Are you craving a warm, gooey cookie that's bursting with colorful M&Ms? Look no further! This recipe recreates the classic M&M cookie experience, using simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. Perfect for a quick dessert, a bake sale, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to unleash your inner baker and create some seriously delicious homemade cookies! This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a fun and rewarding baking experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups M&M's candies (plain, peanut, or any variety you love!)
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly here, but you can also do this by hand – it just takes a little more elbow grease!
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in M&M's: Gently fold in the M&M's candies. Try to distribute them evenly throughout the dough for consistent deliciousness in every bite.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This allows them to spread properly without merging.
- Bake: 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 as ovens can vary.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm, or let them cool completely for a crispier texture.
Tips for the Best M&M Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this ensures proper creaming and a smooth cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with M&M's: Use different varieties of M&M's, or add other candies like chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra fun.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter M&M Cookies: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a delicious twist.
- White Chocolate M&M Cookies: Substitute white chocolate M&M's for a lighter flavor profile.
- Oatmeal M&M Cookies: Stir in 1 cup of rolled oats for a chewier texture.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on M&M's type and cookie size)
- Fat: Around 8-10g
- Sugar: About 15-20g
This recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals if you use quality ingredients. Creating delicious dishes at home doesn't have to be difficult, and these easy recipes prove that homemade cooking can be both simple and satisfying. These are some of the best recipes you'll find for a quick and easy treat. Enjoy baking!