M&M Sugar Cookies
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate sweet treat that perfectly balances chewy goodness and a delightful crunch, look no further! These M&M Sugar Cookies are bursting with colorful candy-coated chocolate and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings, holiday cookie platters, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s destined to become a family favorite!
Why It Works Every Time
The magic of these M&M Sugar Cookies lies in the combination of ingredients and techniques that guarantee a perfect texture and flavor. The mix of unsalted butter and vegetable shortening creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Using both a whole egg and an egg yolk adds richness, ensuring these cookies are soft and chewy on the inside while still having a slight crisp on the edges. The addition of cream of tartar gives the cookies a soft texture and helps them rise, making them fluffy and delightful. Finally, the colorful M&Ms not only make these cookies visually appealing but also add that extra layer of chocolate flavor that is simply irresistible.
What to Buy
To create these M&M Sugar Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (58g) unflavored vegetable shortening, at room temperature
- 1 cup (250g) granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (130g) milk chocolate M&Ms, plus more for topping (you’ll need about 200g total)
Equipment Breakdown
To get started on your cookie adventure, gather the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
- Electric mixer – to cream butter and sugar seamlessly
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements
- Baking sheet – for placing your cookies to bake
- Parchment paper – to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup
- Cookie scoop – for evenly sized cookies
From Start to Finish: M&M Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, fine sea salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Shortening
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and vegetable shortening using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Sugar and Eggs
Gradually add in the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until well combined. Then, add the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 7: Fold in M&Ms
Gently fold in 1 cup of milk chocolate M&Ms using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 8: Scoop and Roll
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll each piece into a ball. Roll the balls in granulated sugar to coat them lightly.
Step 9: Place on Baking Sheet
Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading.
Step 10: Add Toppings
Press a few additional M&Ms into the top of each cookie for a colorful finishing touch.
Step 11: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 12: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious M&M Sugar Cookies with a glass of cold milk or your favorite beverage!
Fresh Seasonal Changes
These M&M Sugar Cookies can be easily adapted for different seasons and occasions. Here are some fun ideas:
- In the spring, swap the milk chocolate M&Ms for pastel-colored ones to celebrate Easter.
- For the summer, add some coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- During fall, incorporate some pumpkin spice and use candy corn instead of M&Ms.
- In winter, use red and green M&Ms for a festive holiday cookie.
Mistakes That Ruin M&M Sugar Cookies
Creating perfect M&M Sugar Cookies is straightforward, but there are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
- Using cold butter or shortening – always ensure they are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Overmixing the dough – this can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Not measuring flour properly – spooning flour directly from the bag can lead to excess flour. Use a scale or spoon and level method.
- Baking on a hot baking sheet – allow the sheets to cool between batches to prevent spreading.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, here are a few smart tips:
You can make the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQ
Can I use different types of chocolate for these cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute milk chocolate M&Ms with dark chocolate, peanut butter M&Ms, or even chopped chocolate bars for a unique twist.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of baking powder. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How do I store M&M Sugar Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The cookies should turn out just as delicious!
Try These Next
If you love M&M Sugar Cookies, here are some other delightful recipes you might want to try:
Make It Tonight
Now that you have the perfect recipe for M&M Sugar Cookies, it’s time to get baking! Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and create a batch of cookies that will bring smiles and joy to everyone around you. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. So, roll up your sleeves and indulge in the sweet satisfaction of homemade M&M Sugar Cookies!
Enjoy baking and even more, enjoy sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones!
M&M Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1/4 cup unflavored vegetable shortening at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar plus more for rolling
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk chocolate M&Ms plus more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and perfect golden cookies.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, fine sea salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and vegetable shortening with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined. Then add the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Gently fold 1 cup of milk chocolate M&Ms into the dough with a spatula, ensuring even distribution.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough, then roll each piece into a ball and lightly coat in granulated sugar.
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow spreading.
- Press a few additional M&Ms on top of each cookie for a colorful finish.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden; centers may look slightly underbaked but will set as they cool.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Cookie Scoop
Notes
- Ensure butter and shortening are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and chewy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
