Soft-baked M&m Cookies Recipe

Are you craving delicious, soft-baked M&M cookies that melt in your mouth with every bite? This recipe will help you create the perfect batch of cookies that are chewy, packed with colorful M&M candies, and incredibly easy to make. Keep reading to get a detailed step-by-step guide that will ensure your cookies turn out just right. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you avoid common pitfalls and create the best soft-baked M&M cookies.

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What are Soft-Baked M&M Cookies?

Soft-baked M&M cookies are a popular variation of classic chocolate chip cookies, made even better by the addition of colorful M&M candies. The secret to their soft texture lies in the combination of ingredients and the way they are baked. These cookies feature a golden brown, slightly crisp edge while maintaining a soft, gooey, and chewy center. The contrast of the M&Ms with the tender cookie dough adds a sweet and satisfying crunch to every bite. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just because, soft-baked M&M cookies are a treat everyone loves!

Ingredients List for Soft-Baked M&M Cookies

To make a batch of perfect soft-baked M&M cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cookie dough, giving the cookies structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a soft, puffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Provides additional leavening to help create a fluffier cookie.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Adds softness and helps the cookies remain chewy.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to a rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor that helps keep the cookies soft.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Provides just enough sweetness and a slight crispness to the edges.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the cookie dough.
• 1 ½ cups M&M candies: The star of the show, M&M candies bring vibrant color and a delightful crunch to every bite.

Additional Ingredients for Extra Flavor (Optional)

If you’d like to elevate your soft-baked M&M cookies, here are a few optional ingredients you can include:

• ½ cup mini chocolate chips: For even more chocolatey goodness.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract: Adds a slight nutty flavor for a twist on the traditional vanilla.
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a touch of warmth and spice that complements the sweetness of the M&Ms.

Substitutions and Variations

Not only are these soft-baked M&M cookies delicious as is, but they’re also highly customizable! Here are some substitutions and variations to try:

Substitutions:

• Butter substitute: If you need a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with an equal amount of margarine or a plant-based butter substitute.
• Sugar alternatives: Use coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar for a slightly healthier and more natural option. Or, try using a sugar substitute like erythritol for a lower-calorie version.
• Gluten-free version: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free soft-baked M&M cookies.

Variations:

• Peanut butter M&M cookies: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the dough and use peanut butter M&Ms for an irresistible combination of flavors.
• Double chocolate M&M cookies: Replace ¼ cup of the flour with cocoa powder and add mini chocolate chips for a double-chocolate twist.
• Holiday-themed cookies: Use seasonal M&M colors (red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween) to match the occasion.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients and options ready, let's dive into the step-by-step process to bake these mouth-watering cookies!

Step 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 sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix for about 2-3 minutes, or until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until well combined, ensuring that everything is thoroughly incorporated.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid overmixing. Stir until just combined, and be careful not to overmix the dough to keep the cookies soft and tender.

Step 6: Fold in the M&Ms

Gently fold in the M&M candies using a spatula. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a consistent taste in every bite.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out rounded balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, giving them that perfect soft-baked texture.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

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

To break it down further, here’s a simplified guide for cooking soft-baked M&M cookies:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare your baking sheets.
2. Mix your dry ingredients and set them aside.
3. Cream together your butter and sugars.
4. Add the egg and vanilla to the creamed butter and sugar.
5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients.
6. Fold in the M&Ms and scoop the dough onto baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then cool and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe like this one, there are a few common mistakes that can affect your results:

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, making your cookies tough instead of soft. Mix just until combined.
• Overbaking: Cookies continue to bake even after being removed from the oven. To keep them soft, take them out when the centers still look slightly underdone.
• Using cold butter: Make sure your butter is soft (at room temperature) to ensure even mixing and the right texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your soft-baked M&M cookies can make a huge difference, especially if you're sharing them at a party or event.

How to Serve Soft-Baked M&M Cookies

• Serve these cookies warm for an extra gooey and melty experience. You can reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave before serving.
• For a special treat, pair the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk.

Presentation Ideas for Soft-Baked M&M Cookies

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and sprinkle a few extra M&Ms on top for a colorful touch.
• For a festive holiday look, consider adding matching holiday-themed sprinkles along with the M&Ms.
• Stack the cookies in a jar and tie a ribbon around it for a fun and thoughtful gift idea.

Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe Tips

• Chill the dough: If you have extra time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the texture of the cookies, making them thicker and chewier.
• Add extra M&Ms on top: Press a few M&Ms on the top of each cookie dough ball before baking to give the cookies a more colorful and professional look.
• Double the batch: These cookies freeze well, so consider doubling the recipe and storing the extras in an airtight container for future cookie cravings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough in individual balls. Just scoop out the dough, place it on a baking sheet to freeze, and once firm, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these soft-baked M&M cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Can I use different types of M&Ms?

Absolutely! You can use any variety of M&Ms, including peanut, crispy, or caramel, depending on your preferences.

Conclusion

There you have it—a complete guide to making soft-baked M&M cookies that will be the hit of any gathering! With a chewy center, crisp edges, and bursts of color and chocolate from the M&Ms, these cookies are a treat everyone will love. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or try some of the suggested variations, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share the joy by gifting them or serving them at your next event. Happy baking!

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