There’s something truly magical about baking cookies, isn’t there? The smell wafting through the house, the anticipation of that first warm bite—it just warms my heart! Now, let me tell you about my absolute favorite: Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies. These delightful treats are not just cookies; they’re little bites of happiness! I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering. My niece couldn’t get enough and kept sneaking them from the cooling rack! The combination of that soft, chewy texture and the colorful M&M’s bursting with chocolatey goodness is simply irresistible. Trust me, whether it’s a cozy night in or a big celebration, these cookies are sure to steal the show and put smiles on everyone’s faces!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is the secret to achieving that rich, buttery flavor and soft texture.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – It adds moisture and a lovely caramel note, making the cookies extra chewy.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – This balances the sweetness and helps give the cookies a slightly crisp edge.
- 2 large eggs – These bind everything together and contribute to that wonderful, soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for that warm, comforting flavor that makes cookies so irresistible.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – This is the backbone of our cookie dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – This helps the cookies rise and gives them that perfect soft-baked texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- 1 cup M&M candies – The star of the show! They add pops of color and bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
How to Prepare Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. A properly preheated oven helps create that perfect soft and chewy texture we all love!
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to mix them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Trust me, this step is key to getting that melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in those two large eggs, and add in the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined. You want that rich, creamy mixture to be nice and smooth. The vanilla will add that yummy aroma that fills your kitchen!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour. Plus, it ensures there are no clumps. Just a quick whisk will do the trick—easy peasy!
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix here; just stir until you see no more flour! This will help keep your cookies soft and chewy.
Folding in M&M Candies
Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the cup of M&M candies using a spatula. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. You want every bite to have those colorful bursts of chocolatey goodness!
Shaping the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between them because they’ll spread while baking. I like to give them a little press down for a flatter shape, but that’s totally up to you!
Baking the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake those beauties for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be golden but the centers still a bit soft. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
Cooling and Storing
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For freshness, store the cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and delicious for days (if they last that long!).
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of M&M candies?
Absolutely! One of the best things about these Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies is their versatility. You can swap out the classic M&M’s for any flavor you like—peanut, pretzel, or even seasonal varieties. Get creative! Just keep in mind that different M&M’s may slightly change the taste and texture, but they’ll still be delicious.
How do I make my cookies chewier?
If you’re aiming for that perfect chewy texture, here are my top tips: First, make sure not to overbake the cookies; take them out when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Also, letting the dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking can help too. This allows the flavors to meld and can create a chewier texture. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Freezing cookie dough is a fantastic way to have fresh cookies on hand whenever the craving strikes. Just scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, you can pop them straight into the oven—just add a minute or two to the baking time. It’s like having a little cookie stash waiting for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for when you need a sweet treat in a hurry!
- Irresistibly soft and chewy texture that everyone will adore.
- Customizable with your favorite M&M flavors for a personal touch.
- Great for sharing at parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
- Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you probably already have.
- They stay fresh and soft for days when stored properly—if they last that long!
- A fun baking project to do with kids or friends, creating sweet memories together.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips for you!
- Avoid Overmixing: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we definitely want them soft and chewy!
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This not only helps enhance the flavors but can also make your cookies even chewier!
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center—trust me, they’ll firm up as they cool!
- Use Quality Ingredients: Using good quality butter and fresh eggs can make a big difference in flavor and texture. It’s worth it for those delicious cookies!
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Don’t hesitate to mix it up! Besides M&M’s, try adding in nuts, chocolate chips, or even coconut for a fun twist. Just remember to keep the total volume similar to the original recipe.
- Let Them Cool: Make sure to let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and maintain that perfect chewy texture!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to baking the best Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies your friends and family will rave about!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each cookie, so you know what you’re indulging in. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and how big you make your cookies!
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a delightful treat, and when enjoyed in moderation, they can certainly be part of a balanced diet. So go ahead and enjoy a cookie (or two) without the guilt!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying my Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful ways to serve them that’ll take your cookie experience to the next level:
- With a Glass of Milk: You can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of milk and cookies! The creamy, cold milk complements the warm, chewy cookies beautifully—it’s pure comfort.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, try making ice cream sandwiches! Just sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. Chocolate or vanilla ice cream are top choices, but feel free to get creative!
- On a Cookie Platter: If you’re hosting a gathering, arrange these cookies on a lovely platter alongside other treats. They’ll add a pop of color and sweetness that everyone will love!
- With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: For a cozy afternoon treat, serve your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the cookies pair wonderfully with a nice brew.
- As a Dessert Topping: Crumble some cookies over a scoop of vanilla yogurt or ice cream for a delicious dessert topping. It adds texture and a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible!
- Gift Them: Pack a few cookies in a cute box or jar to gift to friends or family. They’ll appreciate the sweet gesture, and it’s a great way to share your baking love!
However you choose to enjoy them, these Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies are sure to brighten up your day and create sweet moments. Happy munching!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
Learn more about the history of M&M’s and their various flavors!
Print
Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies: 7 Reasons to Love Them
- 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