Game Day M&M Cookies: The Ultimate Sweet Touch for Your Super Bowl Party
Festive colors and chocolate bursts add a playful spin to your dessert lineup.
M&M cookies are more than just a crowd-pleasing treat—they’re a canvas for celebration, carrying the colors and spirit of any big game right onto your dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a major Super Bowl bash or simply want to brighten up an everyday gathering, these soft, chewy cookies with bursts of candy-coated chocolate offer festive fun and big flavor in every bite.
Why M&M Cookies are a Game Day Favorite
Cookies are a playoff classic, and adding M&Ms in your favorite team’s colors makes them instantly on-theme. These Game Day M&M Cookies start with an irresistible sugar cookie base enhanced with brown sugar for added depth. The result is a cookie that’s crispy at the edges, ultra-chewy in the center, and loaded with pops of color and chocolate.
- Customizable Colors: Match the M&Ms to your favorite team or holiday for a showstopping effect.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The blend of sugars creates a rich interior with just the right amount of chew.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Dough can be prepped in advance, perfect for planning big parties.
- Crowd Pleaser: Both kids and adults will reach for these cookies at any gathering.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Super Bowl M&M Cookies
This recipe is based on a classic sugar cookie dough, made with pantry staples and plenty of colorful M&Ms. For best results, use fresh baking powder and room temperature butter and eggs.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Light brown sugar, packed | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 tsp |
| M&Ms (Super Bowl colors or your choice) | 1 1/2 cups, plus extra for topping |
Pro Tip:
Order or sort out M&Ms by team colors to match your event theme. Specialty party stores or online retailers offer single-color packs if you want an exact match for your favorite teams.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown and white sugars on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated—do not overmix.
- Add M&Ms: Gently fold in the M&Ms, reserving 1/4 cup for pressing on top of the cookies before baking.
- Form the Cookies: Scoop dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) onto prepared baking sheets, spacing at least 2 inches apart. If desired, refrigerate dough balls for 20–30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Decorate: Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough mound for a more colorful finish.
- Bake: Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are just golden and the centers are still a little soft. Rotate the sheets halfway through baking.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect M&M Cookies Every Time
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the flour can lead to tougher cookies. Mix just until the flour is incorporated.
- Chill for Thicker Cookies: For extra thick and chewy cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Slightly underbaking yields chewier centers. Remove from the oven when they look slightly underdone; they will finish on the hot tray.
- Maintain Color: Add extra M&Ms on top before baking for cookies that look as good as they taste.
Ways to Customize Your Cookies
- Team Pride: Pick M&Ms in your favorite sport team’s colors, or get creative with the colors for holidays (Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s, Halloween, etc.).
- Add Chocolate Chips: For more chocolate, swap out 1/2 cup of M&Ms for chocolate chips.
- Go Nutty: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor depth.
- Mix in Oats: Add 1/2 cup of quick oats for texture—great if you love chewy cookies with bite.
- Use Browned Butter: For a toasty, complex flavor, try browning half the butter before incorporating it into your sugar mixture. Be sure it’s cool before use.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Arrange cookies on a large tray with team-colored napkins for a festive centerpiece.
- Stack the cookies into clear jars or cellophane bags tied with team-colored ribbon for grab-and-go party favors.
- Pair cookies with glasses of ice-cold milk—the classic cookie companion.
- Serve with other finger foods on a dessert platter for a complete game day spread.
What others are reading
Storing and Freezing Cookies
M&M cookies keep well, making them a great make-ahead option for busy party prep.
- Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of sandwich bread or tortilla to keep them soft.
- Freezer (Baked): Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Freezer (Dough): Scoop dough balls and freeze on a sheet until solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I keep my M&Ms from cracking during baking?
Gently press most of the M&Ms into the tops of the dough just before baking. This helps them stay visible and reduces surface cracks caused by oven heat.
Can I use other candies in place of M&Ms?
Absolutely! Try chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped candy bars for fun flavor variations. Adjust quantities as desired.
What’s the secret to a chewy center?
Use a blend of brown and white sugars, don’t overbake, and let the cookies finish setting on the baking sheet after they’re out of the oven.
How do I get extra vibrant cookies for themed parties?
Use custom-colored M&Ms that match your party’s colors—online retailers often sell single-color bags for total customization.
Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate it overnight?
Yes, chilling dough overnight improves flavor and makes for thicker cookies. Just let dough sit out for 10–15 minutes if it’s too firm to scoop.
Make Your Super Bowl (or Any Party) Unforgettable
M&M cookies are the ultimate way to add a playful, celebratory touch to any event, from Super Bowl Sunday to birthday parties or classroom celebrations. With a few simple tweaks, you can match them to any season, occasion, or personal taste.
So as you prep for your next game day get-together, remember: a platter of chewy, colorful cookies is always a winning move. Happy baking, and may your team—and your dessert table—score big!
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mz8WZUwdBks
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11815/browned-butter-mm-cookies/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a83414/super-bowl-mm-cookies/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g35091619/super-bowl-desserts/
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