Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies! There’s just something magical about those vibrant little candies nestled in a warm, buttery cookie. I remember baking these beauties with my kids on rainy afternoons, the kitchen filled with laughter and the sweet aroma wafting through the air. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in with a glass of milk. The best part? They’re super easy to whip up, and each bite is a delightful mix of chewy texture and colorful bursts of chocolatey goodness. Trust me; once you make these, they’ll be your go-to cookie too!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup M&M candies, any variety you love
How to Prepare Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies! Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through each step, so you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a batch of cookies that’ll make your heart sing!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Cream Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important to get those cookies baked just right! While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. I love using a hand mixer here because it makes the process so easy. Mix until everything is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. You want to be able to see those little sugar crystals disappear into the butter. It’s like magic!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, add in the two large eggs and the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them perfectly soft and chewy!
Baking the Cookies
Now comes the exciting part! Using a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them since they’ll spread out. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked. Trust me, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool! Once they’re out of the oven, let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Get ready for the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen—it’s irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously soft and chewy texture that’s simply irresistible
- Bright, colorful bursts of M&M candies in every bite
- Quick and easy recipe—perfect for beginner bakers!
- Great for any occasion—family gatherings, parties, or just because
- Customizable with any type of M&M candies you love
- Perfectly balanced sweetness that satisfies your cravings
- Leftovers (if there are any!) stay soft for days when stored properly
- Fun to make with kids—watch their faces light up as they mix in the M&Ms!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to keep in mind:
- Use quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your cookies will taste. Go for good quality butter and fresh eggs. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Don’t skip the softening: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps create that light and fluffy texture when creaming with the sugars.
- Measure flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. I like to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag.
- Watch the baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Pull them out when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to cook as they cool!
- Let them cool: Don’t rush the cooling process! Letting the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set perfectly.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even different flavors of M&M candies for a fun twist.
Following these tips will help ensure your cookies are not just good, but absolutely fantastic! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutrition in these delightful Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies! Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on a standard serving size of one cookie. So, if you’re anything like me, you might just want to have a few more than one!
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These numbers give you a good idea of what you’re munching on. And remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying your treats in moderation. So go ahead, indulge in a cookie (or two) and savor every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I get, along with my answers to help you out.
Can I use different types of M&M candies?
Absolutely! You can use any variety of M&M candies you like, whether it’s peanut, almond, or even seasonal ones like holiday-themed M&Ms. Get creative and mix it up!
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
No problem! If you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce the salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon. It’ll still turn out delicious!
Can I refrigerate the cookie dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape better while baking. Just cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
They’re done when the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up while cooling, so don’t overbake them!
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Definitely! You can freeze the dough in balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to stay extra soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container—it works like magic!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution for the best results!
I hope these FAQs help you on your baking journey! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve got a delicious batch of Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and soft for as long as possible! Proper storage is key to enjoying these treats even days after baking.
To store leftover cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their chewy texture and keep them from getting stale. If you want to ensure they stay extra soft, try adding a slice of bread to the container; it works wonders by keeping the moisture just right!
If you find yourself with cookies that have gone a bit too firm, don’t worry! To bring back that lovely softness, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, as you don’t want them to get too hot. This quick reheating will revive that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness we all love!
And if you really want to prepare ahead for future cookie cravings, you can freeze the dough before baking! Simply scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag, and they’ll be ready to bake whenever you want. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies!
Serving Suggestions
Let’s make your Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies even more delightful with some fun serving suggestions! These cookies are perfect for any occasion, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:
- Milk and Cookies Night: There’s nothing quite like dunking a warm cookie into a cold glass of milk. Set up a cozy milk and cookies night with your favorite milk—be it classic, almond, or oat milk. Trust me, the combo is pure bliss!
- Party Treats: These cookies are a hit at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or potluck dinners. Arrange them on a colorful platter for a festive display, and watch them disappear!
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, make ice cream sandwiches! Just take two cookies and fill them with your favorite ice cream flavor. How about vanilla, chocolate chip, or even mint chocolate? Yum!
- Gift Them: Bake a batch and package them up in cute boxes or jars to give as gifts. They make wonderful treats for friends or family, especially during the holidays!
- Movie Night: Snuggle up with a plate of these cookies during movie night. They’re the perfect snack to enjoy while watching your favorite flick. Pair them with popcorn for a sweet and salty combo!
- Picnic Delight: Bring these cookies along on your next picnic. They travel well and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re at the park or the beach!
No matter how you choose to serve them, these Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies are bound to bring smiles and satisfy those sweet cravings. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies for Irresistible Family Joy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- 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.
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