Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and of course, delicious treats. While traditional Easter desserts often include hot cross buns, carrot cake, and chocolate eggs, there’s something truly special about the combination of chewy chocolate chip cookies with pastel-colored M&Ms. These Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together soft, buttery cookie dough, rich semi-sweet chocolate chips, and vibrant candy-coated M&Ms, making them the ultimate festive spring dessert.

What makes these cookies stand out is their perfectly chewy texture with a slightly crisp edge, thanks to the secret ingredient—cornstarch. This small but powerful addition keeps the cookies soft for days, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for Easter brunches, bake sales, or gifting.

What Makes These Cookies So Special?

These cookies take the classic chocolate chip cookie to the next level with Easter-themed pastel M&Ms, creating a dessert that is not only delicious but visually stunning. Unlike store-bought Easter sweets, these homemade cookies have the perfect balance of textures and flavors—buttery and chewy with the crunch of candy shells and melting chocolate in every bite.

They are also incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of pantry staples and a little bit of chilling time to ensure the best texture and flavor. If you’re looking for a festive yet foolproof cookie recipe, this one is a must-try.

The Story Behind These Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

A Holiday Twist on a Classic Favorite

The chocolate chip cookie is one of the most beloved desserts in the world. First created in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield, these cookies have stood the test of time, with countless variations emerging over the years. While some people prefer thin and crispy cookies, others love thick, soft, and chewy ones. This recipe leans towards the latter, making them perfect for an indulgent Easter treat.

The idea of adding pastel-colored M&Ms to classic chocolate chip cookies started as a way to make them more festive for spring holidays, especially Easter. The bright, cheerful colors of the M&Ms mimic the hues of Easter eggs, making these cookies feel extra special. They are perfect for Easter baskets, dessert tables, and even as a fun treat for Easter egg hunts.

Another advantage of these cookies is that they are kid-friendly and fun to make. Children love pressing extra M&Ms into the dough before baking, making this a perfect family baking activity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, Chewy & Buttery – The combination of brown sugar, butter, and cornstarch gives these cookies a rich, chewy texture that stays fresh for days.

Festive & Colorful – The pastel M&Ms add a beautiful pop of color, making these cookies perfect for Easter celebrations.

Easy to Make – No complicated techniques or special equipment required—just one mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a little patience while the dough chills.

Customizable – Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips, or use different seasonal M&Ms to make them for any holiday.

Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months, so you can bake fresh cookies on demand.

The Secret to the Best Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Using Cornstarch for Extra Softness

Cornstarch is the key ingredient that keeps these cookies thick, chewy, and soft for days. It prevents the dough from spreading too much while ensuring a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

2. Chilling the Dough for Maximum Flavor

Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least one hour (or overnight) enhances the flavors and prevents excessive spreading. This step ensures thicker, chewier cookies that bake up perfectly golden and gooey.

3. Balancing Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar

Using more brown sugar than white sugar gives these cookies a richer flavor and extra moisture. The brown sugar’s higher molasses content creates a deeper, more caramel-like taste.

4. Adding M&Ms on Top After Baking

For that picture-perfect bakery-style look, press a few extra M&Ms and chocolate chips onto the tops of the cookies right after they come out of the oven. This step enhances the presentation, making them even more eye-catching.

The Best Ingredients for Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Choosing high-quality ingredients makes a significant difference in flavor and texture.

Butter – The Base of Flavor & Texture

Best Choice: Unsalted butter at room temperature for even mixing and smooth dough.
Why It’s Important: Butter provides richness, flavor, and tenderness to the cookies.
Pro Tip: If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe by ¼ teaspoon.

Brown Sugar – The Key to Chewy Cookies

Best Choice: Dark brown sugar for a richer, deeper caramel flavor, or light brown sugar for a milder taste.
Why It’s Important: Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and chewiness.

Granulated Sugar – Helps with Spread & Crispiness

Best Choice: Regular granulated sugar for a balance of sweetness and structure.
Why It’s Important: It spreads the cookies slightly while keeping the edges lightly crisp.

Egg – Adds Moisture & Structure

Best Choice: One large egg at room temperature.
Why It’s Important: The egg binds the ingredients together and contributes to the soft, chewy texture.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances the Flavor

Best Choice: Pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Why It’s Important: It deepens the overall taste and pairs beautifully with the chocolate and butter.

Flour – The Foundation of the Dough

Best Choice: All-purpose flour, spooned and leveled for accurate measurement.
Why It’s Important: Flour gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender.

Cornstarch – The Secret to Softness

Best Choice: 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in the dry ingredients.
Why It’s Important: It prevents the cookies from becoming hard and ensures a tender bite.

Chocolate Chips – The Classic Mix-In

Best Choice: Semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich, chocolatey contrast.
Alternative: White chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or dark chocolate chunks.

M&Ms – The Easter Touch

Best Choice: Pastel-colored Easter M&Ms to create a festive and colorful look.
Why It’s Important: The candy shell adds a crunchy texture and bursts of color in every bite.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter & Sugars

Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.

Step 2: Add the Egg & Vanilla

Mix in one egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips & M&Ms

Gently mix in chocolate chips and M&Ms, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F, bake for 10-12 minutes, and press extra M&Ms on top.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking the Perfect Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Now that all the ingredients are prepared and the dough is mixed, it’s time to bake these festive cookies to perfection. Following the right techniques will ensure that the cookies turn out soft, chewy, and flavorful every time.

Step 1: Properly Chilling the Dough

One of the most important steps in making perfect chocolate chip cookies is chilling the dough before baking. Skipping this step can cause cookies to spread too much, leading to thin, crispy results instead of thick, chewy cookies.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
For best results, chill overnight to allow the flavors to develop fully.
If short on time, scoop cookie dough balls and freeze them for 30 minutes instead.

Chilling allows the butter to solidify, so when the cookies bake, they spread less and hold their soft, thick texture.

Step 2: Preparing the Baking Sheet

Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is recommended to prevent the cookies from sticking and over-browning.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while preparing the baking sheet.
Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for even baking.
If not using parchment paper, avoid greasing the pan, as too much grease can cause cookies to spread excessively.

Step 3: Scooping & Shaping the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie.
Roll the dough into evenly sized balls to ensure consistent baking.
Press a few extra M&Ms and chocolate chips onto the tops of the cookie dough balls before baking for a beautiful bakery-style look.

Step 4: Baking at the Right Temperature

Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on how soft or firm you prefer them.
The cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven—this is normal.
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Cookies continue cooking as they rest on the baking sheet, so removing them while slightly underdone ensures they stay soft and chewy.

Step 5: Cooling the Cookies

Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before storing.
If adding additional M&Ms or chocolate chips on top, gently press them in while the cookies are still warm.
Let the cookies cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Creative Ways to Customize Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

While these cookies are delicious as written, they can be customized in many ways to suit different preferences, dietary needs, or holidays.

1. Different Chocolate Variations

White Chocolate Chips – Adds a sweeter, creamier flavor to the cookies.
Milk Chocolate Chips – Creates a more classic, softer chocolate taste.
Dark Chocolate Chunks – Balances the sweetness of M&Ms with a deeper cocoa flavor.
Peanut Butter Chips – Complements the chocolate chips for a rich, nutty taste.
Butterscotch Chips – Adds a caramel-like twist to the flavor profile.

2. Festive Holiday Variations

These cookies can easily be adapted for different holidays by swapping out the M&Ms for other seasonal colors.

Christmas Version – Use red and green M&Ms.
Valentine’s Day Version – Use pink and red M&Ms.
Halloween Version – Use orange, purple, and black M&Ms.
Fourth of July Version – Use red, white, and blue M&Ms.

3. Adding Texture & Crunch

Chopped Nuts – Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a crunchy contrast to the soft dough.
Toasted Coconut – A tropical twist that pairs well with chocolate.
Pretzel Pieces – A salty-sweet combination that enhances the overall flavor.

4. Extra Flavors & Spices

Cinnamon or Nutmeg – Adds warmth and depth to the cookie dough.
Espresso Powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor for a richer taste.
Orange Zest – Gives a citrusy, refreshing balance to the sweetness.

5. Making a Gluten-Free Version

For a gluten-free adaptation, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Ensure that the M&Ms and chocolate chips used are certified gluten-free.

6. Dairy-Free & Vegan Options

Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg.
Swap regular chocolate chips for dairy-free chocolate chips like Enjoy Life.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Even though this recipe is simple, small mistakes can affect the final results. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.

1. Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?

Possible Causes:

Dough was not chilled long enough.
Butter was too warm when mixing.
Too much sugar or butter in the dough.
Baking on a greased pan instead of parchment paper.

Solution:

Chill dough for at least 1 hour or freeze for 30 minutes.
Measure ingredients accurately using the spoon-and-level method.
Use cold butter and avoid overmixing.

2. Why Are My Cookies Too Dry or Crumbly?

Possible Causes:

Too much flour was added.
Not enough butter or sugar.
Overbaked cookies.

Solution:

Use spooned and leveled flour rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Bake until the edges are set but the center is slightly underdone.
Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.

3. Why Didn’t My Cookies Rise?

Possible Causes:

Expired baking soda.
Dough was too cold when baking.
Overmixing the dough.

Solution:

Check baking soda’s expiration date.
Let dough rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking.
Mix the dough just until combined to avoid tough cookies.

4. Why Do My Cookies Have a Gritty Texture?

Possible Causes:

Sugar wasn’t fully dissolved in butter.
Not enough liquid in the dough.

Solution:

Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until smooth.
Allow dough to rest for at least 1 hour before baking.

How to Store & Freeze Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Storing Freshly Baked Cookies

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Add a slice of bread to the container to keep cookies soft longer.
Avoid storing in the fridge, as refrigeration can dry out cookies.

Freezing Cookie Dough for Later

Roll cookie dough into balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
Freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Store for up to 3 months.
When ready to bake, add 1-2 extra minutes to baking time—no need to thaw.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
Store in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

How to Properly Store Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Freshly baked cookies taste amazing right out of the oven, but proper storage ensures they stay soft, chewy, and flavorful for days. Whether you’re baking them in advance for an Easter celebration or saving leftovers, the right storage method can make a big difference.

Short-Term Storage (Up to 1 Week at Room Temperature)

Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
Transfer the cookies to an airtight container or resealable bag.
To keep cookies extra soft, place a slice of white bread in the container. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them fresh longer.
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat.

Refrigeration Storage (Up to 2 Weeks)

Refrigeration isn’t necessary for chocolate chip cookies, but if storing longer than a week, keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
When ready to eat, allow the cookies to come to room temperature or warm them up slightly for a fresh-baked taste.

Freezing Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Freezing is the best way to extend the shelf life of cookies without losing their flavor and texture. You can freeze either fully baked cookies or cookie dough balls for fresh-baked cookies whenever you want.

Freezing Baked Cookies (Up to 3 Months)

Cool the cookies completely before freezing to avoid excess moisture.
Layer cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Alternatively, place cookies in a freezer-safe resealable bag, removing excess air before sealing.
Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Thaw & Serve Frozen Cookies

Remove cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
To enjoy them warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Freezing Cookie Dough for Fresh-Baked Cookies Anytime

Scoop cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 30 minutes until firm.
Transfer the frozen dough balls into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
Label the bag with the baking instructions and store for up to 3 months.

How to Bake Frozen Cookie Dough

No need to thaw—simply place frozen dough balls onto a baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F for an additional 1-2 minutes longer than usual.

Best Ways to Reheat & Refresh Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Freshly baked cookies have an unbeatable texture, but if your cookies become slightly stale or you want to warm them up, there are easy ways to refresh them.

Microwave Method (Best for Soft & Warm Cookies)

Place 1-2 cookies on a microwave-safe plate.
Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds.

Oven Method (Best for Large Batches)

Preheat oven to 300°F.
Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Heat for 5 minutes, then let them cool slightly before serving.

Skillet Method (For a Crispy Edge & Soft Center)

Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
Place cookies in the pan and cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes.
Flip cookies over and heat for another 30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Can I Make the Dough in Advance?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. If making ahead:

Keep the dough covered with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking.

2. Why Do I Need to Chill the Dough?

Chilling helps the flavors develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also creates thicker, chewier cookies.

3. Can I Use Different Types of M&Ms?

Yes! You can use:

Peanut Butter M&Ms for extra richness.
Mini M&Ms for a smaller, more even chocolate distribution.
Peanut or Crispy M&Ms for added crunch.

4. Can I Make These Cookies Without Eggs?

Yes! Substitute the egg with one of these options:

1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water (Flax Egg)
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup mashed banana

5. Why Did My Cookies Turn Out Too Flat?

Flat cookies are usually caused by:

Skipping the chilling step—dough was too warm before baking.
Using too little flour—flour provides structure.
Butter being too melted or over-softened.

Solution: Add an extra tablespoon of flour if the dough seems too sticky or chill longer.

6. Why Did My Cookies Turn Out Dry?

Dry cookies can result from:

Too much flour—measure carefully using the spoon-and-level method.
Overbaking—cookies should still look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven.

7. Can I Make a Gluten-Free Version?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the best results. Make sure your M&Ms and chocolate chips are certified gluten-free.

8. Can I Make a Dairy-Free Version?

Yes! Replace:

Butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips.
M&Ms with dairy-free chocolate candies.

Why These Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Will Become Your New Favorite Spring Treat

Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun, festive, and delicious way to celebrate the season. With soft, chewy centers, crisp edges, and colorful pastel M&Ms, they bring a festive touch to any Easter gathering.

What Makes Them the Perfect Easter Treat?

Easy to Make – Uses simple pantry staples.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Dough can be frozen for future baking.
Perfect for Gifting – Package them in Easter-themed bags or tins.
Great for Kids & Family Baking – Fun to decorate with extra M&Ms.

How to Serve These Cookies for Easter

Easter Brunch Dessert – Serve on a tray with other spring treats.
Easter Basket Addition – Wrap cookies in cellophane bags with a ribbon.
Spring Bake Sale or Party – Display them in a festive cookie jar.

Conclusion

These cookies will quickly become a family tradition for Easter celebrations. Whether you’re making them for a spring picnic, an Easter dessert table, or just a fun weekend baking project, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

flavorfulside

Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Author: Emily
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with melty chocolate chips and pastel M&Ms, making them a fun and festive treat for the holiday. With a buttery, rich flavor and a perfectly chewy center, these cookies are perfect for Easter baskets, spring celebrations, or a weekend baking project.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Dough:

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Mix-Ins:

12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup pastel M&Ms, plus extra for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate & M&Ms

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and pastel M&Ms.
Scoop out 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll into balls.
Press a few extra M&Ms and chocolate chips on top for decoration.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
If freezing, place dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place chilled cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

For extra thickness, chill the dough overnight.
For crispy edges, bake an additional 1-2 minutes.
To freeze baked cookies, store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 180
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg

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