These delightful M&M cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. With a soft and chewy texture, each bite is filled with colorful M&M's that add a fun and tasty twist. Whether you're baking for a party or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep M&M's on hand, you'll need to pick up a bag from the candy aisle at the supermarket. Additionally, make sure you have both granulated sugar and brown sugar as they each contribute to the cookie's texture and flavor.
Ingredients For 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.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
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.
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Alternative Ingredients
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.
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How to Store or Freeze These Cookies
- 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.
How to Reheat Leftovers
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.
Best Tools for Baking These Cookies
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.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
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.
M&M Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter softened
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Brown Sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 Eggs
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the M&M's.
- Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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