Description
Holiday M&M Cookies
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup (170g) holiday M&M candies
1 cup (170g) chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in M&Ms and chocolate chips.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden. Let cool on a wire rack.
7. Serve and enjoy the festive treat!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookies every time. First, ensure your butter is truly softened to room temperature; this is crucial for a creamy texture. Preheat your oven fully before baking. When combining your dry ingredients, whisk them thoroughly to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt. As you blend the dry mix into the wet, do so on low speed and only until just combined to avoid tough cookies. Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to form uniform dough balls, which ensures even baking. Place them at least 2 inches apart on the sheet. Watch carefully near the 8-minute mark—the cookies are done when the edges are set and golden but the centers still look slightly soft.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are versatile. For a beautiful holiday platter, mix them with other seasonal treats like peppermint bark. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a hot cocoa bar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent cookie sundae. Consider packaging them in cellophane bags with a ribbon as a heartfelt homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or party hosts.
How-to Summary
In short: Whisk dry ingredients. Cream softened butter with sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix dry into wet ingredients. Fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips. Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden. Cool before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter? Yes, but omit the added 1/2 tsp salt from the recipe to avoid over-salting.
How do I store these cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The dough can be frozen in balls for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
My cookies spread too much. Why? This usually means your butter was too warm or melted. Ensure your dough is cool, and try chilling the scooped dough on the sheet for 15 minutes before baking.
Can I use different mix-ins? Absolutely! Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or even chopped nuts. You can use standard M&Ms any time of year.
Why are my cookies cakey? This often results from over-measuring the flour. For accuracy, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, or better yet, use a kitchen scale.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using melted butter, as it causes excessive spreading. Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added, as this develops gluten and leads to a tough texture. Never place dough on a hot baking sheet, as it will start to melt and spread unevenly—always use a cool sheet for each batch. Resist the urge to overbake; cookies continue to set as they cool on the rack.
Conclusion
These Holiday M&M Cookies are a simple, joyful way to celebrate the season. By following this enhanced guide and tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and produce a batch that is perfectly chewy, festive, and delicious. They are sure to become a cherished tradition, bringing smiles to friends and family alike. Happy baking!