Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe

Who can resist a classic soft-baked M&M cookie? With a buttery, chewy texture and colorful, crunchy M&M candies in every bite, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're baking them for a party, an afternoon treat, or just because, this recipe will give you soft, delicious cookies that stay chewy for days. Follow this step-by-step guide to make perfect M&M cookies at home!

What Are Soft-Baked M&M Cookies?

Soft-baked M&M cookies are buttery, chewy cookies that feature a golden, soft interior with a slightly crisp edge. These cookies are packed with vibrant M&M candies, which add a delightful crunch and sweetness. Unlike crispy cookies, the key to these is their soft and thick texture, achieved by slightly underbaking them and using ingredients that ensure moisture and chewiness. They are a colorful, fun twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients List for Soft-Baked M&M Cookies

Gather your ingredients for this simple yet delicious recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and richness.
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough.
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, packed: Provides moisture and a chewy texture.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature): Helps bind the dough and adds moisture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• 1 ½ cups M&M candies: The star of the show, adding color and crunch.
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): For extra chocolatey goodness (optional but recommended).

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Substitutions and Variations

These soft-baked M&M cookies are versatile and can be adapted to different dietary preferences or ingredients on hand. Here are some possible substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Make sure the M&Ms you use are also gluten-free.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs. Check that your M&Ms are vegan-friendly.
• Sugar Substitutes: If you're cutting back on sugar, you can use a granulated sugar substitute like Stevia or a brown sugar alternative like coconut sugar.
• Add-ins: Want to take your cookies up a notch? Try adding chopped nuts, pretzels, or crushed Oreos for some fun textures and flavors.
• Holiday-Themed M&Ms: Customize the cookies for different occasions by using seasonal M&M colors, like red and green for Christmas or pastel shades for Easter.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create these irresistible soft-baked M&M cookies. Be sure to have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before starting.

1. Preheat Your Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

5. Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips:

• Gently fold in the M&M candies and chocolate chips (if using) with a rubber spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Chill the Dough (Optional):

• For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

7. Scoop and Shape the Dough:

• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie.
• Roll the dough into balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

8. Press Extra M&Ms on Top:

• Gently press a few extra M&Ms onto the tops of the cookie dough balls to make them look more colorful once baked.

9. Bake the Cookies:

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked.
• The cookies will continue to bake on the sheet as they cool.

10. Cool the Cookies:

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets.
2. Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the eggs and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then gradually mix them into the wet ingredients.
5. Fold in the M&Ms and optional chocolate chips, then scoop the dough into balls.
6. Chill the dough (optional), then bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes.
7. Cool the cookies on a wire rack before enjoying!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your soft-baked M&M cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling the dough isn’t required, but it helps the cookies hold their shape and gives them a chewier texture. If you want your cookies thick and soft, don't skip this step.
• Overbaking: The cookies may look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking will lead to hard, crunchy cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Using Cold Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature so that it creams properly with the sugars. Cold butter won't mix well, resulting in dense cookies.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Soft-baked M&M cookies are delicious right out of the oven, but you can also elevate their presentation with a few simple tricks:

• Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a large plate or tiered cookie stand. They’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or a fun after-school snack.
• Milk Pairing: Serve the cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination that everyone loves.
• Gift-Wrapped Cookies: These cookies make a great gift! Place them in a cute cookie tin or wrap them in clear bags tied with ribbon for holidays or special occasions.

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How to Serve Soft-Baked M&M Cookies

Here are a few ideas for serving your soft-baked M&M cookies:

• At Parties: Place the cookies in a basket or on a platter with a colorful backdrop of other sweets and treats. They’ll stand out thanks to their vibrant M&M colors.
• With Ice Cream: Take two cookies and sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between them for a fun, delicious M&M cookie ice cream sandwich.
• Snack Time: These cookies make the perfect afternoon snack. Pack them for lunch or enjoy them with your favorite beverage, like coffee, tea, or milk.

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Presentation Ideas for Soft-Baked M&M Cookies

The colorful M&Ms make these cookies visually appealing, but you can enhance their presentation even more:

• Cookie Jars: Place a stack of cookies in a clear glass cookie jar. It’s a great way to display the cookies and makes them easily accessible for guests or family.
• Themed Platters: Use a themed serving platter, especially around holidays. For example, place the cookies on a Halloween or Christmas-themed platter when you use festive M&M colors.
• Color-Coordinated Cookies: For special events, use specific colors of M&Ms to match the theme of the party, such as red and white M&Ms for a Valentine’s Day treat or green and yellow for a St. Patrick's Day celebration.

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Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your soft-baked M&M cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overbake: For soft, chewy cookies, remove them from the oven when the centers still look a little underdone. They will continue to cook and firm up as they cool.
• Extra M&Ms on Top: Pressing a few M&Ms into the tops of the dough before baking ensures that the cookies look bright and colorful once baked.
• Store for Freshness: Keep your cookies soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
This could happen if the butter was too warm or if the dough wasn’t chilled. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Can I use different types of M&Ms?
Absolutely! You can use peanut M&Ms, crispy M&Ms, or any other variety you like. Just keep in mind that larger M&Ms may affect the cookie’s texture slightly.

How do I keep my cookies soft?
Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a marshmallow to help retain moisture and keep the cookies soft for longer.

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Conclusion

These soft-baked M&M cookies are the perfect combination of chewy, buttery goodness and colorful, crunchy M&Ms. Whether you're baking them for a special occasion or just for fun, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious, bakery-style cookies every time. Remember to chill the dough for the best texture, avoid overbaking, and get creative with your add-ins and colors. Now, it’s time to grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and start baking these irresistible cookies! Enjoy! 🍪

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