Description
These classic M&M Cookies are chewy, colorful, and packed with chocolate candies, making them a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With a buttery dough base enriched by vanilla and studded with vibrant M&Ms and optional mini chocolate chips, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. They bake up golden around the edges, soft and tender in the center, ideal for a quick homemade dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-Ins
- 1 1/2 cups M&M candies (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for extra richness
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which will give your cookies a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with rich flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which might toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Candies and Chips: Gently fold in the M&M candies and optional mini chocolate chips to disperse them throughout the dough without breaking them up.
- Portion the Dough: Using a rounded tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Top with Extra M&Ms: Press a few additional M&Ms onto the top of each dough ball to create a visually appealing, colorful cookie surface.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft for that perfect chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their texture and preventing sogginess.
Notes
- For bakery-style cookies with a firmer texture and deeper flavor, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Customize these cookies for holidays by swapping in seasonal or themed M&Ms.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
