These Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies are a delightful fusion of rich chocolate flavor and the playful crunch of M&Ms. Each bite offers a soft, chewy texture, perfectly complemented by the colorful candy-coated chocolates. Whether you’re making these for a casual family dessert or a festive occasion, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup colorful M&Ms (regular or mini)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and M&Ms, reserving a few M&Ms for topping.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Press a few reserved M&Ms on top of each cookie dough ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 170 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
Additional Tips & Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- If you want a healthier option, swap out half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add more fiber and a slightly nutty flavor to your cookies.
- For a richer taste, you can replace the mini chocolate chips with chunks of semi-sweet or dark chocolate.
- Use peanut butter M&Ms or caramel M&Ms to add a new layer of flavor to your cookies.
- How to Achieve Perfectly Chewy Cookies:
- Make sure to not overbake! The cookies should still be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps control the spread of the cookies, making them thicker and chewier.
- If you prefer a thicker cookie, add an extra 1/4 cup of flour to the dough.
- Storing and Freezing:
- Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- To freeze the cookie dough, scoop out individual portions and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 2 minutes to the baking time.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between them for a decadent dessert.
- Crumble the cookies over a bowl of yogurt or ice cream as a crunchy topping.
- Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat.
- Allergy-Friendly Options:
- For a nut-free version, be sure to use plain M&Ms or a brand that doesn’t include cross-contaminated products.
- To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Fun Ways to Decorate:
- Press additional M&Ms on top of the cookies right after baking to give them a more vibrant look.
- Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over cooled cookies for an elegant finish.
- Add some sprinkles along with the M&Ms for a festive, colorful touch during holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use regular-sized M&Ms instead of mini ones?
A: Yes, you can use regular-sized M&Ms. Just note that the larger M&Ms may cause the cookies to spread a little more, so you might want to chill the dough before baking.
Q: Why do my cookies turn out flat?
A: Flat cookies can result from not chilling the dough, using too little flour, or overmixing the butter and sugar. Ensure that your dough is firm enough to hold its shape before baking.
Q: Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cherries make excellent additions to these cookies. Add about 1/2 cup of your preferred mix-in to the dough.
Q: How can I make the cookies softer?
A: To achieve a softer texture, try replacing a portion of the butter with cream cheese or adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the dry ingredients.
Baking Techniques & Tips
- Proper Measuring:
Measuring ingredients accurately is key to achieving the perfect cookie texture. Use a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing the flour, which can lead to dry, crumbly cookies. - Using Room Temperature Ingredients:
Make sure your butter, eggs, and any other refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps ensure the ingredients incorporate evenly, resulting in a smoother, more consistent dough. - The Importance of Resting the Dough:
Letting your cookie dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes not only enhances the flavors but also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. The longer you chill, the better your cookies will turn out. - Baking Sheet Choice:
For even baking, use a heavy-duty, light-colored baking sheet. Dark baking sheets can cause cookies to brown too quickly on the bottom. Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat also helps prevent sticking and allows for easy cleanup.
Nutritional Information & Dietary Adjustments
Each serving of these Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies is about 170 kcal, making them a delightful treat without overindulging. If you’re looking to lower the calorie count or reduce the sugar content, consider these alternatives:
- Lower Sugar Option: Substitute half of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or use a combination of coconut sugar and erythritol. Keep in mind that this may alter the cookie’s texture slightly.
- Lower Fat Option: Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. This keeps the cookies moist and adds a subtle fruity flavor without the additional fat.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and ensure your chocolate chips and M&Ms are dairy-free. There are many vegan options available in stores that mimic the creaminess and texture of traditional chocolate.
Fun Facts About M&Ms
Did you know that M&Ms were first created as a military ration during World War II? Their hard candy shell prevented the chocolate from melting, making them ideal for soldiers in the field. This unique history has made M&Ms one of the world’s most popular candies, with countless varieties and seasonal flavors.
Recipe Pairing Suggestions
These Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies are perfect on their own, but you can elevate your dessert game by pairing them with other sweet treats:
- Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use these cookies as a base for ice cream sandwiches. Vanilla or cookies and cream ice cream would be delicious options.
- Hot Chocolate Dippers: Place these cookies on a skewer and serve them as dippers for a cup of hot cocoa. The chocolatey richness pairs beautifully with a warm drink.
- Cookie Crust for Cheesecake: Crumble leftover cookies and mix them with melted butter to create a sweet, chocolatey crust for a cheesecake or pie.
Conclusion
Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies are more than just a colorful, sweet treat. Their combination of chewy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and playful M&Ms make them a favorite for both kids and adults. Easy to bake and incredibly versatile, this recipe allows for plenty of customization and dietary adjustments without sacrificing flavor.