Introduction
Nothing says “I love you” quite like a fresh batch of cookies, and these Valentine M&M Cookies are the perfect way to express your affection! Soft and chewy with a delightful pop of color and sweetness from the festive M&M candies, these cookies are ideal for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on your own. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just looking for a sweet treat to brighten someone’s day, these cookies will bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Valentine-themed M&M candies
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will help your cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. This will help achieve a smooth and rich cookie dough.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to stay tender!
- Fold in the festive Valentine M&M candies and chocolate chips, if you’re using them. This will give each bite a delightful burst of chocolatey goodness.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers will look a bit soft, but they will continue to set while cooling.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract to the dough. You can also mix and match the M&M colors to suit any occasion or personal preference. Don’t forget to save some of the M&Ms to sprinkle on top of the cookies before baking for a prettier presentation!
Cooking Techniques
Creaming together the butter and sugars well is key to achieving a light and airy texture in your cookies. Remember to always measure your flour properly—scooping directly from the bag can lead to overly dense cookies. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the best results!
FAQ
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine if needed. Just make sure it’s softened!
How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a single layer and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
Conclusion
These Valentine M&M Cookies are not just treats; they are heartwarming gifts of love and joy. Whether for friends, family, or that special someone, each bite brings a burst of sweetness that’s sure to delight. Bake up a batch today and share the love!