There’s something truly magical about a warm cookie fresh from the oven, especially when it’s packed with chocolatey goodness and colorful M&Ms. These Soft M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are the epitome of comfort food and a delightful treat for any occasion. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that’s bursting with semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy, colorful M&Ms. It’s no wonder these cookies have become a favorite among cookie lovers everywhere!
The combination of rich flavors and textures makes these cookies not just a dessert, but a memorable experience. The addition of instant vanilla pudding mix ensures that each cookie remains soft and tender, even days after baking. So, let’s dive into what makes these Soft M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies a must-bake!
Top Reasons to Make Soft M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Ultimate Softness: The pudding mix is a game-changer, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
- Colorful and Fun: The M&Ms add a pop of color and a fun crunch, making them perfect for parties or celebrations.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up!
- Versatile: Feel free to customize with your favorite types of chocolate chips or swap out the M&Ms for other candies.
- Kid-Friendly: These cookies are always a hit with kids, making them a great baking project for family time.
Your Shopping Guide
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, softened (1 1/2 sticks) for the perfect balance of flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed, adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup, for that classic sweetness.
- Large Egg: 1, acting as a binder and providing richness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, for a warm, inviting flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, the base of our cookie dough.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: 1 cup, a secret ingredient that keeps cookies soft.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon, helps the cookies rise.
- Salt: A pinch, enhances flavors (optional).
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup, for that classic chocolate chip cookie taste.
- Milk Chocolate M&Ms: 1 1/2 cups, divided (3/4 cup for mixing into the dough + 1/2 cup for placing on top).
Cook’s Kit
- Mixing Bowls: A set of various sizes for efficient mixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars a breeze.
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy sheet to ensure even baking.
- Parchment Paper: For easy cookie removal and minimal cleanup.
- Cookie Scoop: Helps in portioning out uniform cookie dough balls.
Mastering Soft M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies: How-To
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and M&Ms
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of the milk chocolate M&Ms. The dough will be thick, and that’s just what we want!
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Top with Extra M&Ms
Press a few of the remaining milk chocolate M&Ms on top of each cookie mound for that extra pop of color and sweetness.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Don’t worry if they look a bit underbaked; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Soft M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
International Equivalents
- 1 cup: 240 ml
- 1 stick of butter: 113 grams
- 1 large egg: Approximately 50 grams
- 1 teaspoon: 5 ml
- 1 cup of flour: 120 grams
Things That Go Wrong
- Cookies Spread Too Much: This can happen if your butter is too warm. Make sure it’s softened but not melted.
- Cookies Are Too Dry: If you overmeasure your flour or bake too long, the cookies can become dry. Always spoon and level your flour.
- Not Soft Enough: If your cookies are tough, it could be due to overmixing the dough. Mix just until combined.
- Too Sweet: If you find them overly sweet, consider reducing the sugar slightly next time.
How to Store & Reheat
To keep your Soft M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper and seal them in a freezer-safe container.
To reheat, simply pop the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until warm. You can also warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to bring back that freshly baked taste.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for a fun twist.
What if I don’t have instant pudding mix?
If you don’t have instant pudding mix on hand, you can simply omit it. The cookies may not be as soft, but they will still taste delicious!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
What’s the best way to prevent spreading?
Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Cold cookie dough can also help prevent spreading, so chilling the dough for 30 minutes prior to baking is a great option!
Hungry for More?
If your taste buds are tingling for more delightful recipes, you’re in for a treat! Check out our other amazing cookie recipes and create a whole cookie platter for your next gathering. From soft batch cookies to decadent chocolate delights, there’s always something new to bake and enjoy.
So, get your mixing bowls ready, gather your ingredients, and let’s create some Soft M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Happy baking!
Soft M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of the milk chocolate M&Ms. The dough will be thick.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press a few of the remaining milk chocolate M&Ms on top of each cookie mound.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freeze cookies for up to three months, layered with parchment paper.
- Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
