There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about biting into a warm, gooey cookie packed with chocolate and colorful M&Ms. These Bakery Style M&Ms and Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing your friends and family. With a chewy center, crispy edges, and loads of chocolatey goodness, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as these cookies bake, creating an irresistible allure that draws everyone in. Whether you’re preparing a batch for a party, a cozy night in, or simply to indulge yourself, these cookies are designed to deliver that bakery-style experience right in your own home.
Why It Works Every Time
The secret to achieving that perfect bakery-style cookie lies in the balance of ingredients and techniques. Using a blend of brown sugar and granulated sugar ensures a chewy texture and a rich flavor. Adding cornstarch helps keep the cookies soft and fluffy, while the semi-sweet chocolate chunks provide that melty, decadent chocolate experience. The addition of M&Ms not only adds a pop of color but also a fun crunch that elevates each bite. With the right ratios and a few simple steps, you can consistently create cookies that rival any bakery’s offerings.
What Goes Into Bakery Style M&Ms and Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature – This provides richness and helps achieve a tender cookie.
- 1 cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Contributes to the cookie’s sweetness and texture.
- 1 egg, room temperature – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the cookie.
- 2 tsp cornstarch – Keeps the cookies soft and fluffy.
- 1 tsp baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness of the sugars.
- 11.5 oz semi-sweet chocolate chunks – Provides that melty chocolate goodness.
- 1 cup M&Ms, plus more to top the cookie if desired – Adds color, crunch, and fun!
Hardware & Gadgets
- Mixing Bowls – Essential for combining ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurement of ingredients.
- Baking Sheet – A sturdy surface for baking your cookies.
- Parchment Paper – Helps prevent sticking and allows for easy cleanup.
- Cookie Scoop – For evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
Bakery Style M&Ms and Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Made Easy
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which helps the cookies rise.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This adds moisture and flavor to your cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be tender.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and M&Ms
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks and M&Ms until distributed evenly throughout the dough. If you’d like, reserve a few M&Ms to place on top of each cookie before baking.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. If desired, press additional M&Ms on top of each cookie for an extra pop of color.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This will ensure they remain soft and chewy once cooled.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Bakery Style M&Ms and Chocolate Chunk Cookies warm or at room temperature!
In-Season Flavor Ideas
- For a festive touch, add pumpkin spice during autumn.
- In summer, mix in chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Try peppermint extract during the winter holidays for a refreshing twist.
- Incorporate coconut flakes for a tropical flavor any time of year.
Troubles You Can Avoid
To ensure your Bakery Style M&Ms and Chocolate Chunk Cookies turn out perfectly, consider these tips:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature; this helps with proper creaming.
- Measure your flour correctly; too much can lead to dry cookies.
- Don’t skip the chilling step; if the dough seems too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
- Watch the baking time closely; overbaking will lead to hard cookies.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These cookies can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment:
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Baked Cookies: You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months as well.
Bakery Style M&Ms and Chocolate Chunk Cookies FAQs
Can I use chocolate chips instead of chocolate chunks?
Yes, you can substitute chocolate chips for chocolate chunks. Just keep in mind that chunks will give a different texture, as they melt differently.
What if my cookie dough is too soft?
If your dough seems too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This will help it firm up and make it easier to scoop.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
You can try using whole wheat flour or a healthy chocolate cookies recipe as a base to reduce the sugar content.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Let’s Eat
Baking Bakery Style M&Ms and Chocolate Chunk Cookies is not only a rewarding experience but also an opportunity to create something delightful for yourself and those you love. As you bake, let the enticing scents fill your kitchen, and don’t hesitate to share these treats with friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or savoring them later, each bite is sure to bring joy. Happy baking!
Bakery Style M&Ms and Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks and M&Ms until evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for proper creaming.
- Measure flour accurately; too much leads to dry cookies.
- If dough is too soft, refrigerate for 30 minutes before scooping.
