Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies: A Timeless Classic

The scent of freshly baked cookies always brings me back to my childhood Christmases. While towering gingerbread houses and intricately decorated sugar cookies were certainly impressive, it was always the humble M&M cookies that held a special place in my heart. Their cheerful colors and satisfying chewiness made them irresistible, a simple pleasure that transcended all the holiday fuss. To this day, a warm batch of these cookies has the power to instantly lift my spirits and transport me back to those carefree days.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yields: Approximately 36 cookies
• Dietary Type: Not specified (Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Crisco shortening
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups M&M’s plain chocolate candy, divided

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie sheets
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the rack is in the center position for even baking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the Crisco shortening, light brown sugar, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture, so take your time and ensure everything is well combined.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla to the creamed mixture. Beat until everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and uniform in color.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed. This is important for proper rising and flavor balance.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just well combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.

6. Stir in 1/2 cup of the M&M’s into the cookie dough. Distribute the candies evenly throughout.

7. Drop the cookie dough by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

8. Press 2-3 M&M’s onto the top of each cookie before baking. This not only adds visual appeal but also ensures that you get that signature M&M crunch in every bite.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking.

10. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This helps prevent them from breaking.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature will help them incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother dough.
• Don’t Overbake: The key to soft and chewy cookies is to avoid overbaking. They should still look slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to set as they cool.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Even Baking: For even baking, rotate the cookie sheets halfway through the baking time.
• Crisco Substitute: While Crisco is the traditional fat for this recipe, you can experiment with using butter or a combination of butter and shortening. Butter will add a richer flavor, but shortening helps to keep the cookies soft.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these M&M cookies warm, with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. They are also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or giving as gifts.

To store, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2-3 months. Scoop the frozen dough onto baking sheets and bake as directed, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	159.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	44%
Total Fat	7.9 g	12%
Saturated Fat	2.7 g	13%
Cholesterol	11.6 mg	3%
Sodium	110.7 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	20.9 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g	1%
Sugars	14.3 g	57%
Protein	1.5 g	3%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Different M&Ms: Use different varieties of M&Ms to change the flavor and appearance of the cookies. Peanut M&Ms, pretzel M&Ms, or even seasonal M&Ms are all great options.
• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips along with the M&Ms for an even richer chocolate flavor.
• Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
• Vegan: While the original recipe is not vegan, you could try using vegan butter, an egg replacement, and dairy-free chocolate M&Ms (if available).

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use butter instead of shortening?
A: Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening. However, butter will result in a slightly flatter and crispier cookie.

Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: This could be due to several factors, including using too much sugar, not enough flour, or baking the cookies on a warm baking sheet. Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent spreading.

Q: How do I keep my cookies soft?
A: Don’t overbake the cookies, and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help retain moisture.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! Scoop the dough into individual portions and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.

Q: What if I don’t have light brown sugar?
A: You can make your own light brown sugar by mixing 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. Mix well until combined.

Final Thoughts

These soft and chewy M&M cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their simplicity makes them perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight treat to a festive holiday gathering. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies. Don’t be afraid to get creative with different variations and substitutions to make them your own! And be sure to share your creations and feedback – I can’t wait to hear how they turn out!