Decadent Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe

Indulge your sweet tooth and brighten up your day with these delightful Chocolate M&M Cookies. Perfect for a cozy winter day or a festive holiday gathering, these cookies strike a delicious balance between rich chocolate goodness and a satisfying candy crunch. The vibrant M&Ms not only add a pop of color but also a burst of sweetness that complements the intensely fudgy chocolate dough.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a snowstorm when my kids were craving something special, and it has since become a beloved favorite in our household. The cookies are not only scrumptious but also visually appealing, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking them for a school function, a neighborhood get-together, or simply a quiet day at home, these Chocolate M&M Cookies are sure to bring smiles and disappear off the plate in no time.

Experiment with different variations like swapping M&M flavors, adding chocolate chips, or even incorporating espresso powder for a fun twist. From the first bite to the last crumb, these cookies are a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds. So whip up a batch, share the love, and watch as these delectable treats become a new favorite in your home too.

Quick Benefits

• Intensely fudgy chocolate dough
• Beautiful and colorful presentation with M&Ms
• Versatile for holidays and parties with different M&M varieties and colors
• Soft texture that stays fresh for up to five days

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Rich Chocolate and Colorful Candy Crunch: Delivers a delightful combination of rich, fudgy chocolate cookie with a satisfying candy crunch from the M&Ms.
• Long-Lasting Soft Texture: The texture of these cookies stays amazingly soft for days, making them perfect for enjoying over time.
• Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike love these cookies, making them perfect for school functions, sleepovers, and neighborhood gatherings.
• Versatile Presentation: The vibrant M&M colors against the dark chocolate background create an impressive visual, making these cookies visually appealing for various occasions.
• Customizable Flavor Variations: Experiment with different M&M varieties, chocolate chips, or flavor additions like espresso powder for endless flavor twists.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance, freeze raw dough balls for later use, and enjoy fresh cookies anytime with minimal effort.
• Great for Gifting: Pack these cookies in jars, tie with ribbon, or arrange on a platter for beautiful and delicious gifts during the holidays or special occasions.
• Highly Requested and Loved: Once you share these cookies, they will be in high demand, becoming a favorite treat for various events and gatherings.

Ingredients for Decadent Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or ½ teaspoon vanilla paste)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour (can use gluten-free blend)
• ¾ cup M&Ms (no peanuts)
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (113 grams), softened to room temperature
• ½ cup cocoa powder (regular good quality, unsweetened)
• ½ cup brown sugar (or muscovado sugar)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

How to Make Decadent Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Mix wet ingredients

Combine butter and sugars in a large bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer on low until smooth and creamy. Add egg and vanilla, mix on low until combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix dry ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in ½ or 1 cup increments, beating on low speed until combined before adding the next batch.

Step 4: Combine mixtures

Combine ingredients until almost mixed, some lumps are acceptable.

Step 5: Add M&Ms

Fold in M&Ms, refrigerate the thick, slightly sticky batter. Freeze for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chill batter between batches for uniform cookies.

Step 6: Form cookie balls

Chill the batter until it has a playdough-like consistency and is not sticky. Allow it to soften slightly at room temperature if too frozen. Scoop 2 tablespoons of batter and roll into 2-inch balls to make around 13-14 cookies.

Step 7: Prepare for baking

Place the cookie dough balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are at least 2 inches apart. Do not flatten the balls.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, adjusting as needed for oven variations.

Step 9: Check texture

The cookies will have a soft center when cooled, with a chewy and buttery texture.

Step 10: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Chocolate M&M Cookies, place them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps maintain the perfect soft texture of the cookies for up to five days. If stacking the cookies, layer them between pieces of parchment paper to preserve the pretty M&M toppings. This storage method will keep the cookies fresh and prevent them from drying out, ensuring they stay delicious for several days.

For longer-term storage or to have fresh cookies on hand anytime, the raw dough balls freeze beautifully. After shaping the dough into balls, freeze them on a sheet pan before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time. This convenient method allows you to enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies without the need to mix up a new batch of dough, making it a perfect solution for having delicious cookies readily available whenever you crave them.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier twist, you can substitute some of the butter with an equal amount of applesauce or mashed banana. This will reduce the overall fat content while adding natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies. Additionally, if you prefer a chewier texture, consider replacing some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. This will also add a nutty flavor profile to the cookies.

If you have dietary restrictions, you can easily make these cookies vegan by using plant-based butter and replacing the eggs with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer. To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can swap out the regular cocoa powder for dark cocoa powder or even add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder for a richer taste. Experiment with different types of M&Ms, like peanut butter or caramel-filled, to add a unique twist to the cookies. You can also mix in other types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or mint chocolate, for additional layers of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and festive presentation, serve these chocolate M&M cookies on a platter arranged by color for a visually striking display. Create a rainbow effect with the M&Ms for a vibrant and eye-catching treat at birthday parties or holiday gatherings. You can even place them in mason jars tied with colorful ribbons for a charming gift idea that showcases their pretty appearance.

For a decadent twist, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two warm chocolate M&M cookies for a delightful homemade ice cream sandwich. The warm, fudgy cookies paired with the cold, creamy ice cream and crunchy M&Ms create a delightful contrast in flavors and textures that will surely impress your guests. This playful dessert is perfect for summer parties or a special treat after a family dinner.

FAQs for Decadent Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe

Can I use natural cocoa instead of Dutch-processed cocoa in this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural cocoa instead of Dutch-processed cocoa, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor profile slightly. Natural cocoa will give the cookies a lighter color and a flavor more akin to traditional chocolate chip cookies.

Can I mix in other types of M&Ms for flavor variations?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different varieties of M&Ms such as peanut butter, caramel, or mint to create interesting flavor twists. Mixing in different types of chocolate chips along with the M&Ms is also a great idea for those who love extra chocolate.

How should I store these chocolate M&M cookies to keep them soft?

To maintain the soft texture of these cookies, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps retain moisture and freshness. If stacking the cookies, layer them between pieces of parchment to prevent the M&Ms on top from smudging.

Can I freeze the raw dough for these cookies?

Yes, the raw dough balls freeze beautifully. Make a double batch, freeze half on a sheet pan, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake the frozen dough balls straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time for warm, fresh cookies whenever you crave them.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful Chocolate M&M Cookies as much as I have! Whether you’re baking them for family, friends, or a special occasion, these cookies never fail to bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings. The vibrant colors of the M&Ms against the rich chocolate backdrop make these treats not just delicious but visually appealing too.

Experiment with different variations, from using themed M&Ms for holidays to adding in extra chocolate chips or unique flavors like espresso powder. These cookies are versatile and customizable, making them a perfect go-to recipe for any occasion. Remember to chill the dough for the best results and consider freezing some raw dough balls for quick and convenient baking in the future. With their soft texture and irresistible taste, these Chocolate M&M Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household too. Happy baking!