Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies

These Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s, creating a festive and fun treat perfect for any occasion. The soft, chewy texture makes them irresistible, while the added crunch from the M&M’s provides an exciting twist with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your day. The colorful M&M’s not only add a fun pop of color but also a burst of sweetness in every bite. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these cookies are a must-try for all cookie lovers!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup M&M’s candies
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and walnuts (if using).
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes | Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies

Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies are one of the most beloved sweet treats across the globe. The combination of chewy cookie dough, rich chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s candies creates a nostalgic and comforting experience that appeals to both children and adults alike. These cookies are perfect for almost any occasion – from a simple snack to a special dessert at a holiday gathering. The best part? They’re easy to make and require no special equipment or complicated steps, making them the go-to choice for novice and experienced bakers alike.

The Origins of Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies have a storied history, originating in the 1930s when Ruth Wakefield invented the first chocolate chip cookie at her Toll House Inn. However, the addition of M&M’s to cookies is a much later development, stemming from the popularity of the M&M’s candy, which was first introduced by Mars, Incorporated in 1941. The colorful candies, with their signature candy coating and chewy chocolate interior, quickly became a favorite in households, especially when combined with the classic chocolate chip cookie.

Today, Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies are seen as a fun twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie. The vivid colors of the M&M’s not only add to the visual appeal of the cookies but also bring in a slight crunch and extra sweetness. Whether made for a holiday, birthday, or just because, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser.

Why This Recipe Is the Best

When it comes to baking cookies, there are several factors that set apart the best recipes from the rest. Here’s why this Chocolate Chip M&M Cookie recipe stands out:

Perfectly Soft and Chewy Texture: One of the things that make this recipe exceptional is the perfect balance between chewy and soft textures. Achieving the ideal texture in a cookie is an art, and this recipe has it down to a science. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and eggs ensures that the cookies stay soft in the center while the edges develop a slight crispness.
Colorful and Fun: The addition of M&M’s to these cookies takes them to the next level. The candy-coated chocolate pieces add color, texture, and a touch of sweetness. This makes the cookies not only visually appealing but also a delightful treat for kids and adults alike. M&M’s are available in a wide range of colors, so these cookies can be customized to fit any occasion or theme.
Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. With only a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, these cookies come together in just under 30 minutes. This makes them perfect for a last-minute treat or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a party, going to a potluck, or just looking to bring a smile to someone’s face, a batch of these cookies will definitely do the trick.

Benefits of Making Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies at Home

Making cookies at home not only allows you to enjoy a fresh batch of cookies but also offers several key benefits over purchasing pre-made or store-bought cookies.

Customizable Ingredients: When you bake at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. You can choose to use organic ingredients, adjust the sweetness to your preference, or substitute for dietary restrictions. For example, if you prefer dark chocolate over milk chocolate, you can make that swap with ease. You can even try using gluten-free flour if you need to cater to dietary restrictions.
Fresh and Warm: There’s something truly special about enjoying a warm cookie fresh out of the oven. The scent of baking cookies fills the house, making it a comforting experience that store-bought cookies simply can’t replicate. The first bite of a warm cookie, with gooey chocolate chips and a slight crunch, is a treat like no other.
More Cost-Effective: Baking cookies at home is often much cheaper than buying pre-made cookies, especially when you’re making large batches. This recipe yields 24 cookies, meaning you can treat your family, friends, or co-workers without breaking the bank.
No Preservatives or Artificial Additives: Many store-bought cookies contain preservatives and artificial additives that may not be ideal for your health. By baking your cookies at home, you can ensure that every ingredient is natural and free from unnecessary chemicals.

Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies

To ensure that your Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies turn out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:

Use Room Temperature Butter: It’s important to use softened butter for the best texture. Cold butter will result in dough that is too stiff and may lead to flat cookies. Softened butter creates a smoother dough that spreads more evenly in the oven.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding the flour to the wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can cause the cookies to become dense. Mix until the flour is just combined with the dough.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have the time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This can help maintain a thicker, chewier texture.
Add M&M’s Last: Fold the M&M’s into the dough after the chocolate chips to prevent them from breaking apart or melting too much during mixing. This will keep their candy coating intact and provide a nice burst of color in each bite.
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so make sure to keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They are done when the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft. Don’t worry if they look a little underdone when you take them out—they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
Storage: If you’re not planning to eat all the cookies at once, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to preserve their freshness.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday party, or just a weekend treat, these Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their playful appearance and irresistible taste make them a hit with both kids and adults. Here are a few ideas for when to bake these cookies:

Holiday Baking: From Christmas to Easter to Halloween, these cookies can easily be adapted to suit any holiday. You can choose M&M’s in the color scheme of the holiday and bake a batch to share with friends and family.
Birthday Parties: These cookies make a fantastic party favor or a fun activity for kids to help with. Set up a cookie decorating station with M&M’s, sprinkles, and other fun toppings.
Bake Sales: These cookies are perfect for bake sales, as they’re easy to make in large batches and have a universal appeal. The colorful M&M’s will attract attention, while the delicious taste will keep people coming back for more.
Gift-Giving: Homemade cookies always make an excellent gift. Package them up in a cute jar or tin with a ribbon, and you have a thoughtful and tasty present for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies are a timeless classic that will never go out of style. Whether you’re baking them for yourself, your family, or a special event, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. They’re easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. So the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, why not try your hand at these soft, chewy, and colorful cookies? Happy baking!