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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.

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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.

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.

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..

• Be sure not to overbake these cookies, as they can become dry. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly browned.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of candies – cinnamon chips, chocolate chunks or even nuts would be tasty additions to these cookies.

M&M Flavor Options

The great thing about all of the different M&M varieties available now, is that you can create many different flavor combinations. Here are some of my favorite M&M varieties for these cookies:

• Peanut M&Ms
• Peanut Butter M&Ms
• Brownie M&Ms
• Crispy M&Ms
• Caramel M&Ms
• Pretzel M&Ms
• Almond M&Ms
• Mini M&M

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.

Ingredients for M&M Cream Cheese Cookies

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

Butter: I like to use salted butter in this cookie recipe, but unsalted works just as well. Make sure to use room temperature butter.

Cream Cheese: Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese in this recipe for the best texture and flavor. The cream cheese helps create soft cookies.

Brown Sugar and White Sugar: The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar helps to give these cookies a chewy texture.

All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is the best flour to use in this cookie recipe. Do not substitute with another type of flour, as it may affect the texture and taste.

Corn Starch: A small amount of corn starch helps to give these cookies a soft and chewy texture.

Baking Soda: Baking soda helps the cookies to rise slightly while baking.

Salt: Salt enhances all of the flavors in these cookies.

M&Ms or Chocolate Chips: Feel free to use your favorite M&M variety from the grocery store, or mix it up with chocolate chips instead. You can also add in other mix-ins, such as nuts or cinnamon chips.

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

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

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

[3] Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt and mix on low speed 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] Flatten the cookie dough with your fingers or thumb, 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 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.

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

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups
• Cookie Scoop
• Cookie Sheet
• Parchment Paper Sheets
• Cooling Rack

How to Store M&M Cookies

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

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.

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.

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!

More Easy Cookie Recipes:

• Classic Sugar Cookies (Best Sugar Cookies Ever)
• Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
• Melt Away Christmas Cookies
• Gingerbread Sugar Cookies
• Frosted Eggnog Cookies
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Almond Joy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cream Cheese M&M Cookies Video:

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