Thank you so much for stopping by! If you’re here, chances are you’re in the mood to bake something festive, fun, and incredibly simple—and these Patriotic M&M Cookies are just that! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, watching fireworks with family, or just soaking up the summer vibes, these cookies add the perfect red, white, and blue touch to your holiday spread.
Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter below so you never miss a holiday-ready recipe like this one, sent straight to your inbox!
Why You’ll Love These Patriotic M&M Cookies
This recipe is the ultimate last-minute, crowd-pleasing dessert—ready in under 20 minutes with only four ingredients! And yes, we’re using cake mix, which makes these cookies incredibly soft and pillowy with barely any effort.
They’re bright, colorful, and anything but boring!! I made these for our neighborhood block party and the plate was empty in minutes—kids and adults alike kept going back for more!
Let’s dive into what makes these cookies a must-bake this summer!
What Are Patriotic M&M Cookies?
These cookies are a playful twist on the classic cake mix cookie, dressed up for Independence Day with red, white, and blue M&M’s and sprinkles. The base is a soft and chewy vanilla-flavored dough, made easy with a box of white cake mix. Fold in your patriotic candies, and you’ve got a festive dessert that’s as easy as it is adorable.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Super quick to make – From mixing bowl to cooling rack in under 20 minutes!
- Only 4 ingredients – Yup, you probably already have most of them on hand.
- Perfect for kids to help with – Scooping dough and adding sprinkles? A kid’s dream.
- Totally customizable – Swap in other seasonal M&M’s for different holidays.
- Great for parties – No one can resist that red, white & blue pop!
What Do Patriotic M&M Cookies Taste Like?
These cookies are soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy with a sweet vanilla flavor thanks to the white cake mix. The M&M’s add bursts of creamy chocolate crunch, while the sprinkles bring just the right bit of whimsy and texture.
Honestly, the smell when these are in the oven is incredible!! Imagine vanilla cupcakes, but in cookie form—with candy on top!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Time-saving thanks to cake mix.
- Minimal mess – only one mixing bowl needed.
- Festive flair without complicated decorating.
- Freezer-friendly for planning ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box white cake mix – Choose your favorite brand.
- 2 eggs – At room temperature works best.
- ½ cup red, white & blue M&M’s – You can find these seasonal mixes in most stores around the 4th of July!
- Patriotic sprinkles – Optional, but highly encouraged for that extra sparkle!
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (or a silicone baking mat)
- Cookie scoop (optional but helpful!)
Additions and Substitutions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Additions:
- Mini white chocolate chips for extra creaminess
- A pinch of salt or splash of vanilla extract for added flavor depth
- Crushed pretzels for a sweet-salty combo!
Substitutions:
- Swap white cake mix for yellow, vanilla, or even funfetti for an extra surprise inside.
- Use other holiday M&M’s to make these cookies year-round (Halloween, Christmas, you name it!).
- If you’re short on sprinkles, crushed freeze-dried strawberries can be a fun red accent!
How to Make Patriotic M&M Cookies – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and eggs. The dough will be thick—don’t worry, that’s normal!
Step 3: Fold in M&M’s and Sprinkles
Gently fold in your red, white & blue M&M’s and a generous handful of patriotic sprinkles.
Step 4: Scoop the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes. The edges should be just lightly golden and the centers set but still soft.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve once completely cooled—or sneak one while they’re still warm and gooey!
What to Serve with Patriotic M&M Cookies
Pair these cookies with:
- Fresh lemonade or strawberry soda
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat
- Alongside other red, white, and blue desserts like fruit kabobs or cupcakes
They also look great on a tiered dessert tray or wrapped in cellophane bags as take-home favors!
Tips for the Best Cookies
- Don’t overbake! They may look soft in the center but firm up as they cool.
- Reserve a few M&M’s to press on top after scooping for a bakery-style finish.
- Let them cool completely if storing—this helps them keep their texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
How to Store Patriotic M&M Cookies
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Good for up to 3 months.
Dough freezing: You can also freeze scooped dough balls and bake fresh from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
General Info and Make-Ahead Tips
These cookies are perfect for make-ahead baking! Whip them up the night before your party, or freeze a batch for emergency sweet tooth moments. They’re also a fun addition to cookie platters, lunchboxes, or care packages for loved ones.
Planning a party? Double the batch—you’ll be glad you did!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cake mix?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s the equivalent of a standard 15.25 oz box mix.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—just use your favorite gluten-free cake mix and check that your M&M’s and sprinkles are gluten-free.
What if I don’t have M&M’s?
Try chopped white chocolate, regular chocolate chips, or patriotic-colored candy melts instead!
Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling required! That’s part of the magic of cake mix cookies—straight from bowl to bake.
Conclusion: Celebrate with Cookies!
These Patriotic M&M Cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat: festive, fun, fast, and full of flavor. Whether you’re baking with the kids, prepping for a potluck, or just looking for a sweet way to say Happy 4th!, this recipe will become your go-to.
So bake a batch, share with friends, and celebrate sweetly!
More Red, White, and Blue Recipes You’ll Love:
- Patriotic Fruit Skewers
- No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits with Berries
- Firecracker Popcorn Snack Mix
Let’s Make This a Party!
If you make these cookies, I would absolutely love to see them! Leave a review in the comments, and don’t forget to tag your creations on Pinterest so I can cheer you on. 🎉
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 1g
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on your cake mix brand and amount of M&M’s and sprinkles used.
Print
Patriotic M&M Cookies: A Festive and Easy Treat for the 4th of July!
Description
Soft, chewy, and bursting with festive color, these Patriotic M&M Cookies are the ultimate easy treat for the 4th of July—or any red, white & blue celebration! Made with just 4 ingredients and a box of cake mix, they come together in minutes and disappear even faster. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or baking with kids. Fun, fast, and anything but boring!!
Ingredients
1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
2 large eggs
½ cup red, white & blue M&M’s
Patriotic sprinkles (optional but so fun!)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix and eggs. The dough will be thick—this is normal!
Fold in the M&M’s and patriotic sprinkles until evenly distributed.
Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet using a spoon or cookie scoop, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden and the centers look set.
Cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
For extra visual pop, press a few M&M’s into the tops of the cookies right after scooping—bakery-style!
Don’t overbake! These cookies will continue to set as they cool.
Make ahead: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Customize it: Try different holiday M&M colors to make this recipe year-round. Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s—so many possibilities!
This dough does not require chilling—a true lifesaver when you’re short on time!
