This Smartie cookie recipe is guaranteed to bring a smile. They’re colourful, simple to make and deliver a satisfying crunch with bursts of chocolatey Smartie goodness throughout.
The cookies bake up crisp at the edges and chewy in the centre — a balance many bakers look for in a classic cookie. Share a batch to brighten someone’s day or enjoy them as an easy, crowd-pleasing treat.
What’s to love about this recipe
- Bright, attractive cookies that look as fun as they taste.
- Smarties add a crunchy texture and chocolate flavour throughout.
- Easy to follow — suitable for bakers of all skill levels and great for involving kids.
- A delicious way to use leftover Smarties.
- Flexible: swap in chocolate chips, chunks, M&Ms or other mix-ins.
- Perfect for bake sales, parties or lunchboxes.
Key ingredient notes and substitutions
See the recipe card further down for the full ingredient list.
Butter
Unsalted butter is preferred to better control the salt level. Use salted butter if you prefer a slightly savoury contrast.
Sugar
White granulated sugar works well; you can also use caster sugar if you have it on hand.
Golden syrup
Golden syrup adds a subtle depth and chewiness to the cookies. If you can’t find it, corn syrup is a workable substitute, though the flavour and texture will be marginally different.
Eggs
The recipe uses two eggs: one whole egg plus the yolk of a second egg. You will have a single extra egg white left over — use it in another recipe or with breakfast the next day.
Smarties
The recipe calls for 200g of Smarties. Keep a few extras to press on top of each dough ball before baking for an attractive finish and extra colour.
How to make Smartie cookies
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Leave the oven off for now.
- Melt the butter gently in a microwave-safe bowl. Let it cool for about 5 minutes so it isn’t scorching hot.
- In a large bowl combine the white sugar and golden syrup.
- Pour the cooled melted butter into the sugar and syrup. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer (paddle, not whisk), beat for about 1 minute until combined.
- Add the vanilla, one whole egg and the extra egg yolk. Beat for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick and creamy — a stand mixer may reach this quicker.
- In a separate bowl whisk together the plain (all-purpose) flour and bicarbonate of soda.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions, gently folding with a spatula or wooden spoon. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated.
- Carefully fold in the Smarties until distributed evenly. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Scoop equal portions of dough with an ice cream scoop or large spoon. Roll each portion into a ball and place on the prepared trays, leaving about 8cm (3 inches) between cookies for spreading. Press extra Smarties onto the tops if you like.
- Chill the trays of dough in the fridge while you preheat the oven.
- Preheat the oven to 170℃ / 325℉ / gas mark 3.
- Bake on the middle rack for 14–15 minutes, or until the cookies are light golden. Bake additional trays as needed.
- Let the cookies cool on the trays for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Tips for making the best Smartie cookies
- Mix gently and stop once the flour is combined — overmixing can produce tougher cookies.
- A rounded dough ball gives the best contrast of a crisp edge and a chewy centre, so resist flattening before baking.
- Oven temperatures vary; if cookies need a little longer after 15 minutes, add extra time in small increments while watching closely.
Variations
Try other mix-ins in place of Smarties:
- White, milk or dark chocolate chips
- Chopped chocolate chunks
- M&Ms
- Chopped nuts
- Raisins or dried fruit
Cookie sizes
Weighing dough balls makes for even baking. A 50g dough ball yields a standard cookie; use 100g for a larger, “giant” cookie. You can also form a thick disc on a tray for a cookie pizza and decorate liberally with Smarties.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container. Properly stored, they keep well for up to three weeks.
Can you freeze Smartie cookies?
Yes. Baked cookies freeze for up to six months in an airtight container. You can also freeze unbaked dough: wrap tightly, thaw overnight in the fridge, then shape and bake as directed.
Other colourful recipes you might enjoy
Rice Krispie cake-
Cookies on sticks – Valentine’s sugar cookies
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Buttery Honey Popcorn
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Easy Coconut Ice
Other cookie recipes you can try
Coconut oat biscuits
No-bake Lithuanian Lazy Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies made with condensed milk
Easy no-bake Biscoff slices
Recipe
Cheerful Smartie cookies
Ingredients
- 150 grams butter, unsalted
- 225 grams white granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon golden syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs (use one whole egg plus the yolk from the second)
- 300 grams all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 200 grams Smarties, plus a few extra for decoration
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Do not preheat the oven yet.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl on low heat. Let it cool for about 5 minutes.
- Measure the sugar into a large bowl and add the golden syrup.
- Pour the melted butter into the sugar and syrup. Beat for 1 minute with a mixer until combined.
- Add the vanilla, one whole egg and the extra yolk. Beat for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Whisk the flour and bicarbonate of soda together in a separate bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts, folding gently until just combined.
- Fold in the Smarties gently until evenly distributed.
- Scoop equal portions of dough, shape into balls and place on the prepared trays, leaving space for spreading. Press extra Smarties on top if desired.
- Chill the trays of dough in the fridge while you preheat the oven to 170℃ / 325℉ / gas mark 3.
- Bake on the middle rack for 14–15 minutes, until lightly golden. Repeat with any remaining trays.
- Cool the cookies on the trays for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Nutritional data disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated by a third party and may vary depending on ingredients and brands used. Consult a qualified professional for personalised dietary advice.
Nutrition
For food safety advice, including guidance on food allergies, consult your local food safety authority.