Craving a warm, gooey cookie that's bursting with chocolatey goodness? Look no further! This M&M chocolate chip cookie recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of day. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this easy recipe will guide you to homemade happiness in no time. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas, especially when you need a delicious dessert to round off the meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&Ms candies (plain, peanut, or your favorite variety!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned whisk will work too!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Add Chocolate & M&Ms: Stir in the chocolate chips and M&Ms.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Using good quality butter, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract will enhance the flavor of your cookies.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough.
- White Chocolate Lovers: Substitute white chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips or use a mix of both!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a unique flavor twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These M&M chocolate chip cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing (or not!). Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking efforts! They’re a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals, striking a balance between indulgence and satisfaction. These are easily one of the best recipes you’ll make this year.