Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies are the perfect mix of chocolatey goodness and festive fun. These cookies combine chunks of classic Oreo cookies with colorful, heart-themed M&M’s all baked into soft, chewy cookies that feel like a hug in every bite. The blend of crunchy Oreos and melty chocolate candies makes them extra special for a holiday all about love and sweetness.
I love making these cookies because they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—especially with kids or anyone who loves a little candy surprise in their treat. I like to stash a few in a jar to share with friends or coworkers; it’s a simple way to spread some Valentine’s Day cheer. A little tip: don’t skimp on the Oreos or M&M’s—they really make the cookies stand out and add great texture and flavor.
These cookies are great for giving as gifts or for packing in lunchboxes to brighten up the day. I always find that making them with family or friends turns into a fun, messy, and laughter-filled activity, which feels just as sweet as the cookies themselves. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy night in or a festive get-together, they never fail to bring smiles around.
Bake, Serve, Wear the Vibe 👕
Editor-picked tees our Oven To Fork readers love.
We may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control salt levels. If needed, you can swap for margarine, but butter gives the best flavor and texture.
Sugars: Brown sugar keeps cookies soft and chewy, while granulated sugar adds a crisp edge. You can try all brown sugar for extra chew or coconut sugar for a subtle caramel hint.
Oreo Cookies: The crushed Oreos add crunch and chocolate flavor. Feel free to use gluten-free Oreos if you need a gluten-free treat.
Valentine’s M&M’s: These colorful treats give a festive crunch and fun look. Substitute with regular M&M’s or other candy-coated chocolates if you can’t find themed ones.
How Do I Keep The Cookies Soft Yet Loaded With Candies?
Balancing softness with chunky add-ins can be tricky. Here’s how I keep these cookies tender while still packing in the Oreos and M&M’s:
- Cream butter and sugars well: This traps air and helps the cookie rise softly.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Gently fold in Oreos and M&M’s: This prevents breaking the cookies too much and keeps the mix-ins intact.
- Press extra candies on top: This gives a pretty look and adds candy in every bite.
- Watch baking time: Remove when edges are golden but centers look slightly underbaked for that soft, chewy middle.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – sturdy sheets help cookies bake evenly without burning on the edges.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – these keep cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – one large for creaming butter and sugars, one for dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – speeds up creaming to get fluffy dough.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – helps you portion even-sized cookies for uniform baking.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly and keep their texture crisp on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Oreos for chopped peanut butter cups for a rich, nutty twist.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of M&M’s for a creamier sweet bite.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a subtle warm spice that pairs well with chocolate.
- Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to add crunch and depth.
Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup Oreo cookies, roughly chopped (about 8-10 cookies)
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day-themed M&M’s (pink, red, white)
- 1/4 cup Valentine’s Day sprinkles (optional, red, pink, white)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet and some extra time for completely cooling on a wire rack before serving. Overall, you can expect about 30 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 keep cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
3. Add the Oreos and M&M’s:
Gently fold in the chopped Oreos, Valentine’s Day M&M’s, and, if using, sprinkles. Be careful to mix just until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Press a few extra M&M’s and pieces of Oreo on top of each dough ball for a festive, eye-catching look.
Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft.
5. Cool and Serve:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this helps them set and makes them easier to transfer.
Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day or gifting to loved ones.
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature to get a smooth, creamy dough. If your butter is frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight or soften it on the counter for about an hour before baking.
Can I Substitute Regular M&M’s for the Valentine’s Day Themed Ones?
Absolutely! Regular M&M’s work perfectly and will still add that colorful, crunchy texture. You can even mix in other candy-coated chocolates if you want to get creative.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw 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 actually helps enhance the flavors and texture. Just let the dough come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping.
