Description
These rich and chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies are packed with colorful M&M candies and optional semi-sweet chocolate chips, making them a delightful treat for chocolate lovers of all ages. With a perfect balance of cocoa powder and buttery sweetness, these baked cookies have a soft center and slightly crisp edges, ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing at parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups M&M candies
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the M&M candies and, if using, the semi-sweet chocolate chips to evenly distribute without breaking the candies.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to retain a chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Serve: Enjoy the freshly baked Chocolate M&M Cookies with a cold glass of milk or your favorite beverage for the perfect treat.
Notes
- Butter should be softened, not melted, for proper creaming with sugars.
- Do not overmix once dry ingredients are added to prevent dense cookies.
- Spacing cookies about 2 inches apart allows for even spreading during baking.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
