Cookies have always been my go-to comfort food, especially when I need a little pick-me-up. There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the smell of freshly baked cookies filling the kitchen, isn’t there? I remember one rainy afternoon when I decided to whip up a batch of M&M cookies, and the simple act of mixing, scooping, and watching them bake brought such a wave of warmth and happiness. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re soft, chewy, and packed with colorful candy goodness, making them a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies. You’ll find these are some of the most easy cookie recipes you’ll ever try, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Cookies
- Incredible taste: Perfectly soft and chewy with bursts of M&M candy.
- Quick prep time: You can have these ready for the oven in under 20 minutes.
- Family-friendly fun: Kids love helping to stir in the M&Ms and decorating.
- Budget-friendly baking: Uses common pantry staples, making them affordable.
- A delightful twist on classics: They offer the same joy as traditional chocolate chip cookies.
- Versatile treat: Great for bake sales, after-school snacks, or just because.
- Impressive results: These cookies look as good as they taste, a true crowd-pleaser.
- A step up from store-bought: Experience the superior flavor of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies made from scratch.
Ingredients for Easy M&M Cookies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to successful baking cookies. You’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – this ensures it creams well for a tender cookie base.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup packed brown sugar – the combination gives you that perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. Brown sugar adds moisture and a lovely caramel note.
- 2 large eggs – they bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that classic cookie aroma and flavor.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – the structure of our cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – this helps the cookies rise and spread.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- 2 cups M&Ms – the star of the show for these colorful, fun cookies!
How to Make the Best Cookie Recipes from Scratch
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature for even baking. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is key for creating light and airy cookies.
- Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma at this stage is already amazing!
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking the dry ingredients ensures they are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of baking soda or salt in your finished cookies.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. It’s important not to overmix your cookie dough at this stage; overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough cookies.
- Step 6: Gently stir in the M&Ms. Make sure they are distributed evenly throughout the dough for that signature colorful bite in every cookie.
- Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart, giving them room to spread as they bake.
- Step 8: Bake for 9-11 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. For wonderfully chewy cookies, aim for the shorter baking time. If you prefer soft cookies with a bit more structure, bake for another minute or two.
- Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking. Enjoy your delicious homemade cookies!
Pro Tips for Perfect Homemade Cookies
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make a big difference in achieving bakery-quality results right in my own kitchen. These tips will elevate your cookie game!
- Always use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps them emulsify better, creating a smoother, more consistent cookie dough and preventing the butter from melting too quickly in the oven.
- Don’t be afraid to slightly underbake these cookies. They continue to cook on the hot baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, ensuring that perfectly soft and chewy center.
- For perfectly round cookies, use a cookie scoop. It ensures uniform size, which means they’ll all bake evenly. Plus, it makes scooping cookie dough a breeze!
- Chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents them from spreading too much and results in thicker, chewier cookies.
What’s the secret to perfect chewy cookies?
The secret for those irresistible chewy cookies lies in the sugar ratio and not overbaking. Using more brown sugar than white sugar adds moisture, and pulling them from the oven when the edges are just golden brown ensures a soft, chewy center. Don’t overmix the cookie dough!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2-3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies. This makes them great for last-minute baking. For more baking inspiration, check out these delicious chocolate chip cookies.
How do I avoid common mistakes when baking cookies?
A common pitfall is overmixing the dough, which develops gluten and makes cookies tough. Another is not preheating the oven properly, leading to uneven baking. Always measure your flour accurately – spoon it into the cup and level it off, don’t scoop directly from the bag. For more tips on baking, you can refer to this guide on making homemade bread.
Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies
These delightful cookies are fantastic on their own, but I love dressing them up a bit for special occasions. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is slightly warm, perhaps with a tall glass of cold milk – it’s a classic for a reason! For a more decadent treat, try topping a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an instant ice cream sandwich. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re looking for a dessert board idea, arrange these alongside some delicate sugar cookies and perhaps some shortbread for a beautiful variety. You might also enjoy these lemon sugar baked donuts.
Nutrition Facts for Homemade Cookies
Per serving (this recipe makes about 24 cookies):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used for your delicious cookies.
How to Store and Reheat Your Cookies
Once your amazing homemade cookies are completely cooled – and I mean *completely* cooled, or they’ll get soggy! – it’s time to think about storage. For everyday enjoyment, airtight containers are your best friend. You can keep these cookies fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re baking ahead for parties or want to enjoy them even longer, especially during the busy holiday cookies season, the freezer is your secret weapon. Wrap them well in plastic wrap, then an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that just-baked warmth, or warm them gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes. For more sweet ideas, try these cherry pie bites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Cookies
What are cookies and why are they so popular?
Simply put, cookies are small, sweet baked treats, typically made from flour, sugar, eggs, and fat. Their popularity stems from their versatility – they can be simple or elaborate, chewy or crispy, and flavored in countless ways! Plus, the act of baking and sharing them is often associated with comfort, celebration, and happy memories, making them a universally loved treat. Learn more about the history of cookies here.
Can I substitute ingredients in cookie recipes from scratch?
While substitutions can work, it’s best to stick to the recipe, especially when you’re first trying it out. Small changes can significantly affect texture and taste. For instance, swapping out flour types or sugar can alter how your cookies spread and their final chewiness. If you must substitute, research common swaps for the specific ingredient you’re changing to minimize impact. For example, understanding ingredient substitutions can be very helpful.
Why do my homemade cookies spread too much?
There are a few common culprits! Often, it’s due to using melted butter instead of softened butter, too much sugar, or not enough flour. Sometimes, the oven temperature might be too low, or the baking soda has lost its potency. Chilling the cookie dough before baking is a fantastic way to prevent excessive spreading and achieve thicker, chewier cookies. For more tips on achieving perfect texture, consider these cowboy cookies.
How can I achieve the perfect soft and chewy texture?
Achieving that ideal soft and chewy texture is all about the ingredients and baking time. Using a higher ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar adds moisture, which is key. Don’t overmix your cookie dough, and be careful not to overbake! Pulling the cookies out when the edges are just starting to turn golden brown, while the centers still look a little underdone, will result in wonderfully soft and chewy results after they finish baking on the sheet.
Variations of Cookies You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered these M&M delights, don’t be afraid to explore the wonderful world of cookie variations! If you’re looking for something a bit different, consider a classic shortbread cookie recipe for a buttery, crumbly texture that’s perfect with tea. Or, for a nutty, irresistible flavor, try whipping up some peanut butter cookies – they’re always a crowd-pleaser! For those with dietary needs, you can easily adapt many recipes. Try gluten-free flour blends for celiac-friendly treats, or experiment with vegan butter and egg substitutes for dairy-free options. You can even adjust the cooking method; try baking them in mini muffin tins for bite-sized cookies or even experimenting with no-bake cookie recipes for a quick treat on a hot day. You might also enjoy these peanut butter cornflake cookies.
Print
Amazing Cookies: Soft, Chewy, and Easy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy M&M cookies recipe for a delightful homemade treat. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for the best cookie texture.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- 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 your cookie dough.
- Stir in the M&Ms to create your colorful cookie creations.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. For chewy cookies, aim for the shorter baking time. For crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade cookies!
Notes
- For extra chewy cookies, use more brown sugar than granulated sugar.
- Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking for cookies that spread less.
- Add chocolate chips along with the M&Ms for a double chocolate chip cookie experience.
- These cookies freeze well after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg