Halloween Oreo M&M’s Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat to wow your friends and family this spooky season, you’ve got to try my Halloween Oreo M&M’s Cookies Recipe. These cookies are stuffed with chunks of Halloween Oreos and bursting with colorful M&M’s, making every bite a perfect mix of chewy, crunchy, and sweet. I promise, once you bake them, you’ll want to make them your go-to treat every fall — they’re fan-freaking-tastic, and I can’t wait to share all my best tips with you so you nail them on your first try!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Texture Balance: The combination of softened butter, brown sugar, and cornstarch creates a soft, chewy base that feels indulgent without being greasy.
- Flavor Contrast: Halloween Oreos add little pockets of creamy chocolate that melt into the dough, perfectly complemented by the crunch and sweetness of the colorful M&M’s.
- Simple & Approachable: With basic pantry ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly but yields bakery-worthy cookies.
- Fun & Festive Presentation: The festive M&M’s colors make these cookies instantly festive and perfect for Halloween parties or school treats.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in the Halloween Oreo M&M’s Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role, both in flavor and texture. As you shop, stick with regular stuffed Oreos (not double stuffed) for just the right amount of creaminess without overwhelming the dough, and grab some festive Halloween M&M’s for that iconic pop of color and crunch.
- Butter: Slightly softened butter ensures easy mixing and a tender crumb in your cookies.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moistness and a subtle caramel flavor, crucial for chewy cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with slight crisp edges.
- Egg: Binds everything together and helps with cookie structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cookie’s overall sweetness and flavor depth.
- Flour: Provides the base for the cookie dough; I always sift or stir it to avoid clumps.
- Cornstarch: This secret weapon makes cookies soft and tender by preventing gluten from getting too tough.
- Baking Soda: Gives just enough lift to spread the cookies perfectly.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Halloween M&M’s: Add vibrant color and crunchy chocolate fun to every bite.
- Halloween Oreos (regular stuffed): Chunky, creamy pieces melt slightly into the dough, creating spectacular flavor pockets.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how versatile the Halloween Oreo M&M’s Cookies Recipe is — you can easily tweak it to suit your flavor preferences or dietary needs. I often swap in different types of candy or Oreos depending on what I have around, and each variation brings its own fun twist.
- Variation: For a fudgier cookie, try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the dough; it gives a subtle chocolate kick that pairs beautifully with the Oreos.
- Dietary swap: I’ve had success swapping half the all-purpose flour for almond flour to add a nutty undertone and a bit more moisture, just be mindful this can make the dough a bit softer.
- Seasonal twists: Around Christmas, I swap Halloween M&M’s for peppermint M&M’s and Oreo Christmas cookies — just as festive and delicious!
- Difficulty tip: If you’re new to baking cookies, chilling the dough for 15 minutes before scooping really helps prevent spreading and keeps those chunks intact.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Halloween Oreo M&M’s Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat — I always prefer silicone mats because cleanup’s a breeze. In a medium bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter with ½ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar. I usually do this with my spatula, pressing and mixing until the texture is light and fluffy. This step is key for soft, chewy cookies, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, crack in one egg and add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth. Don’t worry if it looks a bit wet — that’s perfect for creating that sumptuous cookie texture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Now, sprinkle in 1⅓ cups of flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt right over the wet mixture. Stir gently—don’t overmix! Just combine until no visible dry flour remains. Overmixing can toughen the cookies, and we definitely want soft, tender bites here.
Step 4: Fold in the Halloween Candy
This part is the best: fold in ⅔ cup of Halloween M&M’s and 7 roughly chopped, regular stuffed Halloween Oreos (make sure they’re chilled so they hold their shape). Use a big spoon or spatula to gently incorporate—the chunks should remain somewhat chunky, not fully pulverized.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a large cookie scoop (about ¼ cup or 4 tablespoons), portion out 10 even mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. For an extra festive look, press a few extra M&M’s and Oreo pieces on top of each mound. Bake for 10-11 minutes. Trust me, don’t freak out if the centers look slightly underbaked—they’ll finish setting as they cool. I like to gently swirl the cookies with a larger cookie cutter right out of the oven to round them off neatly.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time helps them firm up perfectly. Then, dig in and savor all that autumnal goodness!
Pro Tips for Making Halloween Oreo M&M’s Cookies Recipe
- Butter Softness Matters: Don’t melt the butter! Just soften it so it still holds shape—this leads to better cookie texture.
- Chill Your Oreos: Keeping Oreos chilled before chopping stops them from crumbling into powder in your dough.
- Shape Your Cookies Right Away: Swishing a cookie cutter around warm cookies post-bake gives them that perfect bakery round look.
- Don’t Overbake: The centers will look soft and slightly underdone when you pull them out; that’s exactly what makes these cookies melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
How to Serve Halloween Oreo M&M’s Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For me, less is more when it comes to garnishing these cookies. I love adding just a few extra Halloween M&M’s on top before baking for that pop of color and crunch. Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming touch, like a ghostly Halloween dusting.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cozy cup of warm apple cider to balance the rich, sweet flavors. A bowl of pumpkin soup or a small cheese platter makes for a fun snack-time twist if you’re serving at an adult Halloween party.
Creative Ways to Present
One Halloween, I stacked these cookies in a spooky “cookie graveyard” display with fake tombstones and candy eyes. For parties, wrapping a couple cookies with clear cellophane and tying with orange and black ribbon makes a cute take-home gift. You can also use themed cookie tins to send party guests home happy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, but honestly, they usually disappear faster than that! If you want to keep the texture just right, add a slice of bread inside the container — it helps maintain moisture balance.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead for a party, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temp and gently warm in the oven if desired.
Reheating
To reheat, I like popping the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes — this revives the softness and refreshes the slightly gooey Oreo chunks. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that perfect chewy texture; it tends to make cookies rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use regular Oreos instead of Halloween Oreos in the Halloween Oreo M&M’s Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Regular Oreos work just as well, and the cookies will still taste amazing. The Halloween Oreos just add a festive touch with their seasonal packaging and themed colors, but if you don’t have access to them, don’t stress—the classic flavor is perfect either way.
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Why do my Halloween Oreo M&M’s cookies spread too much?
Cookies can spread if the butter is too warm or melted, or if you overmix the dough. Make sure your butter is just softened but still cool to the touch. Also, chilling the dough briefly before baking can help control the spread and keep the cookie chunky and tender.
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Can I substitute M&M’s with other candies in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap M&M’s for chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or other festive candy. Just keep in mind that candies that melt too much might alter the texture slightly. For best results, stick with candies that hold their shape well during baking.
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Is it necessary to add cornstarch in the Halloween Oreo M&M’s Cookies Recipe?
Cornstarch is optional but highly recommended as it softens the cookies and keeps them tender and chewy. Without it, you might end up with a slightly firmer cookie. It’s a simple ingredient that makes a big difference in texture!
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How do I store leftover Halloween Oreo M&M’s Cookies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Adding a slice of bread can keep them soft longer. For longer storage, freeze the cookies either baked or as dough balls and thaw/reheat when ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Halloween Oreo M&M’s Cookies Recipe has become an absolute favorite in my household every fall. There’s something about the gooey Oreo chunks paired with the playful crunch of those bright M&M’s that just screams festive fun and cozy comfort at the same time. Whether you’re baking for a kid’s party, a festive treat for your coworkers, or just a sweet way to celebrate the season at home, these cookies truly deliver joy in every bite. Give them a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did, and I’m pretty sure these will become your seasonal obsession too!
Print
Halloween Oreo M&M’s Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Halloween Oreo M&M’s cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with festive candy and cookie chunks, perfect for a spooky treat. With a buttery base and a delightful mix of chocolatey Halloween M&M’s and chopped Halloween Oreo cookies, they bake up gooey in the center with a crisp edge, making them an irresistible dessert for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, slightly softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 & 1/3 cup flour
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 2/3 cup Halloween M&M’s
- 7 Halloween Oreo cookies, roughly chopped (regular stuffed, not double stuffed), chilled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat to prepare for baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a medium bowl, use a spatula to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well blended.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour, corn starch, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir gently and just until everything is combined without overmixing.
- Fold in mix-ins: Gently fold in the Halloween M&M’s and chopped Halloween Oreo cookies into the dough to evenly distribute the candies and cookie pieces.
- Scoop dough: Using a large cookie scooper or a 1/4 cup measure, scoop out the cookie dough into 10 equal portions and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, top each cookie with extra M&M’s and Oreo pieces for decoration.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11 minutes. The cookies may look underdone or gooey in the center, which is perfect as they will continue to cook slightly after removal.
- Shape cookies: Right after removing from the oven, use a larger cookie cutter to gently swish the cookies around on the baking sheet to create a perfectly round shape.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use regular stuffed Halloween Oreos for best texture; double stuffed Oreos are too soft and may make the dough too wet.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies.
- Chilling the chopped Oreo cookies before folding in helps prevent melting into the dough.
- Cookies will seem underbaked when removed but will set as they cool—avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
- For softer cookies, slightly reduce baking time; for crisper edges, add an extra minute.
- Substitute Halloween M&M’s with regular M&M’s or other chocolate candies if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
