Imagine biting into a cookie that’s perfectly soft, chewy, and bursting with vibrant, colorful M&Ms and rich chocolate chips in every bite. The irresistible blend of textures and flavors is enough to win over any cookie lover.
Whether you’re baking for a family get-together, a sweet treat after dinner, or just indulging in a little “me time,” these Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies are a crowd-pleaser. The best part? They’re super simple to make, and each bite feels like a celebration.
Want to recreate that gooey, bakery-style cookie magic right in your own kitchen? This recipe delivers on taste and texture, and with a few expert tips, you’ll get that soft center and crisp edge everyone loves.
Ready to bake? Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and follow along for the best Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies you’ll ever taste!
Why This Recipe?
We’ve tested this recipe extensively, addressing issues that often come up in other similar recipes. Whether it’s the texture, flavor, or balance of ingredients, we’ve ensured every step contributes to a superior cookie. Plus, we’ve added expert tips to help you avoid common pitfalls.
Ingredients Breakdown
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in ensuring the perfect texture and flavor of your cookies. Here’s a detailed look at the key components:
All-Purpose Flour
- Quantity: 1 1/4 cups
- Purpose: This provides the structural foundation for your cookies. All-purpose flour is essential for that classic chewy cookie texture.
Cake Flour
- Quantity: 3/4 cup
- Purpose: Cake flour is finer and lighter than all-purpose flour, which helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Substitution Tip: If you can’t find cake flour, you can make a substitute by combining 14 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
Cornstarch
- Quantity: 1 teaspoon
- Purpose: Cornstarch adds that extra softness, creating a tender and chewy cookie interior.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
- Quantity: 1/2 teaspoon each
- Purpose: Baking powder and baking soda work together to give your cookies the perfect rise and texture.
Unsalted Butter
- Quantity: 1/2 cup (cold, cubed)
- Purpose: Butter provides richness and flavor. Cold butter helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, ensuring they stay thick and chewy.
Sugars (Brown and Granulated)
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and chewiness.
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Provides crisp edges and sweetness balance.
Egg and Egg Yolk
- Quantity: 1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk
- Purpose: The egg yolk adds richness and tenderness, enhancing the cookie’s chew.
Mini M&Ms and Chocolate Chips
- M&Ms: 1 cup
- Chocolate Chips: 3/4 cup
- Purpose: The M&Ms add color, crunch, and extra chocolate flavor, while the chocolate chips contribute gooeyness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is designed to be simple yet effective. Below, you’ll find detailed steps to guide you through making these delicious cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Temperature: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the cookies bake quickly, retaining moisture and yielding a chewy interior.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cake flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a stand mixer, cream together the cold, cubed butter (1/2 cup) and sugars (1/2 cup brown, 1/4 cup granulated) until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can toughen the dough.
Step 6: Fold in the M&Ms and Chocolate Chips
- Using a spatula, gently fold in:
- 1 cup mini M&Ms
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
- Scoop the dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cookies
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time:
1. Chill the Dough
- For thicker cookies with a more defined shape, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading.
2. Use Cold Butter
- Cold butter is key to achieving thick, chewy cookies. Using softened butter can cause the cookies to spread too much, leading to thin, crispy edges.
3. Underbake Slightly
- Take the cookies out of the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, resulting in a soft, chewy texture.
4. Rest the Cookies
- Letting the cookies cool completely allows them to develop their full flavor and texture. They actually taste better the next day!
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Overmixing the Dough
- Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookies. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.
2. Not Measuring Flour Correctly
- Always spoon and level your flour rather than scooping it directly from the bag. Too much flour will make the cookies dry and crumbly.
3. Skipping the Chill Time
- Skipping the chilling process can result in cookies that spread too much during baking. If you’re short on time, chill the dough in the freezer for 15 minutes.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Yes! You can replace both the all-purpose flour and cake flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, such as Bob’s Red Mill.
Q2: How do I store leftover cookies?
- Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
- Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies are a fun, easy-to-make treat that everyone will love. This recipe ensures that the cookies turn out soft, chewy, and packed with flavor every time. By following the tips and tricks outlined here, you’ll avoid common mistakes and impress your friends and family with bakery-worthy cookies.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start baking!
Enjoy your delightful cookies, and don’t forget to share your creations with us!