There’s just something magical about baking cookies, isn’t there? The way the kitchen fills with that warm, sweet aroma is like a hug for your senses. My Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies have a special place in my heart, mostly because they remind me of my childhood baking sessions with my mom. We’d spend afternoons mixing, laughing, and sneaking bites of the dough—oh, the thrill of those forbidden tastes! What I love most about these cookies is their perfect balance of soft and chewy texture, thanks to a little extra time in the oven just until the edges turn golden. And let’s not forget the colorful M&M candies that add a pop of joy in every bite! No matter the occasion, these cookies always bring smiles and happy memories to the table, making them an absolute favorite in my home.
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup M&M candies
How to Prepare Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
Getting the perfect batch of Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat in no time. Trust me, the smiles you’ll get from family and friends are totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, so don’t skip it! A hot oven means perfectly baked cookies.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The fluffier, the better!
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack in 2 large eggs and pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. You want that lovely, sweet aroma to fill your kitchen!
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it! A few flour streaks are okay; we want those cookies to be soft and chewy, not tough.
- Fold in M&Ms: Gently fold in 1 cup of M&M candies. This is my favorite part because the colors are so cheerful!
- Shape the Dough: Using a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You’ll want to make sure they have room to spread while baking.
- Bake: Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look soft. They’ll continue to cook a bit after you take them out, so don’t worry if they look slightly underbaked!
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up while still keeping that soft center.
And that’s it! You’re just a few simple steps away from cookie bliss. Enjoy the process and maybe even taste a bit of that dough—just like those fun afternoons with my mom!
Nutritional Information
When you whip up a batch of Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per cookie, based on common ingredients used:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you choose. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right? Enjoy your cookies while savoring those delightful flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These cookies come together in no time! With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll be on your way to cookie heaven in under half an hour.
- Delightful Flavor: The combination of rich butter, brown sugar, and colorful M&M candies creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Each bite is a sweet little celebration!
- Perfect Texture: You’ll love the balance between soft and chewy, making each cookie a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative! Swap out M&Ms for chocolate chips, nuts, or your favorite candies to make these cookies uniquely yours.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, everyone loves cookies! These Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies are sure to bring smiles to faces of all ages, making them a hit wherever you go.
Tips for Success
Getting those Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies just right is all about a few key details! I’ve learned some handy tips that will help you achieve cookie perfection every time. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom make a world of difference!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix together more smoothly and creates a better texture in your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy, not dense!
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Start checking them at the 10-minute mark. You want the edges golden brown while the centers remain soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool!
- Let Them Cool: Don’t rush the cooling process! Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them firm up without losing that delicious chewiness.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: The better your ingredients, the better your cookies will taste! Use high-quality butter, fresh eggs, and real vanilla extract for the best flavor. And don’t skimp on those M&Ms—they’re the star of the show!
- Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft. If you want to freeze them, lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll be perfect for a quick treat later!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delicious Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies. Enjoy every bite of your cookie journey!
Variations on Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
One of the best things about Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies is how versatile they are! You can easily switch things up to make them your own. Here are some fun variations that I absolutely love, and I bet you will too!
- Different M&M Varieties: Go wild with the colors! Try using peanut M&Ms, mini M&Ms, or even seasonal ones like pumpkin spice for fall or red and green for the holidays. Each type adds a unique twist to the flavor and presentation!
- Chocolate Chip Combo: Mix in some chocolate chips along with or instead of M&Ms for that classic chocolatey goodness. Dark chocolate chips can add a rich depth that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the cookies.
- Nutty Delight: If you’re a fan of nuts, add in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. Just keep in mind to reduce the amount of M&Ms slightly to accommodate the extra ingredients.
- Oreo Crumble: Crush up some Oreo cookies and fold them into the dough for an extra layer of flavor. The chocolatey cookies mixed with the M&Ms create a delightful treat that’s sure to impress!
- Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flair. Just a half cup will do, and it pairs beautifully with the M&Ms for a chewy texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Spice It Up: Want a hint of warmth? Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. It adds a cozy flavor that’s especially nice during the colder months.
So, don’t hesitate to get creative with your Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies! Experimenting with different flavors and textures makes baking even more fun, and who knows—you might just discover your new favorite version!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a delicious batch of Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible! Storing them correctly is key to maintaining that irresistible softness and chewiness.
First things first, let those cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This helps prevent any moisture from getting trapped, which could make them soggy. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. I like to layer my cookies with parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking together. If you’re anything like me and can’t resist them, you’ll find that they can last about 4-5 days at room temperature!
If you want to keep your cookies even longer, consider freezing them. Just place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for about an hour to flash freeze. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months—perfect for when a cookie craving strikes!
When you’re ready to enjoy those frozen delights, simply take out the number of cookies you want and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer them warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will revive their softness and give you that freshly baked taste once again!
With these storage and reheating tips, your Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies will be ready to enjoy anytime you need a sweet treat. Happy baking!
FAQ about Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
Got questions about making the perfect batch of Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my trusty answers. Let’s dive in!
Can I substitute the butter for something else?
You can use margarine or a plant-based butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
No worries! You can use granulated sugar instead, but for a richer flavor, try mixing white sugar with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon per cup of sugar) to mimic that lovely brown sugar taste.
Can I add more M&Ms?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more M&Ms for an extra pop of color and sweetness. Just make sure to adjust the flour slightly if the dough feels too sticky.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for the edges to be golden brown while the centers should still look soft and slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little gooey right out of the oven!
Can I use a different type of candy?
Definitely! Chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even chopped up candy bars work wonderfully. Just keep the total amount similar to what you’d use for M&Ms.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option—just follow my freezing tips above!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies!
What if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to too much butter or not enough flour. Make sure to measure accurately, and try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.
Hopefully, these answers help you on your cookie-baking adventure! Enjoy making those Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies and share them with friends and family for some sweet smiles!
Print
Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies: 7 Steps to Blissful Joy
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious soft and chewy M&M cookies perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup M&M candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract; mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; mix until combined.
- Fold in the M&M candies.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For chewier cookies, do not overbake.
- You can use any type of M&M candies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies