There’s a comforting delight that fills the kitchen when the sweet warmth of freshly baked cookies knows no bounds. Recently, I was craving something nostalgic, and those memories led me straight to my beloved Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s crunchy on the outside yet irresistibly soft and chewy on the inside, bursting with vibrant M&M chocolates that melt in your mouth.
These cookies are an easy escape from the fast-food rut, perfect for a quick treat or a cozy gathering. What’s even better? They come together in just 27 minutes! Whether you’re looking to impress guests or give in to a sweet craving after a long day, this recipe is your answer. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into the world of blissful baking!
Why You'll Love This Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
- These Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing even novice bakers to whip up a batch with confidence.
- The delightful combination of soft, chewy textures and sweet, colorful M&M candies creates an explosion of flavor that everyone will adore.
- Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, party, or just a sweet treat for yourself.
- Visually appealing and fun, these cookies not only taste great but also look fantastic on a dessert platter, making them a sure crowd-pleaser.
Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake some magic!
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter – ensures a rich flavor and soft texture when creamed.
• Brown Sugar – adds moisture and a delightful caramel taste to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar – balances the sweetness while helping to achieve that crisp edge.
• Large Eggs – provide structure and binding for a perfectly chewy bite.
• Vanilla Extract – adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – serves as the backbone of the cookie, creating the desired texture.
• Baking Soda – acts as a leavening agent for that perfect puff.
• Salt – heightens the sweetness and enriches the flavors.
• M&M Candies – brings vibrant colors and a chocolatey crunch to each bite, making these Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies irresistible!
How to Make Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is essential to ensure that your cookies bake evenly and become beautifully golden at the edges.
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Cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the two large eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, then mix well until fully combined. This will give your cookies a wonderful depth of flavor.
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Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. This step ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
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Combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually. Stir until just combined, being careful not to over-mix and keep that soft texture intact.
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Fold in the colorful M&M candies gently so they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough. This adds that joyful crunch and vibrant color to your cookies.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and drop them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers look slightly underbaked—this keeps them soft and chewy!
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Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This allows them to set perfectly while maintaining that delightful tenderness.
Optional: Serve warm with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing deliciousness! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking, then cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful cookies, scoop the dough directly onto a baking sheet and bake from chilled, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if necessary. Storing the dough this way ensures that your cookies remain just as soft and chewy, bringing you comfort and joy with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm again, simply reheat the frozen Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Variations
Get ready to make your cookie experience even more delightful with these fun twists!
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Chocolate Lover’s: Swap half the M&Ms for chocolate chips to create double chocolate deliciousness! The creamy melty chocolate will take your cookies to another level.
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Nutty Addition: Add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. It pairs perfectly with the sweet M&Ms!
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Peanut Butter Twist: Replace half of the butter with creamy peanut butter for a rich, nutty taste that complements the chocolate perfectly.
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Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and swap eggs for flaxseed meal for a delicious vegan option that everyone can enjoy!
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Spiced Up: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor through every bite.
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Oatmeal Delight: Stir in 1 cup of rolled oats for added texture and fiber, transforming your cookies into a chewy oat-infused treat!
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Colorful Sprinkles: Replace M&Ms with vibrant sprinkles for a fun, festive version that’s perfect for birthdays or celebrations!
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Minty Fresh: Use mint chocolate M&Ms instead for a refreshing minty flavor that will surprise and delight your taste buds!
Let your imagination run wild—these variations invite you to create a cookie masterpiece that’s uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies?
Imagine a delightful gathering where the aroma of fresh-baked cookies fills the air, complemented by scrumptious sides or drinks!
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Cold Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s sweetness while providing a creamy dip for each chewy bite.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies atop a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert that melts in your mouth.
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Fruit Salad: The freshness of seasonal fruits can balance the sweetness of cookies, providing a refreshing contrast with every bite.
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Coffee: A warm cup of coffee adds a rich flavor that perfectly complements the cookies’ sweetness, creating a cozy indulgence.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the cookies to amplify the chocolatey experience and make them extra decadent.
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Sparkling Water: For a light and bubbly refreshment, pair your cookies with sparkling water—its effervescence enhances the cookie’s sweetness.
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Peanut Butter Milkshake: This indulgent drink combines flavors wonderfully, making it a decadent drink that pairs beautifully with the M&Ms.
Each of these pairings brings a unique texture and flavor to the table, ensuring that your Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies are the star of a memorable dessert experience.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies, ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results.
- Avoid over-mixing the dough once you add the flour to maintain that soft, chewy texture.
- When folding in the M&M candies, use a gentle hand to prevent crushing them, preserving their colorful appearance.
- Keep a close eye on the cookies towards the end of baking; pulling them out when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft is key to achieving that perfect chewy finish.
Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the ripest ingredients for my cookies?
Absolutely! For the best Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies, you want your butter to be softened (not melted) at room temperature, which usually takes about 30 minutes out of the fridge. Ensure your eggs are fresh—check the date on the carton—and for the M&M candies, look for vibrant colors without any dark spots or damage.
How should I store my cookies for freshness?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Always allow them to return to room temperature before indulging for the best texture!
Can I freeze these cookies, and if so, how?
Yes! Freezing is a fantastic option. First, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours until solid. After that, you can transfer them into a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
What’s the best way to troubleshoot if my cookies come out too hard?
If your cookies turn out hard, it might be due to over-baking or too much flour. Always check them around the 10-minute mark; when the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked, that’s when to pull them out. Measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly to avoid excess flour. This keeps the cookies soft and chewy!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! These Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies contain common allergens like eggs and gluten from the flour. If you’re baking for someone with allergies, consider using gluten-free flour and egg substitutes like applesauce or flax seed meal. Always read M&M labels too, as they may contain allergens such as nuts.
How can I make the cookies even better?
Very! To elevate your cookies, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking, which enhances the sweetness of the M&Ms. Additionally, you can mix in some chopped nuts or substitute half of the M&M candies with chocolate chips for a delightful twist. The more the merrier when it comes to cookie creativity!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 large Large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups M&M Candies
Instructions
How to Make Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the large eggs and vanilla extract, then mix well until fully combined.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl.
- Combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the colorful M&M candies gently.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
