M&M Cookies Recipe

Butter: Provides richness and helps create a soft texture.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie's structure.

Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper flavor due to its molasses content.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.

All-purpose flour: The main structure of the cookie, providing the necessary gluten.

Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

M&M's: Adds a colorful and chocolatey crunch to each bite.

To ensure your cookies have a perfect texture, make sure your butter is properly softened before you start. Softened butter should be pliable but not melted; it should hold its shape but yield easily to pressure. This allows it to cream smoothly with the sugars, creating a light and fluffy base for your dough. If your butter is too cold, it won't incorporate well, and if it's too warm, your cookies may spread too much during baking.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct substitute for butter in most baking recipes, providing a similar texture and moisture content.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor, making it a healthier alternative.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can also replace brown sugar, offering a similar texture and a hint of caramel flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor profile, adding a nutty undertone to the cookies.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients together.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser cookie.

• baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 teaspoons of baking powder for every 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Baking powder will help the cookies rise, though the texture may be slightly different.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• m&m's - Substitute with chocolate chips: Chocolate chips can replace M&M's, offering a similar chocolatey taste without the candy coating.

• To keep your M&M cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will maintain their soft and chewy texture for up to a week.
• If you prefer a longer shelf life, consider refrigerating the cookies. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, and they will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
• For a more extended storage solution, freezing is your best bet. Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
• When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer a warm treat, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
• If you want to freeze the cookie dough instead of the baked cookies, scoop the dough into individual portions and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. This way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever you crave them.
• To bake frozen cookie dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the frozen dough balls on a lined baking sheet. Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes longer than the original recipe time, or until the edges are lightly browned.
• For an extra touch of freshness, you can add a slice of bread to the container with your stored cookies. The bread will help maintain moisture, keeping your cookies soft and chewy.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method helps retain the cookies' original texture and flavor.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. This will make the cookie soft and warm, perfect for a quick treat.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. This method gives a nice balance of crispiness and warmth.

• For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet. Heat the skillet over low heat and place the cookies in the pan. Cover with a lid and warm for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is great for achieving a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.

• If you prefer a more unconventional method, try using a toaster oven. Preheat it to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the cookies are warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.

• Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the cookie dough on for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lining for the baking sheet to prevent cookies from sticking.

• Large bowl: Used for creaming together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.

• Electric mixer: Helps to cream the butter and sugars until smooth and to beat in the vanilla extract and eggs.

• Whisk: Used to combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) in a separate bowl.

• Separate bowl: For mixing the dry ingredients before adding them to the wet mixture.

• Spatula: Useful for folding in the M&M's into the cookie dough.

• Tablespoon: For measuring and dropping rounded tablespoonfuls of cookie dough onto the baking sheet.

• Wire rack: Allows the cookies to cool completely after baking.

• Cooling rack: Another term for the wire rack, used for cooling the cookies.

Soften butter quickly: Cut butter into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for faster softening.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.

Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform-sized cookies and speeds up the portioning process.

Chill dough briefly: If the dough is too soft, chill it for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Batch baking: Use multiple baking sheets to bake more cookies at once, reducing overall baking time.