Why did my cookies spread too much?

Butter that's too soft or warm can cause cookies to spread. If your dough feels very soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your baking sheets are completely cool between batches.

Can I make these cookies without M&Ms?

Absolutely! You can substitute any candy, more chocolate chips, or even dried fruit. The cookie base is versatile and works well with many mix-ins.

Why add cornstarch to cookie dough?

Cornstarch is the secret to super soft, tender cookies. It prevents some of the gluten from forming during mixing, resulting in a more delicate texture that stays soft for days.

How do I know when the cookies are done if they look underbaked in the center?

The edges should be just turning golden brown, but the centers will look slightly underdone. This is perfect! They'll continue to set up as they cool on the baking sheet, giving you that perfect soft center.

Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Name: Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter, softened; 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 cup Brown Sugar; 2 Large Eggs; 2 tsp Vanilla Extract; 3 cups All-Purpose Flour; 2 tsp Cornstarch; 1 tsp Baking Soda; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 1 cup Pastel M&Ms (Easter M&Ms)

Soft, chewy, and studded with colorful Easter M&Ms, these Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect spring treat! With their perfect balance of sweetness and festive appearance, they’re guaranteed to brighten any Easter celebration. The combination of classic chocolate chips and pastel-colored candies creates a cookie that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, with just the addition of festive Easter M&Ms.
Perfectly Textured: The cornstarch secret gives these cookies that coveted soft center with slightly crisp edges that everyone loves.
Family-Friendly Activity: This is the perfect recipe to make with kids during Easter break – they’ll love pressing the colorful M&Ms on top!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake when needed for fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: Creates a rich, flavorful base and helps achieve that perfect cookie texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create those slightly crispy edges.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, depth of flavor, and that perfect chewy texture we all crave in cookies.
Eggs: Act as binders to hold everything together while adding richness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors in the cookie – don’t skip this essential ingredient!
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookies, providing structure and that classic cookie texture.
Cornstarch: The secret ingredient! Creates ultra-soft, tender cookies that stay soft for days.
Baking Soda: Provides the perfect amount of lift and helps achieve golden edges.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Offers that classic chocolate chip cookie flavor we all know and love.
Easter M&Ms: The star of the show! These pastel-colored candies add festive spring colors and a delightful crunch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Mix-Ins

Try white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter cookie, or add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for texture.

Flavor Twists

Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla for a subtle flavor enhancement that works beautifully with the chocolate.

Holiday Transformations

Easily adapt this recipe for other holidays by switching to themed M&Ms – red and green for Christmas, red and pink for Valentine’s Day, or orange and brown for Halloween.

Miniature Version

Make bite-sized cookies using a teaspoon of dough instead of a tablespoon – perfect for Easter baskets or cookie platters!

How to Make Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, creating that perfect cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the eggs and vanilla. Mix until completely combined and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Create the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing by hand to avoid overmixing (which can make your cookies tough).

Step 6: Add the Sweet Stuff

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and most of the Easter M&Ms, reserving some M&Ms to press on top of the cookies before baking.

Step 7: Form and Decorate Cookies

Drop approximately 1.5 tablespoon portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few reserved M&Ms onto the top of each cookie dough ball.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are just turning golden. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they’ll continue cooking as they cool.

Step 9: Cool Properly

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to ensure soft, tender cookies.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Especially the butter and eggs, for a smooth, well-incorporated dough.
Chill for Thicker Cookies: If you prefer thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Watch Carefully While Baking: These cookies go from perfect to overdone quickly, so start checking at 8 minutes.
Cookie Scoop Magic: Use a cookie scoop for uniformly sized cookies that will bake evenly.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These cookies are delightful served with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

Easter Presentation

Arrange on a festive Easter-themed platter with some chocolate eggs or jelly beans scattered around for a beautiful holiday display.

Cookie Gifting

Stack a few cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for sweet Easter gifts or additions to Easter baskets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft and moist.

Freezing Cookie Dough

Roll the dough into balls, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Fully cooled cookies can be frozen in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked taste, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes, or microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Butter that’s too soft or warm can cause cookies to spread. If your dough feels very soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your baking sheets are completely cool between batches.
Can I make these cookies without M&Ms?

Absolutely! You can substitute any candy, more chocolate chips, or even dried fruit. The cookie base is versatile and works well with many mix-ins.
Why add cornstarch to cookie dough?

Cornstarch is the secret to super soft, tender cookies. It prevents some of the gluten from forming during mixing, resulting in a more delicate texture that stays soft for days.
How do I know when the cookies are done if they look underbaked in the center?

The edges should be just turning golden brown, but the centers will look slightly underdone. This is perfect! They’ll continue to set up as they cool on the baking sheet, giving you that perfect soft center.

Final Thoughts

These Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies with the festive fun of Easter colors. They’re simple enough for baking beginners but special enough to become a holiday tradition. Whether you’re filling Easter baskets, hosting a spring gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat with seasonal flair, these cookies deliver smiles with every bite. Happy baking and happy Easter!