The M&M Cookie is a crowd-pleaser that combines the soft, chewy texture of classic cookies with the vibrant colors and sweetness of M&M candies. These cookies are not only visually appealing but also irresistibly delicious, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or simply for an afternoon snack, these cookies will satisfy sweet cravings and bring smiles to everyone who tries them.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This M&M cookie recipe is beloved for several reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is a delightful blend of buttery sweetness and chocolatey goodness, thanks to the rich chocolate chips and crunchy M&Ms. The ease of preparation makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels; you don’t need any fancy equipment or techniques! Plus, these cookies can fit into many lifestyles, whether you’re treating your family, hosting a gathering, or simply indulging in a bit of homemade goodness.
Tips and Tricks
To achieve the best results with your M&M cookies, here are a few helpful tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and keeps them puffy.
- Mix-Ins Galore: Feel free to add nuts or other types of chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls when making M&M cookies:
- Overmixing the Dough: Mix until just combined to prevent tough cookies.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Underbaking: Cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven, so bake until just golden around the edges.
Make Ahead Tips
This cookie dough can be prepared in advance! You can roll it into balls and freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with these variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Lovers: Substitute half of the M&Ms with chocolate chunks for a double chocolate flavor.
- Holiday Themes: Use seasonal M&Ms (like red and green for Christmas) or add festive sprinkles for a fun twist.
How to Serve
Serve your M&M cookies warm and fresh from the oven for the best experience. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert. Present them on a colorful platter, perhaps with a few extra M&Ms sprinkled around for decoration.
Pairing Suggestions
For a delightful pairing, consider serving your M&M cookies with:
- Beverage: A tall glass of chilled milk, hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Dessert: Serve alongside a slice of chocolate cake or brownies for a sweet treat platter.
How to Store
To store your leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy their warm, gooey texture again.
Equipment Needed
You will need basic baking equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon for portioning
- An electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer works great)
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe more inclusive:
- Vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg).
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Nut-Free: Ensure any added chocolate chips are nut-free and omit nuts completely.
Seasonal Adaptations
Adapt your M&M cookies to fit seasonal flavors:
- Fall: Add pumpkin spice or chopped apples for a seasonal twist.
- Summer: Incorporate coconut flakes for a tropical vibe.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated cost of making a batch of M&M cookies is around $10, which yields approximately 24 cookies. For budget-friendly swaps, consider using store-brand ingredients or substituting M&Ms with chocolate chips, which can often be less expensive.
Kitchen Hacks
Here are some quick hacks:
- Quickly Soften Butter: Cut it into small cubes and leave it out for about 10 minutes or microwave it for 5-10 seconds.
- No Mess Measuring: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use different candies instead of M&Ms? Absolutely! Feel free to use chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or any candy you prefer.
- What is the best way to ensure my cookies are soft? Don’t overbake them; they should look slightly underdone when you take them out.
- How can I make my cookies chewier? Try adding an extra egg yolk to the recipe for added moisture.
M&M Cookie
The M&M Cookie is a crowd-pleaser that combines the soft, chewy texture of classic cookies with the vibrant colors and sweetness of M&M candies. These cookies are not only visually appealing but also irresistibly delicious, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups M&M candies
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the M&M candies and chocolate chips if using.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Yield
24Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 245Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 38mgSodium 114mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 1gSugar 22gProtein 3g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Baking M&M cookies is a delightful and rewarding experience that fills your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked treats. With their vibrant colors and scrumptious flavor, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re indulging yourself or sharing with friends and family, this M&M cookie recipe is bound to bring joy to any occasion. Happy baking!