Decadent Easter Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Looking to elevate your Easter dessert game this year? Look no further than these irresistible Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies. A twist on the classic recipe, these cookies are loaded with gooey chocolate chips and festive Easter M&Ms, making them a delightful treat for any spring gathering.

I stumbled upon this recipe while on a quest to recreate bakery-style cookies at home. After much trial and error, I finally achieved that perfect balance of chewy, thick cookies with crisp edges that everyone loves. The addition of pastel M&Ms not only makes them visually appealing for Easter but also adds a burst of sweetness with every bite.

Whether you serve them at an Easter egg hunt, a family gathering, or simply as a pick-me-up treat, these Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to be a hit. With tips on variations like adding coconut or trying different flavored M&Ms, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and spread some Easter joy with these delicious cookies!

Quick Benefits

• Perfect bakery-style texture: Thick, chewy with crisp edges and soft centers
• Versatile for any occasion: Ideal for Easter gatherings, bake sales, or as a pick-me-up treat
• Freezing capability: Make-ahead dough allows for fresh-baked cookies in minutes
• Crowd-pleaser: Even those who typically pass on sweets won’t be able to resist

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Easter Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Recipe

• You’ll love these Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies for their perfect bakery-style texture: thick, chewy with crisp edges and soft centers.
• The addition of pastel M&Ms makes them the perfect Easter treat, but they’re too delicious to save for just once a year.
• They have received rave reviews from even those who claim not to have a sweet tooth, like the author’s brother-in-law who couldn’t resist sneaking extras.
• The recipe has been meticulously developed to achieve the ideal cookie texture, balancing ingredients and utilizing a freezing trick for that perfect chewiness.
• These cookies are best served slightly warm for a gooey chocolate experience, making them a delightful dessert paired with milk or coffee.
• You can easily customize these cookies by trying variations like white chocolate chips with raspberry M&Ms, adding toasted coconut, or creating a double chocolate version.
• Store them with a slice of bread to keep them soft, layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking, and freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months for extended enjoyment.
• This recipe is versatile and perfect for various occasions, from Easter gatherings to spring bake sales, or just for a mid-week treat that never fails to bring joy with every bite.

Ingredients for Decadent Easter Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

For the Cookies

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Easter M&Ms, plus more for topping (if desired)
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

How to Make Decadent Easter Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Baking Sheet

Prepare a small baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Cream room temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.

Step 4: Make Cookie Dough

Add the flour mixture gradually to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms until evenly distributed in the dough.

Step 5: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Scoop 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and roll into balls. Use a cookie scoop for consistent size. Arrange dough balls on baking sheet. Add extra M&Ms on top of cookies if desired.

Step 6: Freeze Dough

Wrap the cookie dough balls with plastic wrap and freeze for at least one hour or up to overnight. If frozen overnight, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking. Optional: Transfer the balls to a ziplock bag for storage.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly under-baked for a soft center.

Step 8: Add Optional Toppings

Optionally, lightly press extra candies and chocolate chips onto the warm cookies right after taking them out of the oven.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Then store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Storage Tips

Once you have baked the Easter chocolate chip cookies, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their soft texture for several days. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their individual shapes. If you want to store them for an extended period, the baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a fresh-baked treat.

These cookies are great for various occasions, from Easter gatherings to spring bake sales, or simply for a delightful pick-me-up any day of the week. The combination of chewy cookie texture, melty chocolate chips, and colorful M&Ms makes them a hit with everyone. You can also get creative with different flavor variations by trying white chocolate chips and raspberry M&Ms, adding toasted coconut, or making a double chocolate version. The versatility and crowd-pleasing nature of these cookies make them a go-to recipe for any baker.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or margarine. Make sure it’s suitable for baking to maintain the cookie’s texture. Additionally, to make these cookies gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the same quantity. You may need to adjust the consistency of the dough slightly, so consider adding a touch more flour or a splash of milk as needed to achieve the right texture.

If you prefer a healthier twist, consider using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and coconut oil in place of butter. These substitutions can impart a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies, enhancing their depth. You can also experiment with dark chocolate chips and dried fruit like cranberries for a richer and slightly tangy flavor profile. Remember to adjust the sweetness level based on your preference when modifying ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

For a festive Easter display, serve these delightful chocolate chip cookies on a bed of pastel-colored Easter grass in a woven basket. Decorate the edges of the basket with mini Easter eggs or chocolate bunnies for an extra touch of whimsy. You can also tie pastel ribbons around the cookie stack for a charming and colorful presentation that will delight both kids and adults alike.

Another creative idea is to create cookie sandwiches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream nestled between two warm cookies. Roll the ice cream edges in pastel sprinkles or crushed Easter candies for a fun and indulgent treat that’s perfect for Easter gatherings or special occasions. Serve these cookie ice cream sandwiches on a platter adorned with fresh berries and edible flowers for a beautiful and delicious dessert that will impress your guests.

FAQs for Decadent Easter Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe to balance the saltiness, especially since there is already salt listed in the ingredients.

Can I substitute another type of chocolate for the semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference. Just be aware that different chocolates may alter the overall sweetness and flavor profile of the cookies.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it for later use?

Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it. Simply shape the dough into individual cookie portions, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, you can bake the frozen dough balls without thawing – just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?

To prevent excessive spreading, make sure your butter is at the right temperature (room temperature, not melted), chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking, and bake the cookies on a cool baking sheet. Additionally, using the specified amount of flour and cornstarch in the recipe helps maintain the cookie’s structure and thickness.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies with your loved ones as much as I have over the years. The joy these cookies bring to gatherings and the smiles they create are truly special. Remember, feel free to get creative with variations like different types of chocolate and mix-ins to make them your own.

Whether it’s Easter, a spring celebration, or just a regular day in need of a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to bring happiness and satisfaction. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies and watch them disappear before your eyes, leaving behind only happy memories and satisfied taste buds. Happy baking!

Decadent Easter Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Elevate your Easter festivities with these bakery-style chocolate chip cookies, studded with Easter M&Ms and boasting a perfect balance of chewy, gooey, and festive sweetness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time10 Minutes

Total Time20 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings24 Servings (24 cookies)

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Easter M&Ms, plus more for topping (if desired)
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Prepare a small baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream room temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.
4. Make Cookie Dough: Add the flour mixture gradually to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms until evenly distributed in the dough.
5. Form Cookie Dough Balls: Scoop 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and roll into balls. Use a cookie scoop for consistent size. Arrange dough balls on baking sheet. Add extra M&Ms on top of cookies if desired.
6. Freeze Dough: Wrap the cookie dough balls with plastic wrap and freeze for at least one hour or up to overnight. If frozen overnight, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking. Optional: Transfer the balls to a ziplock bag for storage.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly under-baked for a soft center.
8. Add Optional Toppings: Optionally, lightly press extra candies and chocolate chips onto the warm cookies right after taking them out of the oven.
9. Cool and Store: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Then store in an airtight container for up to one week.