Table Of Contents
Similar to the process of making box cake mix cookies recipe, this recipe begins by creaming together the butter and sugars. This step is crucial for creating a light and airy texture. Have you ever wondered why creaming is so important? It’s all about incorporating air into the butter, which helps leaven the cookies and prevents them from becoming dense and heavy.
The Secret to Perfectly Chewy M&M Cookies
What makes a cookie truly chewy? The secret lies in the combination of ingredients and techniques. This m & m cookie recipe uses a higher ratio of brown sugar to white sugar, which contributes to the chewiness. Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor. Another key element is chilling the dough. I know, I know, waiting is hard! But trust me, chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin in the oven.
Ingredients for M&M Cookie Bliss
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup M&Ms (any variety you like!)
Mixing the Dough: A Step-by-Step Guide
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Stir in the M&Ms.
Mixing M&M Cookie Dough
Chilling and Baking: Patience is Key
Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This m and m cookie recipe is versatile and can be modified depending on your preferences. Want larger or smaller cookies? You can easily adjust their size.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. The cookie recipe from cake mix also uses a similar technique.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Freshly Baked M&M Cookies Cooling on a Wire Rack
Tips and Tricks for M&M Cookie Perfection
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create the perfect texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too thin.
- Variations: Get creative with your M&Ms! Use different colors, or try adding other mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
For those who love cookie dough, you might enjoy our recipe for edible cookie dough.
M&M Cookie Troubleshooting
My cookies spread too much. What went wrong? The most common culprit is butter that was too warm or not chilling the dough long enough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
My cookies are too hard. How can I make them softer? Try reducing the baking time by a minute or two. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of milk to the dough to increase moisture.
Like the cookies from cake mix recipe, these M&M cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different types of M&Ms?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any variety of M&Ms you like, from plain milk chocolate to peanut butter or pretzel.
Q: How long can I store these cookies?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag.
Sweet Success: Enjoy Your M&M Cookies!
So, there you have it – my ultimate m and m cookie recipe! This recipe is a surefire way to impress your friends and family, or just to treat yourself to a delicious homemade treat. Baking these cookies isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memories and sharing the joy of baking. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade M&M cookies!
Pingback: Colorful Ingredients in Some Cookie Recipes NYT - Bestbaking Recipes