Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s chewy, packed with chocolate, and brightly colored with everyone’s favorite candy-coated chocolates, you’ve found the perfect recipe! Soft-baked M&M cookies are a crowd-pleaser with their soft centers, slightly crispy edges, and vibrant pops of color from M&M candies. They are easy to make, fun to customize, and perfect for any occasion, from a family snack to a party treat. Follow this guide to bake the ultimate soft-baked M&M cookies that are irresistibly chewy and full of flavor.

this Recipe

What Are Soft-Baked M&M Cookies?

Soft-baked M&M cookies are traditional cookie dough-based treats that are enriched with M&M candies for extra sweetness and a burst of chocolate. The hallmark of these cookies is their soft, chewy texture that remains tender in the center, while the edges are slightly crisp. M&M cookies are known for their colorful and festive appearance, making them a favorite for holidays, birthdays, or just a fun afternoon bake. The secret to keeping these cookies soft is a perfect balance of ingredients and precise baking time.

Ingredients List for Soft-Baked M&M Cookies

Here’s what you need to make a batch of these delicious, soft-baked M&M cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): This gives the cookies a rich flavor and helps maintain their soft texture.
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like flavor, essential for chewy cookies.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slightly crispy edge.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature): They bind the ingredients and help the cookies rise.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookie dough.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies while keeping them soft and tender.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• 1 ½ cups M&M candies: The star of the recipe, adding a burst of color and chocolatey goodness. You can also use seasonal M&M’s for special occasions.
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional): If you want extra chocolate flavor in every bite, adding chocolate chips is a delicious option.

Substitutions and Variations

While this soft-baked M&M cookie recipe is already delicious, you can make a few tweaks and substitutions to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with texture.
• Dairy-free version: Substitute the butter with plant-based margarine, and make sure your M&M’s and chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Vegan option: Use a plant-based butter alternative and substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes).
• Peanut M&M’s: For added crunch and peanut flavor, use peanut M&M’s instead of regular ones.
• Seasonal variations: Use holiday-themed M&M’s, such as red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter, to make your cookies more festive.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the process of baking the ultimate soft-baked M&M cookies. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect balance of softness and chewiness in every bite.

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.

3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tougher cookies.

5. Fold in the M&M’s and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in 1 ½ cups M&M’s and, if desired, ½ cup chocolate chips. Be sure the candies and chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you want your cookies to look extra colorful, reserve some M&M’s to press into the tops of the cookies before baking.

6. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

7. Shape the Cookies

Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading.

8. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. This is key to achieving that soft-baked texture. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

9. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies set without becoming too crispy.

How to Cook Soft-Baked M&M Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize the process for making soft-baked M&M cookies:

1. Cream the butter and sugars: This is essential for creating a light, fluffy base.
2. Add eggs and vanilla: These add moisture and flavor.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: Combine them with the wet ingredients for a smooth dough.
4. Fold in M&M’s: Gently mix in the candies and any optional chocolate chips.
5. Chill (optional): Chilling the dough gives the cookies a thicker, chewier texture.
6. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes: For the perfect balance of soft centers and slightly crisp edges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making soft-baked M&M cookies is relatively easy, here are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your cookies come out perfectly:

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you want thick, soft cookies, don’t skip the chilling step. Chilling the dough helps control the spread during baking.
• Overbaking: The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out of the oven. Overbaking will lead to harder cookies.
• Using too much flour: Be careful when measuring flour. Too much flour can result in dry, crumbly cookies. For best results, spoon and level the flour when measuring it rather than scooping it directly from the bag.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your soft-baked M&M cookies are out of the oven and cooled, it's time to serve and enjoy them! Here are some ideas to make them even more irresistible:

How to Serve Soft-Baked M&M Cookies

• Warm with milk: Serve these cookies warm from the oven with a cold glass of milk. There’s nothing better than dunking a warm cookie into milk!
• Ice cream sandwich: Place a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
• Cookie platter: Arrange the cookies on a platter with other homemade cookies for a dessert buffet at a party.

Presentation Ideas for Soft-Baked M&M Cookies

• Holiday-themed M&M’s: Use seasonal M&M’s (like red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween) for a festive touch.
• Gift boxes: Package the cookies in a decorative tin or box, lined with parchment paper, as a homemade gift for friends or family.
• Cookie jar display: Fill a clear glass cookie jar with the cookies to create a warm, inviting display on your kitchen counter.

Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe Tips

• Store the dough: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw before baking.
• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This ensures better incorporation of ingredients, which leads to a smoother dough.
• Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These help to prevent over-browning on the bottoms of the cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I store these cookies?

A: Store your soft-baked M&M cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use peanut butter M&M’s or other flavors?

A: Absolutely! You can

use peanut butter M&M’s, pretzel M&M’s, or any other flavor of M&M’s you like to add extra variety to your cookies.

Q: Why are my cookies flat?

A: If your cookies are too flat, it could be because your dough was too warm. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?

A: Yes, you can freeze cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the fridge for 30 minutes and bake as usual.

Conclusion

Soft-baked M&M cookies are a fun, colorful, and delicious treat that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. The combination of soft, chewy centers and crisp edges, paired with the chocolatey crunch of M&M’s, makes these cookies truly irresistible. With this recipe, you’ll be able to bake the perfect batch every time, whether for a family gathering, party, or just as a cozy weekend project. Follow the steps, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy every bite of these delightful cookies! Happy baking!

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