Chocolate M&M's cookies

Ingredients

Cookies

115 grams (4.06 ounces) butter
150 grams (5.3 ounces) brown sugar
1 egg
125 grams (4.4 ounces) all-purpose flour
25 grams (0.88 ounces) cocoa powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.25 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
60 grams (2.1 ounces) chocolate drops
60 grams (2.1 ounces) M&M's

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Use a large bowl to ensure there's enough space to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Electric Mixer
A handheld mixer or stand mixer will speed up the creaming process, making it smooth and creamy.
Sifter
Sift the dry ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure an even mix.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accuracy is key in baking! Use these to measure all your ingredients properly.
Baking Sheet
Ensure your baking sheet is covered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Wire Rack
Allow cookies to cool properly and avoid a soggy bottom

Instructions

Step 1

1. Preheat your oven to 338°F (170°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheating ensures your cookies bake evenly and properly from the start.

Step 2

2. In a large bowl, whip 115 grams (4.06 ounces) of room temperature butter together with 150 grams (5.3 ounces) of brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Make sure the butter is truly at room temperature for the best results.

Step 3

3. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and whip again until everything is well combined. For a deeper vanilla flavor, consider using high-quality vanilla extract.

Step 4

4. Sift together the dry ingredients: 125 grams (4.4 ounces) of flour, 25 grams (0.88 ounces) of cocoa powder, 0.5 teaspoon of baking soda, and 0.25 teaspoon of salt, directly into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so mix until just combined.

Step 5

5. Roll the dough into small balls (you should get approximately 10). Press M&M's and chocolate drops into each ball in a circle. Use an ice cream scoop for uniform cookie sizes.

Step 6

6. Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced well apart as the cookies will spread while baking. Leave enough room for the cookies to spread—that's the key to perfectly shaped cookies.

Step 7

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. The cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. Do not overbake; the cookies continue to bake on the sheet after being removed from the oven.

Step 8

8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on the rack helps the cookies to firm up and prevents over-baking.

Servings

These cookies are a crowd-pleaser and can be served in countless delightful ways.

📸 Want to impress your guests? Arrange these cookies on a chic platter and sprinkle some extra M&M's around for a vibrant spread!

🍦 For a summer twist, serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the gooey, warm cookie with the cold, creamy ice cream is simply heavenly.

🍪 Hosting a cozy family night? Pair these cookies with milk for an old-school combo that never fails to bring smiles.

🎉 Another fun idea is to create a DIY dessert bar. Set out bowls of frosting, sprinkles, and even more candy for little bakers to customize their cookies.

Variations

Whether you're looking for a gluten-free or vegan version, we've got you covered! 🌱

🌾 To make these cookies gluten-free, simply replace the regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Ensure all other ingredients, like the baking soda and M&M's, are gluten-free certified.

🌿 For a vegan variation, swap the butter for a plant-based margarine and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) instead of the regular egg.

Faq

Why did my cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies could be due to overly soft butter or insufficient chilling of the dough. Ensure your butter is at the right consistency and chill the dough if your kitchen is too warm.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
These cookies should be soft in the center but have slightly set edges. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removing from the oven.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also keep them in the fridge for a slightly chewier texture. Reheat in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Certainly! Feel free to use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix of your favorite chocolates for a unique twist.
What’s the best way to shape the cookies?
Use an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to get even-sized cookies. Roll the dough into balls gently without overworking it to maintain an airy texture.