Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. These cookies boast soft centers, crisp edges, and are loaded with three kinds of chocolate. Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a cozy night at home, their delightful taste and chewy texture make them irresistible. Plus, they are easy to make and sure to impress everyone around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Texture: The combination of soft centers and crispy edges creates a cookie that melts in your mouth.
- Loaded with Chocolate: With both M&M’s and chocolate chips, every bite is bursting with rich chocolate flavor.
- Quick to Prepare: In just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have delicious cookies ready for baking.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for parties, bake sales, or simply enjoying at home.
- Freezable Dough: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze the dough for fresh cookies whenever you want!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making these Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugars effortlessly.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping dry ingredients separate from wet ones.
- Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls and folding in ingredients without overmixing.
Ingredients
These Chocolate M&M Cookies have soft centers, crisp edges, and they’re loaded with three kinds of chocolate!
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened but still cool)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup M&M’s (divided)
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips
How to Make Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Beat the softened butter along with granulated sugar and brown sugar for 1-2 minutes until creamy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract; beat until well combined. Scrape down the sides as necessary.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Beat until just combined—do not overmix.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and ½ cup of M&M’s using a rubber spatula.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
For best results:
1. Allow the cookie dough to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it instead.
Step 5: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions forming mounds that are taller rather than wider.
- Place mounds on parchment-lined sheets a few inches apart.
- Press remaining ¼ cup of M&M’s lightly onto each mound for decoration.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in preheated oven:
1. For about 9-11 minutes until edges set but centers remain slightly underbaked.
2. Remember that they should be so soft you can’t lift them straight off—allow them to cool on the sheet.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Transfer baking sheets to a wire rack:
1. Let cookies cool completely before serving or storing them.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies!
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies
These Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With Milk
- A classic pairing, the creaminess of milk perfectly complements the rich chocolate flavors in the cookies.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delightful dessert treat that kids and adults will love.
Warm from the Oven
- Serve straight from the oven for the ultimate gooey experience. Let guests enjoy that warm, melty chocolate goodness.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie for an extra indulgent treat that enhances their softness.
With Fresh Berries
- Pairing these cookies with fresh berries adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet chocolate flavors. Strawberries or raspberries work particularly well.
Gift Packs
- Package cookies in cute boxes or bags to give as gifts. They make thoughtful treats for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.
How to Perfect Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies
To ensure your Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies come out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature to create a smooth batter that helps achieve that chewy texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture instead of light and chewy.
- Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to rest before baking improves the flavor and texture. It helps prevent spreading too much while baking.
- Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven for optimal softness.
- Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft texture. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment!
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate chips for variety and additional flavor profiles!
Best Side Dishes for Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Chocolate Milkshake
- A rich chocolate milkshake complements the cookies beautifully, creating a decadent dessert combination.
- Fruit Salad
- A light fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, balancing flavors nicely.
- Coffee
- Brewed coffee provides a warm, bitter note that pairs wonderfully with sweet treats like these cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue
- Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip their cookies for an indulgent experience!
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Simple yet effective, vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that pairs well with chocolate flavors.
- Nutella Dip
- Serve Nutella on the side as a dip; it’s an extra layer of chocolatey goodness perfect for cookie lovers!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using warm butter: Warm butter can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always use softened but cool butter for the best texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can make cookies tough rather than soft and chewy. Mix until just combined for the perfect consistency.
- Skipping resting time: Not allowing the dough to rest can result in flatter cookies. Letting it rest for 30 minutes helps improve texture and flavor.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can yield unevenly baked cookies. Ensure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F for consistent results.
- Not using parchment paper: Skipping parchment paper can lead to sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheets for easier removal and better cookie shape.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
- Make sure they are completely cooled before storing.
Freezing Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies
- Place cookies in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Layer with parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Reheating Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a skillet over low heat, add a cookie, and cover with a lid for about 1 minute until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies that might help you as you bake.
Can I use different types of M&M’s in my cookies?
Yes! You can substitute with peanut, almond, or seasonal M&M’s based on your preference.
How do I know when my Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies are done?
Cookies should have set edges but still look slightly underdone in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for a short time before scooping it onto baking sheets.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily doubled if you want more delicious Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies to share or freeze.
Final Thoughts
Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies are not only delightful treats but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them by adding your favorite nuts or using different types of chocolate. So why not give this recipe a try? Enjoy these sweet delights with family or friends!
Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with Soft and Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies. These cookies boast a perfect balance of soft, gooey centers and crisp edges, making every bite a delightful treat. Loaded with three types of chocolate, including M&M’s and chocolate chips, they are irresistibly rich and satisfyingly sweet. Ideal for any occasion—be it family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy nights at home—these cookies are not only easy to prepare but also sure to impress all your guests. With just a little prep time and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup M&M's (divided)
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and half of the M&M's gently.
- Chill dough for about 30 minutes before scooping onto prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on sheets before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (28g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider adding nuts or using different types of chocolate chips. The dough can be frozen for later use—just thaw before baking.
