Oh my goodness, there’s just something magical about baking during the Easter season! I absolutely adore whipping up a batch of these Easter chocolate chip cookies. They’re not just your ordinary cookies; we’re talking about a delightful twist with those adorable pastel M&M’s mixed in. Every bite is like springtime in your mouth! The soft, chewy texture combined with the melty chocolate and colorful candies makes for an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Trust me, these cookies are perfect for sharing or even just enjoying with a cup of coffee while you watch the world bloom outside your window. So, let’s get those ovens warming and dive into this delicious recipe together!
Ingredients for Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark depending on your preference
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for that perfect sweetness
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for an aromatic touch
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled for accuracy
- 1 teaspoon baking soda to give those cookies a nice lift
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, or your favorite type of chocolate
- 1 cup pastel M&M’s for that festive flair and crunch
How to Prepare Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Preheat and Mix
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture! While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter with both sugars until it’s light and fluffy. It should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The aroma of vanilla will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is important to ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour. Now, gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. I like to do this in three parts, mixing gently each time until just combined. No need to overdo it; we want our cookies to be soft and chewy, not tough!
Add Chocolate Chips and M&M’s
Now for the fun part! Fold in those chocolate chips and pastel M&M’s, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Remember, gentle is the name of the game here. Overmixing can lead to a denser cookie, and we definitely don’t want that!
Baking and Cooling
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving enough space in between them to spread. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Once baked, let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling time helps them set perfectly, ensuring you get that delightful chewy texture in each bite!
Tips for Success with Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies
To take your Easter chocolate chip cookies to the next level, here are a few handy tips! First off, if you want thicker cookies, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better. Also, consider adding some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and flavor boost; it’s a game changer! And don’t forget to keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Every oven is different, so check them a minute or two before the recommended time to avoid overbaking. Trust me, you’ll want them to be perfectly soft and chewy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each delightful Easter chocolate chip cookie. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Remember, these cookies are a treat, so enjoy them in moderation! They’re perfect for sharing during the holidays or just indulging in a little sweetness yourself.
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! If you’re a chocolate lover like me, feel free to mix things up by using dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even a combination of all three! You can also try adding flavored chocolate chips, like mint or peanut butter, for a fun twist. Just remember, the key is to balance the sweetness with the type of chocolate you choose, especially since our base cookies are already sweet and delightful!
How should I store the cookies?
To keep your Easter chocolate chip cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for about a week, but trust me, they’re usually gone long before that! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper and wrap the container tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll be just as delightful as the day you baked them!
What can I do if I don’t have M&M’s?
No M&M’s? No problem! You can substitute with other colorful candies like chocolate-covered raisins or Skittles for that festive flair. You could also throw in some festive sprinkles to give them a pop of color or use chopped dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist. The main goal is to keep that enjoyable crunch and fun visual appeal, so get creative with whatever you have on hand!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make, perfect for bakers of all levels!
- The addition of pastel M&M’s gives a delightful festive touch.
- Soft, chewy texture with gooey chocolate in every bite.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
- They fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that screams comfort.
- Great for decorating or personalizing for Easter gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
These Easter chocolate chip cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with a few treats can elevate your dessert table! Here are some fun ideas:
- Serve them alongside a tall glass of cold milk for that classic combo!
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a scrumptious cookie sundae.
- Enjoy with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
- Stack them on a platter with colorful fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing touch.
- Bring them to your Easter brunch as a sweet addition to your spread; they’ll be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Easter chocolate chip cookies fresh and delicious, it’s all about proper storage! Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft for up to a week. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper if you have more than one layer, so they don’t stick together. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those frozen cookies, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you like them warm and gooey, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just enough to melt that chocolate a little without making them too hot. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like a warm chocolate chip cookie straight from the oven—or the microwave! Enjoy your delicious treats any time you want!
Print
Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies: 7 Irresistible Delights
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Easter-themed chocolate chip cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 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
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup pastel M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugars.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and M&M’s.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- Cool on wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For extra flavor, add nuts.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Easter chocolate chip cookies, holiday cookies, dessert recipes