Funfetti Cookies with M&M’s have exploded in popularity, turning simple sugar cookies into playful, candy-speckled delights that brighten any occasion. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, retail sales climbed 3.8% from November 1 to December 24, 2024, with indulgent cookies leading the at-home treat renaissance ABC News. Meanwhile, NielsenIQ forecasts that dollar sales in bakery items will increase 2.3% over the holiday season, reflecting growing consumer appetite for festive baking at home Supermarché Actualités. If you’re craving an easy, color-packed bake that delivers on both texture and nostalgia, these Funfetti Cookies with M&M’s are your answer.
SofyaRecipes was founded by Sofya Petrova, a Chicago-born culinary expert and food writer with a deep passion for transforming everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes. With years of experience in recipe development, food styling, and content creation—and a knack for global flavors and nutrition-conscious cooking—Sofya’s mission is to inspire confidence in home bakers by making gourmet flavors achievable in any kitchen. In this comprehensive, data-driven guide, you’ll learn how to craft bakery-style Funfetti Cookies studded with mini M&M’s, complete with pro tips, timing hacks, nutritional insights, and creative serving ideas. Let’s get mixing!
Why You’ll Love These Funfetti Cookies with M&M’s
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that’s not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. The combination of colorful sprinkles and M&M’s creates a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.
Why These Funfetti Cookies Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Rotation
What makes these cookies so magical? It’s not just the M&M’s or the sprinkles—it’s the whole experience. Here’s why I love them, and why you probably will too:
- They’re fast. No chilling overnight. Just mix, scoop, bake.
- They’re pretty. Yes, cookies can be cute, and these are Instagram-ready with barely any effort.
- They’re crowd-pleasers. From toddlers to teens to that one picky friend—everyone loves a sprinkle-loaded cookie.
- They’re customizable. Use any themed M&M’s or sprinkles you like—Halloween, Easter, even Unicorn Party, if that’s your thing.
Need more holiday baking inspo? You’ll probably love these chocolate sprinkle cookies for Valentine’s Day too.
Ingredients You’ll Need (And Yes, It’s Stuff You Already Have)
Here’s your grocery checklist for cookie heaven:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed, trust me)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, straight from the fridge
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day sprinkles (jimmies are best)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s
Pro Tip: Using cold butter and eggs helps give you those thick bakery-style cookies without needing to chill the dough.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Funfetti Cookies with M&M’s
Ready to create the most joyful cookie on the block? Follow these detailed directions—complete with pro tips from my home test kitchen—to achieve bakery-style results without the fuss.
Before we dive into each step, make sure your ingredients are measured and your equipment is out: stand mixer (or mixing bowl and paddle), cookie sheets, parchment paper, and a scoop or large spoon.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Station
Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C)—this blast of heat sets the edges quickly, locking in a soft, gooey center. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Pro Tip: Rotate your racks halfway through baking for the most even golden color.
Step 2: Cream Cold Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with an electric mixer), beat the cold, cubed butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides to ensure the mixture is light, aerated, and fluffy.
Why It Works: The extended creaming creates tiny air pockets that expand in the oven, giving your cookies lift and tenderness.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
With the mixer on low, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then pour in the vanilla extract.
Flavor Note: Always use pure vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste) for depth—you’ll taste the difference over artificial imitations.
Step 4: Blend in Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients on low speed, just until no streaks of flour remain.
Pro Tip: Overmixing at this stage develops gluten and leads to tougher cookies; stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles, M&M’s, and White Chocolate Chips
Turn off the mixer and gently fold in half of the rainbow sprinkles, mini M&M’s, and white chocolate chips using a spatula. This ensures candy pieces stay intact and colors don’t bleed.
Step 6: Portion and Dress Dough Balls
Use a large ice-cream scoop or your hands to form 8 baseball-sized dough balls. Place them 3 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Press a few extra M&M’s and sprinkles on top for bakery-style presentation.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the trays into the center rack. Bake for 9–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are just set. The cookies will look slightly underbaked—that’s exactly what you want for a soft interior.
Step 8: Cool and Savor
Let the cookies rest on the hot tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and allows carryover cooking to finish the centers. Then… dig in! Warm, gooey bites straight from the oven are the cherry on top of any bake day.
Timing
Efficiency is key when you want fresh, warm cookies in under half an hour. Here’s the breakdown for these Funfetti Cookies with M&M’s:
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 9–10 minutes per batch
-
Total Time: Approximately 25–30 minutes
Most classic cookie recipes call for at least 30–60 minutes of chill time, pushing total bake-and-chill cycles past the hour mark. By using cold ingredients and a higher initial oven temperature (as we’ll cover), this recipe shaves off nearly 50% of the typical waiting time—meaning you can satisfy sweet cravings in under half the time of standard drop-cookie methods.
Not only is this timeline ideal for last-minute parties or unexpected bake sales, but it also keeps the dough forgiving: you don’t have to plan ahead, wrap the dough in plastic, or risk over-developing the gluten. From mixing bowl to cooling rack, these Funfetti Cookies with M&M’s move at the speed of celebration—perfect for busy home bakers who value both taste and tempo.
Kitchen Tips from Sofya’s Test Kitchen
- Cold butter is your best friend. It helps keep the cookies tall, thick, and chewy—just like the bakery-style cookies we all crave. Soft butter tends to melt too quickly in the oven, which can lead to flat, sad cookies (and nobody wants that). Curious about how different ingredients affect your cookie texture? Check out this super helpful breakdown from NPR organization.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Just enough to bring it together. Think of it like folding laundry—you want it done, but not overworked.
- Sprinkle smart. Use jimmies, not nonpareils. The round ones melt weird and stain the dough.
- Want smaller cookies? Totally fine. Just bake for 7–8 minutes instead and keep an eye on them.
Feeling inspired? These caramel coconut chocolate chip cookies are another winner if you like your cookies on the indulgent side.
Real Life Moment: Why I’ll Never Forget These Cookies
I made these on a whim last Valentine’s Day with my niece. She picked out the pink M&M’s herself (after eating half the bag), and we decorated the tops like it was a craft project. The result? Absolute cookie chaos—and total joy. Now, it’s a tradition.
That’s what I love most about recipes like this. They’re not just sweet—they’re memory makers.
Nutritional Information
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie (based on 8 large cookies per batch, using standard ingredients). Values are averages from USDA FoodData Central and may vary slightly depending on specific brands used.
| Nutrient | Per Cookie | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal | 14% |
| Total Fat | 14 g | 18% |
| — Saturated Fat | 8 g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 150 mg | 7% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32 g | 12% |
| — Sugars | 18 g | — |
| Protein | 3 g | 6% |
| Calcium | 20 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% |
Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. For lower-calorie needs, adjust accordingly.
How to Store and Freeze Your Funfetti Cookies
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
- Freezing Dough: Roll dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Totally doable! Let them cool, then pop into a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Need something extra easy for later? Try my fudgy keto mug cake—single-serve and microwave-friendly!
Want More Sweet Treats? You’ll Love These Too
- Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars
- Apricot Pizza from Scratch
- Puff Pastry Cream Slices
- Vanilla Dutch Baby Pancake
- Salted Caramel Crumble Bars
Final Thoughts—Bake the Joy
Here’s the thing: funfetti cookies with M&M’s aren’t just a recipe—they’re a mood. They’re the treat you bake when life needs a little color. They’re the soft, sweet answer to a rough day, and the perfect way to say “I love you” without saying a word.
So next time you need something easy, festive, and completely lovable—this recipe’s got your back.
Personal Touch
I remember the first time I made these cookies for a friend’s birthday party. The vibrant colors caught everyone’s attention, and they disappeared from the dessert table in no time. Since then, they’ve become my go-to treat for celebrations and just-because moments.
FAQs About Funfetti Cookies
Yep! Peanut, mini, or holiday-themed M&M’s all work. Just avoid the jumbo-sized ones—they can cause uneven baking and cracking.
Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients, scoop onto multiple trays, and rotate them halfway through baking for even browning.
For sure. You can replace them with extra M&M’s, regular chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or omit them entirely for a cleaner look.
Room-temp butter melts faster in the oven, causing the cookies to spread thin and bake crisper. Cold butter keeps them thick and chewy.
Definitely! After baking, press extra M&M’s or sprinkles onto the warm tops to create an eye-catching, festive presentation.
Easy Funfetti Cookies with M&M’s Recipe
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: 8 large cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Funfetti Cookies with M&M’s from SofyaRecipes combine soft, bakery-style centers with lightly crisp edges in under 30 minutes—no chilling required. Cold butter and a quick, high-heat bake lock in chewiness, while rainbow jimmie sprinkles and mini M&M’s add bursts of color and chocolate in every bite. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or an anytime celebration, these gooey, candy-studded cookies bring joy to home bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, cold
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
3¼ cups (400 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp fine sea salt
1 cup rainbow jimmie sprinkles
1 cup mini M&M’s (holiday or classic colors)
1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 410 °F (210 °C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Cream Butter & Sugars (3 min):
In a stand mixer (or large bowl), beat the cold, cubed butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs & Vanilla:
With mixer on low, add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
Pour in vanilla extract and blend until uniform.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add to the butter-sugar mixture on low speed, mixing only until no streaks of flour remain.
Fold in Sprinkles & Candies:
Turn off mixer and use a spatula to gently fold in ½ cup sprinkles, ½ cup M&M’s, and white chocolate chips (if using).
Portion Dough:
Scoop or roll dough into 8 large (baseball-sized) balls, spacing them 3 inches apart on your prepared sheets.
Press a few extra M&M’s and sprinkles on top of each dough ball for a bakery-style look.
Bake (9–10 min):
Bake on the middle rack until edges are lightly golden and centers appear just set.
Rotate pans halfway through for even color.
Cool & Enjoy:
Let cookies rest on the hot sheet for 5 minutes to finish baking and firm up.
Transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm, or cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
For extra–tall, bakery-style cookies, keep your butter and eggs cold right up until mixing.
Don’t overmix once the flour goes in—stop as soon as you see no streaks of flour.
Use jimmie sprinkles (not nonpareils) to avoid color bleed.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, a sturdy hand mixer or vigorous whisking works—just be patient during the creaming stage.
To make ahead, scoop the dough balls and refrigerate (up to 24 hrs) or freeze (up to 3 months) on a parchment-lined tray, then bake straight from cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9–10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Funfetti Cookies with M&M’s are a delightful treat that combines the joy of colorful sprinkles with the chocolatey goodness of M&M’s. They’re easy to make, customizable for any occasion, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. So, why not whip up a batch today and add a little extra fun to your day?
