Mini M & Ms Recipe
Make Mini M & Ms Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Base Candy Shell
Tinting & Decoration (optional)
Finishing
Method
Base Candy Shell
- 1
Prepare workspace
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Have a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon and a small bowl ready. Lightly dust the parchment with cornstarch or powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- 2
Sort mini M&Ms
Remove any broken or already sticky mini M&Ms and ensure you have approximately 2 cups of whole, dry minis at room temperature.
- 3
Melt white candy coating
Place the white candy coating (8 oz) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power in 20–30 second intervals, stirring thoroughly between intervals, until fully melted and smooth. If the coating is grainy, continue stirring; if too thick, add the vegetable oil (1 tsp) and stir to reach a thin, pourable consistency.
- 4
Tint coating (optional)
If you want colored shells, add small amounts of gel food coloring (start with 1/8 tsp) to the melted coating and mix until uniform. Add more to reach desired shade; the recipe lists up to 1 tsp if making multiple colors combined.
- 5
- 6
Set on prepared sheet
Transfer coated minis to the prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly so they don't stick together. If you want a textured finish, immediately sprinkle with sanding sugar, nonpareils, or a light dust of edible metallic dust while coating is still wet.
- 7
Repeat and cool
Repeat coating and decorating with the remaining minis. Once all are coated, let the baking sheet sit at room temperature until the coating is set, about 20–30 minutes. For faster setting, place the tray in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes, but avoid prolonged refrigeration which may cause condensation on the coating.
Tinting & Decoration (optional)
- 8
Create multiple colors
If making multiple colored shells, divide melted coating into separate small bowls before tinting. Add gel coloring to each bowl and stir until evenly colored. Proceed to coat small batches of minis in each color as described above.
- 9
Apply sanding sugar or nonpareils
Immediately after coating each mini, sprinkle the colored sanding sugar or nonpareils over the wet coating so they adhere. Tap off excess once set.
- 10
Finishing
- 11
Prevent sticking
Once fully set, gently toss the coated minis in a bowl with the dusting of cornstarch or powdered sugar (about 1 tbsp) to ensure they don't stick together during storage. Shake off any excess powder.
- 12
Storage
Store the finished mini M&Ms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If coated with delicate decorations, layer pieces with parchment between layers to prevent damage.