plus extra for topping, if desired)
¼ cup pastel sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside this mixture to combine later with the wet ingredients.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the cold egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined, scraping down the bowl sides as needed for uniformity.
Combine Flour Mixture: On low speed, gradually add the whisked dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping cookies tender.
Stir in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the Easter-themed M&M’s and white chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough without breaking.
Shape Dough Balls and Add Sprinkles: Scoop dough portions between 1½ and 2½ tablespoons each. Roll the tops of each ball gently in a shallow bowl filled with pastel sprinkles to coat them.
Chill Dough (Optional): For slightly thicker cookies, chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before baking, or proceed to baking right away for softer edges.
Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls onto the prepared sheets, leaving at least 1 to 2 inches between each to allow spreading. Aim for mounded shapes rather than flattened to retain cookie thickness.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 11 minutes until the edges are set but centers remain slightly underdone, achieving a soft, chewy texture.
Cool Completely: Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks and let the cookies cool entirely. While still warm, optionally press additional M&M’s or chocolate chips on top for extra decoration and chocolate bursts.

Notes

Baking times can vary depending on oven performance; watch carefully to remove the cookies once edges are set but centers remain slightly soft for ideal texture.
Chilling the dough helps control spread and results in thicker cookies but is optional if you prefer a quicker bake.
Using fresh brown sugar ensures the dough stays moist and flavorful.
For a festive presentation, use pastel-colored M&M’s and sprinkles themed around the spring/Easter holiday.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-11 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Easter cookies, spring cookies, M&M cookies, white chocolate chip cookies, festive holiday treats, soft chewy cookies