M&M Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of a chocolate chip cookie with the colorful crunch of M&M candies. These cookies are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for bake sales, birthday parties, or simply enjoying at home with a glass of milk. Their chewy texture, buttery flavor, and bursts of chocolate make them irresistible, and the vibrant colors of the M&Ms add a fun touch that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This M&M Cookies recipe will become your go-to for several reasons. First, the rich, buttery flavor combined with the sweet and crunchy M&Ms creates an explosion of taste in every bite. The ease of preparation is another winning factor—mixing the ingredients takes just minutes, and they bake quickly, meaning you can satisfy your cookie cravings in no time. Additionally, these cookies can fit various dietary preferences by making simple substitutions, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to indulge without the guilt.
Tips and Tricks
To ensure your M&M Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips and tricks:
- Use room temperature butter for better creaming with the sugars, which creates a lighter cookie.
- Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking; this helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavor.
- For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake them and let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Experiment with different types of M&Ms (peanut, pretzel, or seasonal varieties) to give your cookies a unique twist.
Make Ahead Tips
For busy bakers, the great news is that M&M cookie dough can be made ahead of time. Prepare the dough and shape it into balls, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can have freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes!
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with your M&M Cookies! Here are some variations to try:
- Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, spicy flavor profile.
- Use dark chocolate or white chocolate M&Ms for a different taste.
- For a festive touch, use seasonal M&M colors for holidays like Christmas or Halloween.
How to Serve
To serve your M&M Cookies, stack them on a decorative plate or arrange them in a cookie jar for a charming presentation. Pair them with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or even coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For an extra special touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle sea salt for a sweet and salty combination.
Pairing Suggestions
M&M Cookies pair beautifully with various beverages and desserts. Consider serving them with:
- A tall glass of cold milk for that classic combination.
- A cup of hot coffee or espresso for the adults.
- Ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite flavor between two cookies.
- Fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
How to Store
To keep your M&M Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that just-baked taste.
Equipment Needed
You will need a few basic kitchen tools to make these M&M Cookies:
- A mixing bowl
- A hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats
- A cookie scoop or tablespoon for portioning the dough
- A cooling rack for cooling the cookies
Dietary Adaptations
If you need to adapt this recipe for dietary needs, here are some helpful swaps:
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of eggs.
- To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- For those with nut allergies, ensure that the M&Ms used are nut-free and avoid any nut-based ingredients.
Seasonal Adaptations
Take advantage of seasonal ingredients to enhance your M&M Cookies. In the fall, add pumpkin spice or chopped pecans for a seasonal twist. In the summer, mix in some shredded coconut or use pastel-colored M&Ms for a bright, sunny look. Experimenting with seasonal flavors can keep this classic recipe fresh and exciting.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chocolate chips instead of M&Ms?
Yes, you can easily substitute chocolate chips for M&Ms. The cookies will still be delicious!
How long will the cookies last?
Stored properly, M&M Cookies can last up to a week at room temperature or several months in the freezer.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking for a quick treat any time.
What if my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if the butter is too warm or if the dough is not chilled. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and chill the dough before baking.
M&M Cookies
M&M Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of a chocolate chip cookie with the colorful crunch of M&M candies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups M&M candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in the M&M candies until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Yield
24Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 186Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 19mgSodium 119mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 1gSugar 23gProtein 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
Making M&M Cookies is a fun and rewarding experience that yields a delicious treat everyone will love. With their colorful appearance and delightful flavor, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or just for yourself, every bite will remind you of the joy of homemade treats. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of warm, gooey M&M Cookies!