Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies are a fun and festive treat that bring together the crunch of Oreos, the colorful pop of M&M’s, and the soft chewiness of classic cookies. These cookies are bursting with bits of chocolate sandwich cookies and sweet candy-coated chocolates, making every bite a little surprise.
I love making these cookies because they’re so cheerful and perfect for sharing with people you care about. The mix of textures – crispy Oreo pieces with smooth cookie dough and those bright M&M’s – always makes me smile. Plus, they’re really easy to customize with your favorite candies or add a touch of pink and red sprinkles for that extra Valentine’s vibe.
My favorite way to enjoy these cookies is with a glass of cold milk or even a warm cup of tea. They’re great for packing into a little gift box or just leaving a stack on the kitchen counter for friends and family to munch on through the day. They’re truly a simple way to spread a little love and sweetness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the saltiness. If you want a lower-fat version, you can use half butter and half applesauce, but the texture will be less rich.
Oreo Cookies: Crushed Oreos add that chocolate crunch and creaminess. If you can’t find Oreos, any chocolate sandwich cookie will work well.
Valentine’s M&M’s: These add color and a fun crunch. You can swap in regular M&M’s or other candy-coated chocolates in your favorite colors if needed.
Sprinkles: Heart-shaped sprinkles are perfect for Valentine’s Day. If you don’t have these, regular colored sprinkles or even colored sugar crystals will work.
How Do You Make Sure the Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
Soft, chewy cookies are a delight! Here’s how to get there:
- Cream butter and sugars well: Beat until light and fluffy to trap air for a tender crumb.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add flour, mix gently until just combined to keep the dough soft.
- Watch baking time: Bake until edges are golden, but centers look slightly underbaked to keep chewiness.
- Cool on baking sheet: Let cookies rest for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Following these tips means you’ll get those perfectly soft cookies every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – one large for dough and one smaller for dry ingredients; makes mixing simple and mess-free.
- Electric mixer or sturdy whisk – helps cream butter and sugar until fluffy for soft cookies.
- Baking sheets – flat and rimmed to hold cookies as they spread while baking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts to get perfect cookie texture.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – ensures evenly sized cookies for consistent baking.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Oreos with crushed peanut butter cups for a nutty twist that pairs well with M&M’s.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate drizzle for a creamy, sweet finish.
- Add chopped strawberries or freeze-dried raspberry pieces for a fresh fruity pop perfect for Valentine’s.
- Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny bit of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick that balances sweetness.
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 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 15 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day-themed M&M’s (red, pink, white)
- 1/4 cup Valentine-themed sprinkles (pink hearts, white hearts, etc.)
- Optional: 2 tbsp milk chocolate drizzle for decoration
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling before serving. Overall, you’ll spend around 35-40 minutes from start to finish, which includes decorating and optional drizzling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and soft.
4. Add Oreo and M&M’s:
Fold in the roughly chopped Oreos and about 3/4 cup of the Valentine’s Day M&M’s, saving some M&M’s and all the sprinkles to press on top before baking.
5. Shape and Decorate:
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Gently press extra M&M’s and sprinkles on top of each cookie dough ball for a festive look.
6. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft. Be careful not to overbake for chewy cookies.
7. Cool and Optional Finish:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, melt some milk chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra special touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These Valentine’s Day cookies are perfect for sharing or gifting. Enjoy their soft, chewy texture combined with crunchy Oreo bits and colorful M&M’s, complete with sweet heart-shaped sprinkles—perfect for celebrating love and sweetness!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for creaming with the sugars, which helps create the perfect cookie texture. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I Substitute Regular M&M’s for Valentine’s Day M&M’s?
Absolutely! Regular M&M’s work just as well. If you want to keep the festive Valentine’s theme, try to pick red, pink, or white M&M’s, or add themed sprinkles on top for color.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cookies 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 24 hours before baking. This can actually improve the flavor and texture. Just let refrigerated dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
