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These festive Funfetti Easter M&M Cookies transform a simple cake mix into irresistibly soft, colorful treats perfect for celebrating spring. With their cheerful appearance and delicious taste, they're guaranteed to brighten any Easter basket or dessert table.
I first made these cookies for my niece's Easter egg hunt and they disappeared faster than the hidden eggs. The kids were grabbing them by the handful, and now they're requested at every family gathering regardless of the season.
Ingredients
- Funfetti cake mix: Creates the perfect soft cookie texture and provides built in color and flavor
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and tender
- Eggs: Bind everything together for the perfect cookie structure
- Extra sprinkles: Add more festive color bursts throughout each cookie
- M&Ms: Provide chocolate flavor and a candy shell crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Heat your oven to exactly 350°F to ensure perfect even baking. This moderate temperature allows the cookies to spread slightly without browning too quickly on the edges.
- Mix The Base:
- Combine the Funfetti cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs in a medium bowl until fully incorporated. The mixture will be quite thick, which is exactly what you want for these cookies. If using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air.
- Add The Mix-ins:
- Gently fold in the sprinkles and M&Ms using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Work carefully to avoid crushing the candy pieces or causing the colors to bleed into the dough. Reserve a few M&Ms to press on top of each cookie before baking for a more colorful presentation.
- Form The Cookies:
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into 1inch balls. Roll between your palms to create smooth surfaces, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet allowing 2 inches between each cookie for spreading.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Place the cookies in your preheated oven and bake for exactly 68 minutes. Look for a slight golden color on the edges while the centers remain soft. The cookies will continue to set up as they cool so be careful not to overbake.
- Cool And Enjoy:
- Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief rest helps them firm up enough to move without breaking.
My absolute favorite part of making these cookies is watching children's faces light up when they see the colorful treats. There's something magical about sprinkles and candy that brings instant joy, and these cookies have an abundance of both. I've found pressing a few extra M&Ms on top just as they come out of the oven creates an especially festive appearance.
Storage Tips
These cookies maintain their soft texture for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture if keeping them longer than a couple days. The cookies also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer container and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Seasonal Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to any holiday or occasion. Simply swap the sprinkles and M&Ms to match your celebration! Use red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or team colors for game day parties. During Valentine's Day, try pink and red M&Ms with heart-shaped sprinkles. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a year-round favorite that can be customized for any special event.
Make Them Your Own
While this recipe is delicious as written, feel free to experiment with different mix-ins. White chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even crushed candy canes can be wonderful additions. For a more gourmet version, try using premium chocolate candies or specialty sprinkles. You can even add a teaspoon of extract like almond or coconut to change the flavor profile completely. The cake mix provides a perfect blank canvas for creative adaptations.
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These Easter cookies are sure to delight your family and friends while bringing festive joy to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different cake mix instead of Funfetti?
Yes, you can use other cake mix flavors, but adding some sprinkles will help achieve the Funfetti look and feel.
- → Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.
- → What type of M&Ms work best?
Any type of M&Ms will work! Seasonal or colorful varieties, like pastel Easter M&Ms, add a festive touch.
- → How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your dough balls are evenly spaced and avoid overmixing the ingredients. You can also chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking.
- → What if I don’t have Easter-themed sprinkles?
No problem! Use any sprinkles you have on hand, or skip them altogether for a simpler cookie.