Soft and Chewy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nothing beats the nostalgic joy of biting into a soft and chewy cookie loaded with M&M candies and chocolate chips. These cookies are the perfect combination of buttery sweetness and gooey chocolate, with the added crunch of colorful M&Ms. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore some tips to achieve that perfect texture every time.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M candies
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating air pockets in the dough, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture. These wet ingredients add moisture and enhance the flavor profile of the cookies.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed or use a spatula to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and M&Ms
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and M&M candies. Reserve a handful of M&Ms for topping the cookies later. This small touch makes the cookies visually appealing and ensures each bite has a mix of chocolatey goodness.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the dough into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Press a few reserved M&Ms onto the top of each dough ball for an extra pop of color.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked. This is key to achieving that chewy texture. Remember, the cookies will continue to set as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with a glass of milk or store them for later enjoyment.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Measuring Ingredients Accurately
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for the flour. Too much flour can result in dry cookies.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
- Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
Keep Butter at the Right Temperature
- Softened butter should be pliable but not melted. Melted butter can make the cookies spread too much during baking.
Chill the Dough (Optional)
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This step helps prevent excessive spreading.
Variations and Customizations
Add Some Nuts
- For added crunch, mix in ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
Try Different Flavors
- Swap the vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract for a unique flavor twist.
Holiday-Themed Cookies
- Use seasonal M&Ms to match the theme of holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Halloween.
Double the Chocolate
- Use white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra dose of chocolate.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their softness, place a slice of bread in the container; the bread will absorb excess moisture, keeping the cookies fresh.
Freezing Dough
- You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Baked Cookies
- Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains approximately 210 calories, 10 g of fat, 30 g of carbohydrates, and 2 g of protein. These values may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used.
Why These Cookies Are Special
- Perfect Texture: The combination of soft centers and slightly crisp edges creates an irresistible texture.
- Flavor Explosion: With semi-sweet chocolate chips and vibrant M&M candies, every bite is packed with sweetness and crunch.
- Visually Appealing: The colorful M&Ms make these cookies a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
- Kid-Friendly: These cookies are always a hit with kids and make a great addition to lunchboxes or party trays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Ensure the M&Ms and chocolate chips are also gluten-free.
How do I make my cookies softer?
To keep the cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. You can also slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar contributes to the cookies’ texture and flavor. Reducing it too much may affect the final result.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if the butter was too warm or if the dough wasn’t chilled. Try chilling the dough for better results.
Final Thoughts
Soft and Chewy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate comfort food. With their delightful mix of textures, vibrant colors, and classic flavors, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, these cookies deliver every time. So grab your mixing bowl and whip up a batch of these scrumptious treats today!