Giant M&M Cookies
There’s something undeniably delightful about a cookie that’s bigger than your hand, filled with colorful M&Ms and a soft, chewy center. These Giant M&M Cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience! Whether you’re baking for a party, a picnic, or just to indulge your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress. With a crispy edge and a gooey center, these cookies bring together the classic flavors of chocolate and vanilla, complemented by the crunch of M&Ms. Let’s dive into this cookie sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
This Giant M&M Cookies recipe is a keeper for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of brown sugar and white sugar gives the cookies a wonderful depth of flavor and a chewy texture that is simply irresistible. Plus, the addition of mini M&Ms and regular M&Ms means you get bursts of chocolate in every bite. Perfect for cookie lovers of all ages, these cookies are a hit at any gathering!
Ingredient Checklist
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini M&Ms
- 1 cup regular M&Ms
Setup & Equipment
- Baking sheets – You’ll need a couple of these to accommodate all your cookies.
- Parchment paper – This makes for easy cookie removal and clean-up.
- Mixing bowls – A large bowl for mixing the dough and a smaller one for the dry ingredients.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – For creaming the butter and sugars together.
- Cookie scoop – A large cookie scoop helps in portioning out the dough consistently.
Step-by-Step: Giant M&M Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 7: Fold in the M&Ms
Gently fold in both the mini M&Ms and regular M&Ms, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 8: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a large cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving ample space between each cookie as they will spread while baking. You can flatten them slightly if you prefer a thinner cookie.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Step 10: 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 delicious Giant M&M Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Swap Guide
- Flour: You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
- Butter: Coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute can be used for a dairy-free version.
- Sugar: For a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, being mindful of the ratios.
- M&Ms: Feel free to swap M&Ms for chocolate chips, nuts, or any other favorite mix-ins you enjoy.
Notes on Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients can greatly affect the final result of your Giant M&M Cookies. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor, and fresh eggs to ensure the cookies rise correctly. The choice of M&Ms can also be varied based on personal preference; you can use seasonal M&Ms for a festive touch as well.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
If you want to prepare the dough in advance, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie dough in individual portions. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Helpful Q&A
Can I make these cookies smaller?
Absolutely! Just use a smaller cookie scoop and adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness a few minutes earlier.
How can I store leftover cookies?
Store your Giant M&M Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
What should I do if my cookies are too flat?
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up, resulting in thicker cookies.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added for extra texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the quantity of M&Ms if you’re adding nuts.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Giant M&M Cookies, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with different flavors, mix-ins, and even create themed cookies for holidays or special occasions. Imagine a cookie decorated with seasonal M&Ms for Halloween or red and green candies for Christmas. The fun part of baking is making it your own!
These Giant M&M Cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply enjoying yourself. As you savor each bite, you’ll appreciate the love and effort that went into creating this delicious treat. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate cookie experience! Happy baking!
Giant M&M Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in both the mini M&Ms and regular M&Ms.
- Using a large cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
