The warm, gooey texture of these Soft Batch Chocolate M&M Cookies is irresistible. Bursting with colorful candy-coated M&Ms and rich chocolate chips, each bite delivers the perfect combination of crunch and chewiness.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. With their bright, colorful appearance and decadent flavor, these cookies are bound to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a next-day treat, they’ll make every moment sweeter!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups M&Ms
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and 1 cup of M&Ms, reserving 1/2 cup for topping.
- Roll the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few M&Ms into the top of each cookie ball for a decorative touch.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 215 per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
The History and Popularity of M&M Cookies
The combination of M&Ms and cookies is a timeless classic that dates back to the 1950s. Originally inspired by the traditional chocolate chip cookie, adding M&Ms brought a colorful twist to the beloved treat. The soft batch version of this recipe takes it a step further, providing a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that cookie lovers adore. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy at parties, as an afternoon snack, or with a comforting glass of milk.
Tips for Perfect Soft Batch Cookies
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a more consistent dough.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Cornstarch is the secret ingredient that gives these cookies their signature softness.
- Chill the Dough: For even better results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and achieve a thicker, chewier texture.
- Reserve Some M&Ms for Topping: Pressing a few M&Ms onto the cookie tops before baking not only makes them look prettier but also ensures a burst of candy-coated crunch in every bite.
- Watch the Baking Time: These cookies should come out of the oven when the edges are set, and the centers are still slightly soft. They’ll continue to bake on the sheet while cooling.
Variations to Try
- Peanut Butter Twist: Swap out half the butter for creamy peanut butter to add a nutty flavor to the cookies.
- Seasonal M&Ms: Use holiday-themed M&Ms (e.g., red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter) to make them festive for any occasion.
- Add a Crunch: Toss in 1/4 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- Double Chocolate: Use cocoa powder to turn the dough into a rich chocolate base for even more decadence.
How to Store and Freeze
- Storing: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to maintain their softness.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough in pre-portioned balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, store baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Fun Facts About M&Ms
- M&Ms were introduced in 1941 as a portable snack for soldiers during World War II.
- The iconic “M” stamp wasn’t added to the candy until 1950 to distinguish it from imitators.
- Today, M&Ms are available in a wide variety of flavors and colors, making them a versatile addition to baked goods.
Why This Recipe is a Crowd-Pleaser
Soft Batch Chocolate M&M Cookies aren’t just visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying to eat. The soft and chewy texture pairs beautifully with the candy’s crunch, making it a treat for all ages. They’re quick to prepare, highly customizable, and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether it’s for a family gathering, school bake sale, or cozy night at home, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts.
What Makes These Cookies Unique?
Soft Batch Chocolate M&M Cookies are a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are loved for their pillowy soft centers, slightly crisp edges, and the burst of sweetness and crunch from colorful M&Ms. What makes them unique is the use of cornstarch, which ensures they stay soft even after cooling, giving you that bakery-style texture right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies are perfect for beginner bakers.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The colorful M&Ms make them a hit with kids, while their rich, chocolatey flavor satisfies adults.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of melted butter, cornstarch, and just the right baking time ensures soft, chewy cookies every time.
- Customizable: You can swap M&Ms for other mix-ins like Reese’s Pieces, mini marshmallows, or white chocolate chips to suit your preferences or the occasion.
Ingredient Highlights
- Butter: Using melted butter adds a rich flavor and contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
- Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also keeps them moist and adds a slight caramel-like undertone.
- Cornstarch: This ingredient is the secret to achieving that soft, bakery-style consistency.
- M&Ms: These add a pop of color and crunch to each bite, making the cookies visually appealing and extra delicious.
- Vanilla Extract: A quality vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth and depth to the cookies.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing too much flour into the measuring cup, which can make the cookies dry.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Decorate for Visual Appeal: Press a few extra M&Ms onto the tops of the cookie dough balls before baking for an Instagram-worthy look.
Occasions to Serve These Cookies
- Festive Celebrations: Use holiday-themed M&Ms to make these cookies a perfect treat for Christmas, Easter, Halloween, or Valentine’s Day.
- Bake Sales: Their colorful appearance and universal appeal make them ideal for school or community bake sales.
- Everyday Snacking: Keep a batch on hand for an afternoon pick-me-up or dessert after dinner.
- Gifting: Pack these cookies in a decorative box or jar to share as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Common Questions
1. Can I use different candies instead of M&Ms?
Yes, you can replace M&Ms with other candies like chocolate chunks, peanut butter chips, or even mini marshmallows for a s’mores-inspired twist.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the baked cookies for easy snacking.
3. How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?
Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps retain moisture and keeps the cookies soft for days.
Behind the Science: Why Cornstarch?
Cornstarch is the magic ingredient that gives these cookies their soft and tender texture. It works by binding with water in the dough, preventing gluten from overdeveloping and creating a structure that retains moisture. This results in cookies that stay chewy and soft even after they’ve cooled.
Pairing Suggestions
- With Milk: A glass of cold milk is the perfect companion to these cookies, enhancing the rich chocolatey flavor.
- With Coffee: Serve them as a sweet treat alongside a cup of coffee or latte for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- With Ice Cream: Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream or make ice cream sandwiches for an indulgent dessert.
Make It Your Own
Get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Triple Chocolate Delight: Add dark and white chocolate chips alongside M&Ms for a triple chocolate punch.
- Peanut Butter Lovers: Mix in peanut butter chips or use peanut butter M&Ms for an extra nutty twist.
- Salted Caramel Surprise: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie or drizzle them with caramel after baking.
Conclusion
Soft Batch Chocolate M&M Cookies are a colorful, chewy treat perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re sure to delight kids and adults alike. Whether for a celebration or a simple sweet craving, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to bake again and again!