Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies

Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, gooey goodness of chocolate with colorful, crunchy M&M candies. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or simply a cozy night in. Their soft texture and vibrant appearance make them not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookies
• How to Make Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
• Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
• Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients
• Step 6: Fold in M&M Candies
• Step 7: Shape Cookies on Baking Sheet
• Step 8: Bake Your Cookies
• Step 9: Cool Before Serving
• How to Serve Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies
• With a Glass of Milk
• Ice Cream Sandwiches
• Cookie Platter
• Warmed in the Oven
• Gift Packaging
• How to Perfect Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies
• Reheating Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies soft?
• Can I customize my Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies?
• How do I know when my Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies are done?
• How long do Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly.
• Deliciously Soft: The combination of butter and cocoa creates a soft and chewy cookie that melts in your mouth.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out M&M candies for your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends or family, making it a great choice for gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love both the taste and the vibrant colors, making this recipe a hit with little ones.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is crucial for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents cookies from sticking.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper makes for easy cleanup and helps prevent cookies from burning on the bottom.

Ingredients

A delightful blend of gooey chocolate and vibrant M&M candies.

For the Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup M&M candies

How to Make Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can affect the cookie’s texture.

Step 6: Fold in M&M Candies

Gently fold in the M&M candies until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will create pockets of color in your cookies!

Step 7: Shape Cookies on Baking Sheet

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly soft for that perfect chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before enjoying!

How to Serve Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies

Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies are perfect for any occasion, bringing a delightful mix of flavors and colors to your dessert table. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor for a fun twist on dessert!

Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, adding fresh fruits or other baked goods. This makes for an appealing dessert presentation at parties.

Warmed in the Oven

• Reheat the cookies in the oven for a couple of minutes before serving. This will restore their gooey texture and enhance their chocolatey aroma.

Gift Packaging

• Pack these cookies in a cute box or jar as gifts. Adding a ribbon can make them look even more special for friends and family.

How to Perfect Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps achieve a creamy texture when creaming with sugars, leading to fluffier cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies and ensures they remain soft.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor and shape.
• Use quality M&M candies: Opt for fresh candies for vibrant color and better taste in every bite.
• Bake in batches: If you have multiple trays, bake them separately to ensure even cooking.
• Check doneness carefully: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers are soft to maintain that perfect chewy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies

While Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies are scrumptious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic side that pairs beautifully with warm cookies, offering a creamy contrast.
2. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle over cookies or serve on the side for those who want an extra chocolate fix.
3. Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries provide a tart balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream complements the dense texture of the cookies perfectly.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can add brightness and cut through the richness of chocolate.
6. Nutella Dip: Serve Nutella as a dip alongside cookies for an indulgent treat that enhances flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are key pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping Ingredient Room Temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can affect the texture. Always allow these ingredients to come to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Combine until just mixed for a softer texture.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Improperly measuring flour can result in dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Each oven is different. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure your temperature is accurate for perfect baking.
• Baking on a Cold Sheet: Starting with a cold baking sheet can cause uneven baking. Preheat your baking sheets slightly or use parchment paper.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies in an airtight container.
• item They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies

• item Wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• item They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds per cookie. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a couple of minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies that might help you along your baking journey.

What makes Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies soft?

The combination of butter and sugars creamed together creates air pockets, resulting in soft cookies when baked at the right temperature.

Can I customize my Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap out M&Ms for chocolate chips, or even add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for extra flavor.

How do I know when my Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies are done?

Look for set edges and slightly soft centers. The cookies will continue cooking as they cool on the baking sheet.

How long do Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies last?

When stored properly, they last about one week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting the sweetness. Try this recipe today and enjoy these gooey delights with friends and family!