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M&M Cream Cheese Cookies

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These Cream Cheese Cookies are soft and have a chocolate chip cookie base using cream cheese and butter instead of shortening to make them extra delicious! Add your M&Ms or chocolate chips and you will have the perfect cookies to enjoy all year long.

A plate of Cream Cheese Cookies with Christmas M&Ms

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

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Why You’ll Love These Cookies

If you love M&M cookies but are looking for an easy cookie recipe that doesn’t use vegetable shortening, this is the one for you! These chewy M&M cookies cookies are made with cream cheese, giving them a delicious and rich flavor.

They are also incredibly easy to make – simply combine the cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla extract, then add in the dry ingredients.The dough will be thick but soft, and you can add in as many M&Ms or chocolate chips as you like.

These cookies are sure to become a new favourite – give them a try today. They also make a great addition to a Christmas cookie tray! You might also want to try these M&M Christmas Cookie Bars.

M&M cookie dough balls on a baking sheet.

Tips for Making Perfect M&M Cookies

Make sure that both the butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing them together – this will help to ensure a smooth dough and a chewy cookie..

M&M cookies on parchment paper.

Why Do You Need to Chill the Dough?

Chilling the dough for at least one hour helps to ensure that your cookies will keep their shape and not spread too much while baking. It also helps to bring out all of the flavors in the dough and gives a more delicious result.

You can also make the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill for up to 3 days before baking.

A bowl of M&M cookie dough.

Ingredients for M&M Cream Cheese Cookies

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

A bag of Christmas M&Ms and cream cheese cookie dough

How to Make M&M Cream Cheese Cookies (Step-By-Step Instructions)

[Step 1] In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and sugar until light and fluffy.

[Step 2] Mix in the egg and vanilla until combined.

Mix in the egg and vanilla until combined.

[Step 3] Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt and mix on low speed for about 1 minute, until cookie dough begins to form.

Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt and mix for about 1 minute, until cookie dough begins to form.

[Step 4] Stir in the M&Ms by hand.

Stir in the M&Ms by hand.

[Step 5] Use a cookie scoop (mine held 1 Tablespoon of dough) and arrange the cookies on a parchment paper lined baking sheet or plate.

Use a cookie scoop (mine held 1 Tablespoon of dough) and arrange the cookies on a parchment paper lined baking sheet or plate.

[Step 6] Flatten the cookie dough with your fingers or thumb, then chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least two hours.

Flatten the cookie dough with your fingers or thumb, then chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least two hours.

[Step 7] After chilling, place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper about two inches apart.

After chilling, place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper about two inches apart.

[Step 8] Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 8-9 minutes and the edges of the cookie begin to turn light brown and have soft centers. Do not overbake, the cookies will become firm as they cool.

Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 8-9 minutes. Do not over bake, the cookies will become firm as they cool.

[Step 9] Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and then place cookies on a wire rack.

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and then transfer them to a baking sheet.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

How to Store M&M Cookies

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

M&M cookie dough balls on a baking sheet.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze the cookie dough:

  1. Make the cookie dough according to the directions.
  2. For the cookie dough into balls using a cookie scoop.
  3. Place the cookie dough balls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  4. Freeze the balls of dough for 2 hours then transfer to a freezer-safe ziplock bag.
  5. Bake according the the recipe directions.

To freeze baked cookies:

  1. Allow the cookies to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
  2. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  3. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or enjoy frozen as a tasty treat.
M&M cookie dough balls on a baking sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I substitute with different mix-ins? Feel free to use your favorite M&M variety, or mix it up with chocolate chips instead. You can also add in other mix-ins, such as nuts or cinnamon chips.
  • Can I use low-fat cream cheese? I do not recommend using low-fat cream cheese in this recipe, as it may affect the texture and taste of the cookies. Stick to full-fat cream cheese for best results.
  • Can I make these into bars instead of cookies? Yes, you can press the cookie dough into a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool before slicing into bars.
  • Can I use a different type of flour? I do not recommend using a different type of flour in this recipe, as it may affect the texture and taste of the cookies. Stick to all-purpose flour for best results.
  • Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, see the above freezing instructions for how to do so successfully.
  • Can I use gluten-free flour? I have not tested this recipe with gluten-free flour, so I cannot say for sure if it will work well as a substitute. If you do choose to try it, I would recommend using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
M&M cookies on parchment paper.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy these homemade M&M cookies with a tall glass of milk or a mug of hot chocolate – they make the perfect treat any time of year! Happy baking!

M&M cream cheese cookies on a white plate.

More Easy Cookie Recipes:

Cream Cheese M&M Cookies Video:

M&M's Cream Cheese Cookies

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Cream Cheese Cookies with M&Ms on a cooling rack

Cream Cheese Cookies

Yield: 5 Dozen
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 18 minutes

These Cream Cheese Cookies are soft and have a chocolate chip cookie base but with a cream cheese and butter to make them extra delicious! Add your favorite holiday M&Ms and you will have the perfect treat all year long.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cup Butter, softened
  • 2 Ounces Cream Cheese, softened
  • 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 1/4 Cups All Purpose Flour
  • 2 Teaspoons Corn Starch
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
  • 2 Cups M&Ms candies

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Mix in the egg and vanilla until combined.
  3. Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt and mix for about 1 minute, until cookie dough begins to form.
  4. Stir in the M&Ms by hand.
  5. Use a cookie scoop (mine held 1 Tablespoon of dough) and arrange the cookies on a parchment paper lined baking sheet or plate.
  6. Press down on the cookie to flatten, then chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
  7. After chilling, place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper about two inches apart.
  8. Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 8-9 minutes. Do not over bake, the cookies will become firm as they cool.
  9. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and then transfer them to a baking sheet.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 60 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 82Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 51mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 0gSugar: 8gProtein: 1g

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