If you’re on the hunt for the perfect festive treat to celebrate the lucky holiday, look no further than the delightful St. Patrick’s Day White Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe. These cookies blend the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the vibrant crunch of green M&M’s and sprinkles, creating a colorful and irresistible dessert that’s as joyful as the holiday itself. Soft, chewy, and packed with holiday cheer, they’re sure to brighten up any St. Patrick’s Day gathering or just add a splash of green to your everyday snack time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, essential ingredients that each play a starring role. From the tender all-purpose flour forming the perfect cookie base to the rich brown sugar adding depth and chewiness, every component brings a little magic. And of course, the white chocolate chips and green M&M’s are what truly make these cookies sparkle both in taste and in festive color.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): The backbone of your cookie dough, providing structure and softness.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps your cookies rise perfectly and develop a light texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (¾ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create that irresistibly tender crumb.
- Packed brown sugar (¾ cup): Infuses moisture and a delicious caramel note.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds sweetness and aids in crisp edges.
- Large egg (1) and large egg yolk (1): Bind ingredients together and contribute to the soft texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Delivers warm, comforting flavor.
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a lovely subtle nutty note.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup): Melt into creamy pockets of pure sweetness.
- Green M&M’s (½ cup): Bring festive color and a fun crunch.
- Green sprinkles or sanding sugar (2–3 tablespoons): Perfect for a shiny, festive finish.
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day White Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for even baking and easy cleanup. Next, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This simple mix is your dry ingredient base that ensures your cookies have the perfect texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This step is key for creating a light, tender cookie that melts in your mouth. The combination of sugars adds both flavor complexity and moisture to the dough.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Extracts
Next, stir in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. These ingredients give your cookies richness, binding power, and a beautiful aroma that fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Avoid over-mixing, which can make cookies tough. Then gently fold in the white chocolate chips, green M&M’s, and green sprinkles. This step is where the magic happens — those festive colors and sweet bursts of flavor get evenly distributed throughout.
Step 5: Scoop and Decorate
Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they don’t run together. For an extra pop of color, press a few more green M&M’s or sprinkles on top of each cookie. This little flourish adds irresistible charm and a perfect holiday vibe.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until their edges turn lightly golden and the centers are still soft to the touch. Don’t overbake; you want that tender, chewy middle. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience at this stage means perfect texture.
How to Serve St. Patrick’s Day White Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive finishing touch, dust your cookies lightly with extra green sanding sugar or place a small edible shamrock decoration on top. These simple garnishes make your cookies feel extra special and celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a creamy vanilla latte, or even a robust Irish coffee for a grown-up treat. Each pairing brings out different flavors in the cookie, making the experience even more delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your St. Patrick’s Day White Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter lined with green doilies or arrange them in a festive cookie jar tied with a ribbon. You can also create cookie gift bags for friends and family—it’s an easy way to spread holiday cheer and sweet smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay fresh for up to five days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and enjoy their soft, chewy goodness anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for up to three months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature when ready, and they’ll taste just as delightful as fresh.
Reheating
If you like your cookies slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and enhances the melting white chocolate pockets.
FAQs
Can I substitute the green M&M’s with other candies?
Absolutely! If green M&M’s aren’t your favorite or you want to mix things up, try mint chocolate chips or even chopped green jelly beans for a fun twist while keeping the festive look.
Is almond extract necessary in this recipe?
Almond extract is optional but highly recommended if you like a subtle nutty undertone. It pairs wonderfully with white chocolate and adds depth, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a straightforward vanilla flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, you can make these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets without compromising texture or taste.
What’s the best way to keep these cookies chewy?
To keep your cookies chewy, don’t overbake them. Pull them out once edges are golden but centers still look soft. Also, using both brown and granulated sugars helps retain moisture, giving you that perfect chewiness.
Can I add food coloring to make the dough green?
Definitely! For a more vibrant green dough, add a few drops of green food coloring when combining wet and dry ingredients. Just mix until evenly colored to make your St. Patrick’s Day White Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe extra festive.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a cookie that not only tastes amazing but also brings a burst of holiday spirit in every bite. The St. Patrick’s Day White Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to bake and share during the season of green and good luck. Whether you’re making them for a party, a school event, or just to brighten up your day, these cookies deliver joy and deliciousness with every chew. Give this recipe a try and watch as it becomes a beloved tradition in your home too!
Print
St. Patrick’s Day White Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these festive green cookies packed with white chocolate chips, green M&M’s, and sprinkles. Soft, chewy, and full of color, they make perfect party treats or lunchbox surprises.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Add-ins and Toppings
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup green M&M’s or green candy-coated chocolates
- 2–3 tablespoons green sprinkles or sanding sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This helps distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour for consistent flavor and texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. This aeration is key for a light and tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the whole egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in tough cookies.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in white chocolate chips, green M&M’s, and green sprinkles, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Decorate: Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart. For added festivity, press a few extra M&M’s or sprinkles on top of each cookie.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their shape and texture.
Notes
- For extra festive flair, substitute white chocolate chips with mint-flavored chips or add a few drops of green food coloring to the dough to intensify the green hue.
- These cookies freeze well, making them convenient for advance preparation and perfect for holiday parties or lunchbox treats.
