The Best Soft and Chewy M&MS Cookies

There’s something undeniably delightful about the warm, gooey goodness of a freshly baked cookie, especially when it’s packed with colorful M&MS and rich chocolate chips. These cookies boast a perfect balance of softness and chewiness, making them a favorite among cookie lovers of all ages. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up a batch of The Best Soft and Chewy M&MS Cookies that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This recipe has been tested and perfected to ensure that every bite is nothing short of heavenly. Here’s why you can trust it:

• Perfect Texture: The combination of butter, sugars, and instant pudding mix guarantees a cookie that is soft, chewy, and never dry.
• Flavorful: The addition of vanilla extract and chocolate chips enhances the cookie’s flavor, while M&MS add a fun, colorful twist.
• Easy to Follow: Step-by-step instructions make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels.

What to Buy

Before you start baking, make sure you have these ingredients on hand:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick) – This is the base of your cookie dough.
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed – For sweetness and moisture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds a nice crunch and sweetness.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For a warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The main structure of the cookies.
• 1 cup instant vanilla pudding mix – This is key for achieving that soft and chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
• 1 cup M&MS – Use your favorite variety; Dark Chocolate M&MS work wonderfully.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – For an extra chocolatey kick.

Gear Up: What to Grab

You’ll need a few kitchen essentials to make these cookies:

• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet to hold your cookie dough.
• Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
• Mixing Bowls: One for wet ingredients and another for dry.
• Electric Mixer: Makes mixing the dough a breeze, but a whisk and elbow grease work too!
• Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookie sizes.

From Start to Finish: The Best Soft and Chewy M&MS Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make for an easy cleanup.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain that soft texture!

Step 6: Fold in M&MS and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the M&MS and semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each mound for the cookies to spread.

Step 8: Add Extra M&MS and Chips

Press a few extra M&MS and chocolate chips into the tops of each cookie mound for that beautiful, bakery-style look.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked; that’s perfect, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious, soft, and chewy M&MS cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps

If you’re looking to make these cookies dairy-free or gluten-free, here are some substitutions you can try:

• Butter: Use a dairy-free butter alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
• Pudding Mix: Ensure the instant vanilla pudding mix is gluten-free.

Pro Perspective

• For the best results, make sure your butter is at room temperature. This helps it cream better with the sugars, resulting in a lighter cookie.
• Don’t skip the pudding mix! It’s the secret ingredient that keeps these cookies soft and chewy.
• Experiment with different varieties of M&MS or even add chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up without breaking.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough by scooping it onto a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
• Baked Cookies: You can also freeze baked cookies. Just place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use other types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. The choice is yours!

What can I do if my cookies turn out too flat?

If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help them retain their shape.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Can I add other mix-ins to the cookie dough?

Yes! Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for added flavor.

If you love these cookies, here are some more delicious recipes you might enjoy:

Final Thoughts

There you have it! The Best Soft and Chewy M&MS Cookies are not only simple to make but also incredibly delicious. With their vibrant colors and delightful textures, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering or a sweet treat for yourself. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or after a few days in an airtight container, you’ll find their charm never fades. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in cookie perfection!