Why Make This Recipe
Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for celebrations or just a cozy evening at home. The combination of rich chocolate chips and colorful M&M candies makes these cookies visually appealing and delicious.
Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma, inviting everyone to gather around. Plus, they are a fun recipe to make with family or friends, allowing everyone to enjoy the process of creating something sweet together.
Equipment Needed for Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies
To prepare Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies, you’ll need a few basic tools. Make sure to have the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls (both large and medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Ice cream scoop (small or large)
- Wire racks for cooling
What You Need to Make Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies
Gather these ingredients for your cookie-making adventure:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup M&M’s (red and green)
- 1/3 cup sprinkles of choice (red and green)
How to Cook Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies Step by Step
Begin your cookie-making journey by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or spray them lightly with non-stick spray to ensure easy cookie removal later.
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to combine the dry ingredients evenly and removes any potential lumps in the flour.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, take your electric mixer and cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until everything is smooth. This process usually takes a couple of minutes.
Once the mixture is creamy, add the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients on low speed until they are well blended into the butter and sugar mixture.
Gradually add the flour mixture you prepared earlier into the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour is incorporated; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles. It’s best to do this by hand to preserve the fluffy texture of your dough.
Using a small or large ice cream scoop, drop rounds of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between each dough scoop, spacing them about 6 to 8 per pan to allow for spreading during baking.
Place the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake your cookies for about 10 to 13 minutes if using a large scoop, or 8 to 10 minutes for smaller cookies. The cookies are done when they are lightly browned around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them firm up a bit before you transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Make Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies
Making Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies is a straightforward process. Start by ensuring that all your ingredients are measured and ready.
Preheat the oven to the right temperature and prepare your baking sheets. This initial preparation sets you up for a smooth baking experience.
Combine your dry and wet ingredients separately before bringing them together. Mixing with care helps achieve the perfect dough, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully in the oven.
Don’t forget the fun part—folding in your mix-ins! Feel free to let your creativity shine through the sprinkles and M&M colors you choose.
Finally, bake your cookies and allow them to cool properly. Enjoy the delightful process of making these cookies, as well as the delicious rewards.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies
Serving your Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies can be as simple as stacking them on a plate or offering them in a cheerful box tied with a ribbon.
You can also plate them alongside a glass of cold milk for a classic treat. They are perfect for sharing at a gathering, making them an excellent choice for parties, birthdays, or holiday celebrations.
For a delightful twist, serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or between two cookies for a fun ice cream sandwich. The creamy ice cream melts slightly into the warm cookie, creating a delicious treat.
What to Serve with Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies
Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. A tall glass of cold milk is a traditional choice that complements their sweet and rich flavors beautifully.
For a cozy enjoy-at-home setting, consider serving them alongside warm coffee or hot cocoa. The warm drink enhances the sweetness of the cookies, offering a comforting experience.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving these cookies with a scoop of ice cream, creating delicious cookie sandwiches with your favorite flavor.
Additionally, they can be served at children’s parties, accompanied by fruity drinks or soda, making for a colorful and inviting dessert table.
How to Store Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies
To store your Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies, allow them to cool completely. This cooling period helps to keep them from becoming soggy when stored.
Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can last for up to one week. To keep them extra fresh, add a slice of bread into the container; the bread will absorb excess moisture, keeping the cookies soft.
For longer storage, consider freezing your cookies. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Afterward, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
To enjoy frozen cookies, simply take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also heat them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Tips to Make Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies
One key tip for making perfect Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies is to use room temperature butter. This ensures that the butter incorporates well with the sugars, creating a fluffy texture that enhances the cookie.
Always measure your flour correctly. Use the dip and sweep method: fluff the flour in the container, spoon it into a measuring cup, and level it off with a knife. This ensures you don’t pack too much flour into your dough, preventing tough cookies.
Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour. This is crucial for maintaining a tender cookie; mix just until you see no flour streaks.
When adding M&M’s and chocolate chips, fold them in gently to distribute without crushing them. This keeps them intact, giving you that rewarding bite of chocolate.
If you want a little added flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the flour mixture. This subtle spice will give a warm depth to your cookies.
Variation
You can always customize your Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies to suit your taste. For instance, replace semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.
You might also want to try adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. If you prefer a healthier approach, you may substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
For a seasonal twist, think about adding pumpkin spice or peppermint extract during the holidays. You can sprinkle festive-colored M&M’s based on the season, which makes them more appealing for special occasions.
Best Time to Make Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies
These cookies can be made any time of the year. However, they are particularly loved during the holidays and festive occasions when everyone enjoys sweet treats.
Making them for celebrations, family gatherings, or children’s parties puts smiles on faces and creates a warm atmosphere.
They’re also great for cookie exchanges, as their colorful appearance makes them stand out on any dessert table. Regardless of the occasion, they are sure to bring joy to everyone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is neglecting to use room temperature ingredients. Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing and affect the overall texture of your cookies.
Another mistake is baking them for too long. Always keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time. They should look slightly underbaked when pulled out, as they will continue to set while cooling.
Also, avoid overcrowding your baking sheets when placing cookie dough. If they are too close to each other, they will bake into one another, losing their shape.
Lastly, do not skip the cooling time after baking. Giving cookies a chance to rest on the baking sheet allows them to firm up properly before transferring them to cool on wire racks.
Nutritional Notes
While Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies are delightful treats, it’s good to be mindful of the portion sizes. Typically, one cookie can contain a noticeable amount of sugar and calories.
If looking to enjoy them with a balance, consider pairing with a healthy snack later in the day. These cookies are best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily treat.
You can also consider experimenting with substitutions like whole grain flour or reducing sugar to create a healthier version that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen butter?
It’s best to use room temperature butter. Frozen butter won’t cream well with sugars, impacting the cookie texture.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. Just shape the dough and chill it in a sealed container.
3. How can I make my cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, try using more brown sugar than white sugar or adding an extra egg yolk. This adjustment helps retain moisture.
Conclusion
Baking Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies is a simple and rewarding process. Their delightful taste and charming appearance make them ideal for any occasion.
By gathering your ingredients and following these steps, you create memorable moments alongside delicious treats. The joy of sharing homemade cookies enhances any gathering and brings people together.
Whether you are discovering the magic of baking or perfecting your skills, these cookies ensure a fun and satisfying adventure in the kitchen. Enjoy the sweet rewards of your hard work, and don’t forget to share them with your loved ones!
