When it comes to indulgent desserts, M&M NYC Cookies have taken the baking world by storm. Big, chunky, and irresistibly gooey in the center, these cookies are a New York–style twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, loaded with colorful mini M&M’s. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best recipe, share insider baking tips, explore why NYC cookies are so popular, and even answer fun questions like Michelle Obama’s favorite cookie or how Taylor Swift bakes hers. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a cookie enthusiast, you’ll find everything you need to master these show-stopping cookies at home.
Don’t miss our classic cookie recipes if you’re looking for more sweet inspiration.
M&M NYC Cookies Recipe – Step by Step
The Essential Ingredients for NYC-Style Cookies
To get that signature bakery-style thickness and chew, the ingredients for M&M NYC Cookies are simple but carefully balanced:
- 125 g margarine (softened)
- 100 g light brown sugar
- 50 g caster sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 280 g plain flour
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
- 100 g milk chocolate chips
- 2 packs mini M&M’s (230 g total)
This mix of brown sugar and white sugar gives the cookies their chewy texture and caramel-like flavor, while margarine keeps them soft. The M&M’s bring crunch, color, and a burst of chocolate.
Step-by-Step Directions (Beginner-Friendly)
1. Mix Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the margarine, light brown sugar, and caster sugar until smooth and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon. This step builds the base flavor and texture of your cookies.
2. Add Vanilla and Egg
Stir in the vanilla extract, then beat in the egg until fully combined. Don’t worry if the mixture looks slightly curdled; it will smooth out once the flour is added.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in the plain flour and bicarbonate of soda. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. The dough should hold together without being sticky.
4. Mix in Chocolates
Set aside 80 g of M&M’s for decorating. Add the rest, along with the chocolate chips, into the dough. Mix gently so the chocolates are evenly distributed.
5. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling is key for NYC cookies—it prevents spreading and helps create thick, bakery-style cookies.
6. Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens). Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
7. Shape the Cookies
Divide the chilled dough into 8 equal portions and roll into balls. Press the reserved M&M’s into the tops so they’re colorful and visible after baking.
8. Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers look slightly underbaked. NYC cookies are meant to stay gooey in the middle.
9. Cool Before Eating
Leave the cookies on the tray for at least 30 minutes before moving them. They firm up as they cool while keeping that signature soft center.
Storage and Shelf Life
Keep your M&M NYC Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for 5–7 days. For longer storage, freeze them in airtight bags and reheat briefly before eating.
Baking Secrets and Variations of M&M NYC Cookies
Why Are NYC Cookies So Popular?
The NYC cookie trend started because New York bakeries like Levain introduced oversized cookies that were crispy outside and gooey inside. Unlike regular cookies, they are thicker, almost like cookie-cakes. M&M NYC Cookies take that same indulgent style but add the colorful crunch of M&M’s.
- Extra-thick and chewy texture
- Packed with chunks of chocolate and candy
- Eye-catching appearance for parties and gifts
Common Baking Questions Answered
Do You Put M&M’s in Cookies Before or After Baking?
For best results, mix most of the M&M’s into the dough before baking, then press a few extra on top just before baking. This ensures the cookies are full of chocolate throughout and also look colorful on the surface.
Are NYC Cookies Gooey?
Yes! That’s the hallmark of NYC cookies. The short bake time keeps the center soft and gooey while the edges get golden and crisp. If you prefer a firmer cookie, add 2 extra minutes to the bake time.
Flavor Variations for M&M NYC Cookies
Want to put your own twist on this recipe? Try these fun variations:
- Peanut M&M’s NYC Cookies: Swap mini M&M’s for peanut M&M’s for a salty-sweet balance.
- Double Chocolate NYC Cookies: Replace half the plain flour with cocoa powder for an extra rich chocolate base.
- Holiday M&M Cookies: Use red and green M&M’s for Christmas, or pastel M&M’s for Easter.
Beginner-Friendly Baking Tips
- Always chill the dough—this prevents spreading and keeps cookies thick.
- Don’t overbake—NYC cookies should look slightly underdone when removed from the oven.
- Use a kitchen scale—precise measurements ensure the cookies have the right texture.
- Let them cool completely—cookies continue to cook as they cool, which helps set their gooey centers.
The History and Popularity of NYC Cookies
Origins of New York–Style Cookies
NYC cookies are inspired by the famous bakeries of Manhattan, especially Levain Bakery, which became iconic in the late 1990s for its oversized, gooey-centered cookies. Unlike traditional flat chocolate chip cookies, New York–style cookies are designed to be thick, indulgent, and visually impressive.
Adding M&M’s to the classic recipe takes this style a step further—combining the playful crunch of candy with the nostalgia of homemade cookies.
Why M&M NYC Cookies Stand Out
There are a few reasons why M&M NYC Cookies have become a must-try dessert:
- Visual appeal: The colorful candies make them Instagram-worthy.
- Nostalgia factor: M&M’s remind people of childhood, but in a grown-up, bakery-style cookie.
- Texture play: Gooey centers contrast with crunchy candy shells.
NYC Cookies and Food Trends
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have played a huge role in the rise of NYC cookies. Videos of bakers breaking apart thick, gooey cookies went viral, inspiring home bakers everywhere to recreate the magic. The M&M version especially appeals to families and party hosts who want a playful, colorful cookie.
Celebrity Connections and Fun Facts
What Is Michelle Obama’s Favorite Cookie?
Fun fact: Michelle Obama’s all-time favorite cookie is a shortbread with lemon and mint, but during her time in the White House, cookie contests revealed her fondness for chewy treats with chocolate chunks. While she hasn’t specifically mentioned M&M NYC Cookies, the combination of wholesome ingredients and chocolate is exactly the kind of dessert that matches her flavor preferences.
What Is Taylor Swift’s Cookie Recipe?
Taylor Swift is known for her baking hobby, often sharing recipes with fans and friends. Her signature cookie recipe includes chai spices blended into a classic sugar cookie base. Though not the same as M&M NYC Cookies, her twist on traditional recipes shows the creativity that inspires many bakers to experiment with flavors. Imagine combining Swift’s chai spice with M&M’s—you’d have a spiced NYC cookie worth sharing.
Pop Culture and Cookies
Cookies have long been tied to pop culture—from Santa’s plate on Christmas Eve to viral TikTok recipes. The trend of M&M NYC Cookies fits perfectly into today’s culture of oversized, camera-ready desserts. They aren’t just for eating; they’re for sharing online and making memories.
Fun Facts About M&M Cookies
- The first M&M’s were made in 1941, originally for soldiers during WWII because they wouldn’t melt in their hands.
- NYC cookies typically weigh about 6 oz each—almost three times a regular cookie.
- Studies show people are more likely to buy cookies that look colorful and unique, which is why M&M cookies are bakery best-sellers.
Advanced Baking Techniques for Perfect M&M NYC Cookies
Mastering the Gooey Center
The hallmark of M&M NYC Cookies is that thick, slightly underbaked middle. Here’s how to nail it every time:
- Chill the dough: At least 30 minutes is mandatory, but overnight chilling makes them even thicker.
- High heat bake: A 200°C oven allows the edges to crisp quickly while the inside stays soft.
- Pull them early: Remove the cookies when they look slightly raw in the center—they’ll set as they cool.
The Science Behind the Texture
Cookie baking is equal parts art and science.
- Brown sugar vs. white sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while white sugar creates spread and crisp edges.
- Baking soda: Helps lift the cookies and create air pockets for that bakery-style height.
- Margarine vs. butter: Margarine makes cookies softer, while butter adds a richer flavor. You can substitute butter if you want more depth.
Creative Mix-Ins and Additions
While M&M’s are the star, you can customize NYC cookies endlessly:
- Add pretzels or salted peanuts for a salty crunch.
- Swirl in caramel chunks for a gooey surprise.
- Use white chocolate chips for a colorful contrast with M&M’s.
Check out our creative cookie mix-ins for more inventive ideas.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Cookies spread too much: Dough wasn’t chilled long enough.
- Too dry or crumbly: Overbaked or too much flour.
- Not chewy enough: Swap some flour for bread flour for extra gluten strength.
FAQs About M&M NYC Cookies
What Is Michelle Obama’s Favorite Cookie?
Michelle Obama has shared her love for lemon shortbread and classic chocolate chip cookies during White House baking contests. While not specifically M&M NYC Cookies, the gooey chocolate center is similar to the types of cookies she’s enjoyed publicly.
Do You Put M&M’s in Cookies Before or After Baking?
Always do both! Mix most of the M&M’s into the dough before baking so every bite has chocolate, then press a few extra candies on top just before baking. This ensures a bakery-style, colorful finish.
Are NYC Cookies Gooey?
Yes, gooey centers are the defining feature of NYC cookies. The short bake time leaves the inside soft while the outside firms up. If you prefer firmer cookies, simply extend the bake time by 1–2 minutes.
What Is Taylor Swift’s Cookie Recipe?
Taylor Swift’s famous chai sugar cookie recipe is spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. While not exactly M&M NYC Cookies, you could adapt her chai spice mix into this recipe for a unique twist.
Can You Make M&M NYC Cookies Without Margarine?
Absolutely. Butter can be used instead of margarine for a richer taste. Just remember, butter spreads more, so chill the dough longer.
How Do You Store and Reheat NYC Cookies?
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. To reheat, microwave for 10 seconds or warm in the oven at 160°C for 3–4 minutes to restore gooeyness.
Serving Ideas and Pairings for M&M NYC Cookies
The Perfect Way to Serve NYC Cookies
Freshly baked M&M NYC Cookies are already a showstopper, but how you serve them can elevate the entire experience. Because these cookies are oversized and gooey, they pair beautifully with:
- Cold milk – The classic choice to balance sweetness.
- Hot coffee or espresso – The bitterness of coffee cuts through the richness of chocolate.
- Ice cream sandwiches – Split one cookie and add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Party and Holiday Serving Ideas
- Birthday parties: Stack cookies into a “cookie tower” instead of a traditional cake.
- Holidays: Decorate with red, green, or pastel M&M’s for a festive touch.
- Gift boxes: Wrap cooled cookies in parchment paper and tie with ribbon for homemade gifts.
Pairing M&M NYC Cookies with Drinks
To create a bakery-level dessert experience, try these drink pairings:
- Hot chocolate with whipped cream – Double the chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla milkshake – Adds a creamy balance.
- Red wine – A bold option; rich wines like Cabernet pair surprisingly well with chocolate cookies.
Nutrition and Health Considerations
Nutritional Profile of M&M NYC Cookies (per serving)
While M&M NYC Cookies are indulgent, it’s helpful to know what’s inside each cookie. Here’s an approximate breakdown for one 6 oz cookie:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 420–450 | 22% |
| Fat | 18 g | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g | 20% |
| Sugars | 35 g | 39% |
| Protein | 6 g | 12% |
(Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion size.)
Tips for Lightening Up the Recipe
If you want to enjoy these cookies but cut down on calories, here are some adjustments:
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for less sugar and more antioxidants.
- Swap half the margarine for Greek yogurt to reduce fat.
- Replace part of the plain flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Try sugar substitutes like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener.
Are M&M NYC Cookies Vegan-Friendly?
The standard recipe isn’t vegan since it contains egg and margarine. However, you can easily adapt it:
- Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water).
- Use vegan margarine or plant-based butter.
- Choose vegan chocolate chips and dairy-free M&M alternatives.
