Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies
Ever bitten into a cookie that practically sings of love? 💕 Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies deliver that sweet symphony with a crunchy exterior and a gooey center packed with colorful surprises. They’re perfect for celebrating the season of love without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible treat that’s bound to win hearts!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you whip up a batch of these cookies? Well, for starters, they’re incredibly easy to make, making you feel like a baking pro without all the fuss. Got kids? These cookies are family-friendly and a fantastic way to get little hands involved in the kitchen. Plus, the clean-up is minimal—who wants a messy kitchen when making sweet treats, am I right?
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup M&M candies (red and pink for Valentine’s Day)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the M&M candies and chocolate chips if using.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Make Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies (Overview)
Picture this: You’re mixing and folding, and before you know it, a delightful smell wafts through your kitchen. Start by creaming your butter and sugars until they look like sweet, creamy clouds. Then, add your eggs and vanilla for extra richness. Mix those dry ingredients until the colors blend beautifully, and don’t forget the star of the show—your festive M&M candies! Pro tip: Get yourself a cookie scoop if you want perfect rounds; it makes life so much easier.
How to Serve Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies
Serving these cookies is a moment of joy! Imagine a platter filled with pink and red M&Ms contrasting against a golden cookie backdrop, enticing everyone around. You can pair these sweet beauties with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa for that perfect cozy vibe. The aroma? It’s like a warm hug on a cold day.
How to Store Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (lucky you!), they can hang out at room temperature for about 5 days. Want to keep them longer? Pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for a week, or freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Just warm them slightly in the microwave before serving for that fresh-baked experience!
Tips to Make Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies
- Don’t skimp on the butter! It’s what gives the cookies their rich flavor.
- Want a chewier cookie? Bake them a minute less. Trust me, they’ll look a tad underbaked but will be pure bliss.
- Feel free to swap M&Ms with your favorite candies or nuts for a fun twist!
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance the flavor.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? You can easily swap butter for vegan butter to make these cookies plant-based, or use gluten-free flour for a delightful gluten-free option. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for that sweet-and-salty combo that everyone loves!
FAQs
- Can I use different candies? Absolutely! Use any chocolate candies or even dried fruits to add your unique touch.
- How do I make these cookies chewy? Shorten the baking time a tad and let them rest on the baking sheet before transferring them.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes! Just scoop it onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then pop them into a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!
So, grab your apron, roll up those sleeves, and get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies. Your baking skills deserve some sweet recognition!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Valentine's Day M&M Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the M&M candies and chocolate chips if using.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
