Soft Chewy M&M Cookies have been my go-to treat for years, bringing smiles to everyone I share them with. I remember the first time I tried making them myself, hoping to recreate the magic of those cookies from the bakery, the kind with that perfect gooey center. This soft chewy M&M cookies recipe delivers just that – a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience with vibrant M&Ms bursting with flavor. Making these homemade soft chewy M&M cookies is surprisingly simple and always fills my kitchen with the most comforting aroma. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Soft Chewy M&M Cookies
You’re going to adore this M&M cookie recipe for so many reasons!
- Incredible Taste: They boast a perfectly gooey center and soft edges that just melt in your mouth.
- Quick Prep: You can whip up these homemade treats in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Pure Joy: While not exactly a health food, these cookies are a fantastic mood booster and a surefire way to bring smiles.
- Budget-Friendly: This M&M cookie recipe soft and chewy uses common pantry staples, so you won’t break the bank.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike go crazy for these, making them ideal for parties or just a sweet afternoon snack.
- Guaranteed Success: Even if you’re new to baking, this M&M cookie recipe soft and chewy is designed for ease.
- Irresistible Texture: The balance of soft interior and slightly crisp edges is pure cookie perfection.
Soft Chewy M&M Cookie Ingredients
Gathering the right soft chewy M&M cookie ingredients is the first step to baking perfection. This recipe is designed to give you that ideal M&M cookie dough soft chewy texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Crucial for that tender crumb; make sure it’s softened, not melted.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Helps with structure and a slight crispness.
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar – This is your secret weapon for chewiness! It adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Bind everything together for a cohesive dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances all the sweet flavors.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – This helps the cookies spread just enough to get that perfect chewy center.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- 2 cups M&Ms – The star of the show for those colorful bursts of chocolate!
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional) – For an extra chocolatey punch.
How to Make Soft Chewy M&M Cookies
Ready to master the art of how to make soft chewy M&M cookies? Follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying warm, delightful cookies in no time!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy – this step is key for achieving that perfect texture.
- Step 3: Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for that classic sweet aroma.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This dry mix forms the structure of our cookies.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. It’s really important not to overmix here; stop as soon as you don’t see any dry flour streaks. Overmixing can make your cookies tough.
- Step 6: Gently stir in the 2 cups M&Ms and the 1 cup chocolate chips (if you’re using them for extra decadence). You want to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread. For extra chewy M&M cookies, I like to slightly flatten the dough balls before baking.
- Step 8: Bake for 9-11 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be lightly golden brown, but the centers should still look soft and slightly underdone. This is crucial for getting those M&M cookies soft inside chewy outside you’re aiming for.
- Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set up a bit more. Cool completely on the wire rack.
Pro Tips for the Best Soft Chewy M&M Cookies
Want to guarantee your cookies are perfectly soft and chewy every single time? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference!
- Underbake slightly: This is my number one tip for achieving that delightfully gooey center. Pull them out when the edges are just set and golden, but the middle still looks a little soft.
- Softened, not melted butter: Using softened butter is crucial for the right texture. Melted butter can cause cookies to spread too much and become thin and crispy, not chewy.
- Chill the dough: For thicker, chewier cookies that don’t spread too much, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking is a game-changer.
- Mix M&M colors: Using a variety of M&M colors makes your cookies visually appealing and fun!
What’s the secret to perfect soft chewy M&M cookies?
The biggest secrets are using plenty of brown sugar for moisture and chewiness, and resisting the urge to overmix the dough once the flour is added. This keeps the gluten from developing too much, ensuring a tender bite. For more baking tips, check out my baking philosophy.
Can I make soft chewy M&M cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cookie dough for these soft chewy M&M cookies can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies! You can find more information on food storage guidelines at FoodSafety.gov.
How do I avoid common mistakes with soft chewy M&M cookies?
To prevent cookies spreading too much, always chill the dough. If your cookies are coming out too hard, it’s likely from overbaking, so aim for that slightly underdone center. If dough seems too sticky, ensure you’ve measured your flour accurately – spoon it into the cup, don’t scoop directly from the bag. For more on common baking mistakes, you can read about them on King Arthur Baking.
Best Ways to Serve Soft Chewy M&M Cookies
These delightful cookies are incredibly versatile! For a classic treat, serve them warm right out of the oven with a tall, cold glass of milk. The contrast between the warm, gooey center and the cool milk is pure bliss. They also make a fantastic dessert after any dinner – imagine topping a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a warm M&M cookie! For a more relaxed vibe, enjoy these M&M cookies soft and gooey alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for any occasion!
Nutrition Facts for Soft Chewy M&M Cookies
When you bake these delicious soft chewy M&M cookies, you’ll want to know what you’re enjoying. Here’s a general idea of what’s in each cookie:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: Varies
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your soft chewy M&M cookies. For more details on nutritional information, please refer to our privacy policy.
How to Store and Reheat Soft Chewy M&M Cookies
Once your amazing soft chewy M&M cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to think about storing them to keep that perfect texture. For the best results, place them in an airtight container. This is one of the most important M&M cookie baking tips chewy for maintaining their softness. If you plan to enjoy them within 3 days, the refrigerator is a good spot. For longer storage, up to 3 months, the freezer is your best friend. Simply wrap individual cookies or stacks in plastic wrap, then foil, before freezing. You can learn more about proper food storage by visiting the contact us page for tips.
When you’re craving one of these delicious cookies later, reheating is super simple! For a quick warm-up, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you prefer a slightly crisper edge with a soft center, a few minutes in a 300°F (150°C) oven works wonders. This ensures you get that delicious M&M cookies soft and gooey experience even days later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Chewy M&M Cookies
Why are my M&M cookies hard?
Hard M&M cookies are usually a result of overbaking, or using too much granulated sugar and not enough brown sugar. Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and helps create that desirable chewy texture. Make sure you’re pulling these soft chewy M&M cookies from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone!
What is the best M&M cookie recipe for chewiness?
You’ve found it! This recipe is specifically designed to be the best M&M cookie recipe for chewiness. The key is the perfect ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar, plus slightly underbaking them. Following these steps ensures you get that delightful M&M cookie dough soft chewy goodness every time. For more on our recipes, see our homepage.
Can I use different M&Ms in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your M&Ms. Peanut butter M&Ms, caramel M&Ms, or even seasonal varieties work wonderfully and can create unique flavor combinations for your chocolate M&M cookies soft chewy. Just make sure you’re still using about 2 cups total.
Variations of Soft Chewy M&M Cookies You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered this classic recipe, why not get creative? There are so many fun ways to switch up these soft chewy M&M cookies. For a dietary variation, you can easily swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free blend to make these homemade soft chewy M&M cookies accessible to more people. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch, or even some white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile, creating delightful chewy chocolate chip M&M cookies.
You can also experiment with different M&M flavors, like peanut butter or caramel, to create unique chocolate M&M cookies soft chewy experiences. For a quicker bake or if you don’t have an oven, try baking them in an air fryer! Just adjust the temperature and time as needed, usually around 320°F (160°C) for 7-9 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent overbaking. For terms of use regarding recipes, please see our terms of use.
PrintSoft Chewy M&M Cookies: 1 AMAZING Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe creates soft and chewy M&M cookies, perfect for a delightful treat. Enjoy the tender, moist texture and the pops of chocolate from the M&Ms.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups M&Ms
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the M&Ms and chocolate chips (if using).
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. For extra chewy M&M cookies, slightly flatten the dough balls.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake them.
- Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading and result in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Use a mix of M&M colors for a festive look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies