These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s cookies are a fun and colorful treat that’s packed with chocolatey goodness. Crushed Oreos add a nice crunch, and the red and pink M&M’s give the cookies a festive look perfect for the holiday. They’re soft and chewy with a little bit of crispiness around the edges, making every bite a little celebration.
I love making these cookies because they’re super easy to whip up and always a hit with friends and family. Mixing in the Oreos gives the dough a little extra texture that’s really fun to bite into. Plus, I always sneak a few M&M’s before they go into the oven, just to test the quality. Someone has to do the quality check, right?
For serving, I like to put these cookies on a cute plate and maybe add a handwritten note or some fresh flowers nearby for a little extra Valentine’s Day charm. They’re perfect for sharing, but honestly, I don’t blame anyone for wanting to keep a whole batch all to themselves! Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just for a sweet treat, these cookies bring the right mix of love and chocolate.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control salt levels. If you need a dairy-free version, try coconut oil—but expect a slight coconut flavor.
Oreos: Crushed Oreos add great texture and chocolate flavor. You can swap for any chocolate sandwich cookie if Oreos aren’t available.
M&M’s: The Valentine’s themed M&M’s bring fun color and a candy crunch. Plain red, pink, or white candies or chocolate chips can work, too.
Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure. For gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
How Can I Get Soft Yet Crispy Valentine’s Day Cookies?
To get chewy centers and crisp edges, follow these tips:
- Cream the butter and sugars well to add air for lightness.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour; mix until just combined.
- Bake at 350°F and watch closely, around 10-12 minutes, and take them out when edges are golden but centers are still soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet first to finish cooking and firm up the edges.
- Adding crushed Oreos inside boosts texture without making cookies too soft.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – sturdy and flat to bake the cookies evenly without warping.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mixing bowls – one large for dough and one small for dry ingredients helps keep things organized.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts to get perfect cookie texture.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – helps portion dough evenly so cookies bake uniformly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap crushed Oreos for chopped chocolate bars for gooey chocolate chunks in every bite.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a little crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of M&M’s for a creamy, sweet twist that contrasts the Oreos.
- Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a tart pop that pairs nicely with the chocolate.
Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies
- 1/2 cup Valentine’s Day sprinkles (varied shapes and colors)
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day themed M&M’s (heart-shaped or red, pink, white)
For Decorating:
- 12 Valentine’s Day Oreo cookies (heart-shaped if possible), halved
- Optional: softened pink or red frosting
- Additional heart-shaped candies and sprinkles for topping
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake per batch. Allow 5 minutes cooling time on the tray and another 10-15 minutes on a wire rack. Total time is roughly 40-45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined.
Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies and half of your Valentine’s Day M&M’s for a fun mix of flavors and textures.
3. Bake and Decorate:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion generous balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers appear soft.
Remove the cookies from the oven and quickly press a halved Valentine’s Day Oreo into the center of each warm cookie. If you like, spread a thin layer of softened pink or red frosting around the Oreo.
Finish by decorating with the remaining M&M’s, extra heart-shaped candies, and sprinkles for a festive Valentine’s Day touch.
4. Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, your cookies are ready to be enjoyed and shared with loved ones!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for creaming with the sugars. If your butter is frozen, let it thaw completely and soften in the fridge overnight or on the counter for about an hour before baking.
Can I Substitute M&M’s With Other Candies?
Absolutely! You can swap M&M’s with chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or any themed candies you prefer. Just keep in mind that candy coatings help maintain color and shape during baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to store them longer, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilling the dough can actually improve the flavor and texture of the cookies.
