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Similar to recipes with cookies and cream ice cream, the key to a truly great M&M cookie is the balance of textures and flavors. You want a cookie that’s slightly crispy on the edges, chewy in the center, and bursting with chocolate and the sweet crunch of M&Ms. And that’s exactly what we’re going to achieve! Intrigued? Let’s dive in!
Gathering Your Ingredients for M and M Cookies
Before we begin, let’s make sure we have everything we need. This m and m cookies recipe calls for simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk chocolate M&Ms
- ½ cup mini M&Ms (optional, for extra color and crunch)
Mixing the Dough: The Heart of the M and M Cookies Recipe
Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie. Think of it as building a soft, pillowy foundation for those M&Ms to nestle into.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a subtle warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile. Ever wonder why vanilla is such a staple in baking? It’s like a secret weapon for boosting sweetness and complexity.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture will provide structure to our cookies. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies – and nobody wants that!
Finally, the stars of the show: the M&Ms! Gently fold in the milk chocolate M&Ms and the mini M&Ms, if using. Remember, we’re aiming for a chewy cookie, so handle the dough with care.
Mixing M and M Cookie Dough
Chilling and Baking: The Final Steps to M and M Cookie Perfection
Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too thin during baking. I know, I know, waiting is hard! But trust me, this chilling period is essential for achieving that perfect texture. Think of it as a timeout for the dough – a chance for all the flavors to meld and the gluten to relax.
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your friend! It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Once the dough is chilled, scoop it onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers might still look slightly soft, but that’s okay – they’ll firm up as they cool.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For those who enjoy a no-bake approach, our recipe for no bake cookies might pique your interest! It’s a fantastic alternative for those hot summer days when turning on the oven feels like a crime.
Freshly Baked M and M Cookies
Variations on the Classic M and M Cookies Recipe
Want to get creative with your m and m cookies recipe? Here are a few ideas:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough.
- Double Chocolate Dream: Use dark chocolate M&Ms or even chopped dark chocolate for an extra intense chocolate experience.
- Festive Flair: Use seasonal M&Ms for holidays, like red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
Tips and Tricks for the Best M and M Cookies
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will create the perfect texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill Out: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading.
- Even Baking: Use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Looking for other delicious cookie recipes? Check out our best sugar cookies recipe for a classic treat or our almond flour cookies recipes for a gluten-free option. And for those who crave a different kind of sweetness, our carrot cookies recipe offers a unique and delightful twist.
M and M Cookie Variations
FAQs about M and M Cookies
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop it onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag.
Q: My cookies spread too much. What did I do wrong?
A: The most likely culprit is butter that was too soft or not chilling the dough long enough.
Q: Can I use other types of M&Ms?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different M&M varieties, such as peanut butter M&Ms or pretzel M&Ms.
This m and m cookies recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients and techniques can create truly extraordinary results. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of happiness! Don’t forget to share your cookie triumphs (and maybe even a few mishaps) in the comments below. Happy baking!
