If you love cookies that combine rich flavors with fun textures, you’ll adore these brown butter maple M&M cookies. The nutty depth of browned butter paired with the sweet warmth of maple syrup creates a chewy cookie base that’s studded with colorful M&Ms for a playful crunch. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just craving a delicious treat, these cookies are sure to please any crowd.
Making brown butter maple M&M cookies is easier than you might think, and once you try them, you’ll want to bake them again and again. This recipe balances sweetness with a hint of caramel from the brown butter and a subtle maple flavor that makes each bite extra special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, nutty flavor from homemade brown butter
- Natural sweetness and depth from real maple syrup
- Colorful, fun M&Ms add great texture and visual appeal
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably have on hand
- Perfectly chewy with slightly crisp edges every time
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to whip up a batch of irresistible brown butter maple M&M cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for browning)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups M&M candies
YOUR NEXT FAVORITE RECIPE STARTS HERE
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 180 per cookie
How to Make Easy Brown Butter Maple M&M Cookies – The Best Treat for Any Crowd! Comment for Recipe!
- Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it foams and turns a golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the brown butter with maple syrup, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Fold in the M&M candies gently, saving a few to press on top of the cookies before baking for a pretty finish.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough by heaping tablespoons onto the sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press extra M&Ms on top if desired.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers still look slightly soft. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Enjoy warm or store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container.
Tips for the Best Results
- Watch the butter carefully while browning to prevent burning; remove from heat as soon as it's golden and fragrant.
- Use pure maple syrup for the best natural flavor—avoid imitation syrups.
- Don’t overmix your dough to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- Press extra M&Ms on top before baking for vibrant, colorful cookies.
- For even baking, rotate cookie sheets halfway through cooking.
Storage and Reheating
Store your brown butter maple M&M cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and chewy. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness and melty M&Ms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting your cookies. Unsalted butter gives you more control over seasoning.
Will the cookies be too sweet with maple syrup and sugar?
The maple syrup adds a subtle depth of sweetness without overpowering. Combined with the sugars, it creates a balanced flavor that complements the M&Ms and brown butter.
Can I substitute M&Ms with other candies or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can swap M&Ms for chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or any other candy you like. Just keep the quantity about the same for best texture.
How do I know when the brown butter is ready?
Brown butter smells nutty and caramel-like and turns a golden amber color with tiny browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Stir often and remove it from heat as soon as you see these signs to prevent burning.