M&M Cookie Recipes: A Guide to Deliciousness
Are you ready to dive into a world of chewy, chocolatey goodness? Then you've come to the right place! This blog post is dedicated to all things M&M cookies – from classic recipes to innovative twists. We'll explore various methods, tips, and tricks to ensure your M&M cookies turn out perfectly every time. Get ready to bake up a storm!
Classic M&M Cookies: A Simple Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to bake delicious M&M cookies. It's easy to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor.
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 M&Ms
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream together the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Stir in M&Ms: Gently fold in the M&Ms.
- Scoop onto baking sheets: Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations on the Classic M&M Cookie
Once you've mastered the classic recipe, it's time to get creative! Here are some fun variations to explore:
Peanut Butter M&M Cookies:
Simply add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients along with the eggs and vanilla. This adds a delightful nutty flavor and extra richness.
Oatmeal M&M Cookies:
Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dry ingredients for a chewier, heartier cookie. The oats complement the chocolate beautifully.
White Chocolate M&M Cookies:
Swap out some or all of the milk chocolate M&Ms for white chocolate M&Ms for a sweeter, milder flavor profile.
Adding Nuts:
Chopped pecans or walnuts are a fantastic addition, offering a delightful crunch to the cookie's texture. Add ½ cup of your favorite nuts to the dough along with the M&Ms.
Tips for Perfect M&M Cookies
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your cookies will taste.
- Chill the dough (optional): Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and results in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop: This ensures all cookies are evenly sized and bake consistently.
- Let the cookies cool completely: This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Conclusion: Bake Your Way to Happiness
With these recipes and tips, you're well on your way to baking batches of irresistible M&M cookies. Experiment with different variations, find your favorite, and share your delicious creations with friends and family. Happy baking!
