Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups lightly packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 (12 oz) bag Christmas M&M® candies
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- If baking immediately, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
- Scrape down the bowl and add vanilla extract, eggs, and egg yolk one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Slowly beat in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Fold in M&M Candies and Chocolate Chips:
- Using a rubber spatula, gently stir in the Christmas M&M candies and semisweet chocolate chips. Reserve about 1/4 cup of M&M candies for garnishing each cookie dough ball.
- Chill the Dough:
- For optimal results, wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature until soft enough to scoop.
- Preheat and Garnish:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide the dough into 3-tablespoon-sized balls and drop onto prepared baking sheets. Press a few extra M&M candies into the top of each dough ball for a festive look.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake at 350°F for approximately 11 to 13 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Admire your festive, delicious M&M Christmas Cookies!
These cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful addition to your holiday festivities. Enjoy sharing them with family and friends! 🍪🎄
Here are some tips to make your M&M Christmas Cookies Extravaganza even more delightful:
1. Mix Up M&M Colors:
- Use a variety of M&M colors from the Christmas mix to add a vibrant and festive look to your cookies. This creates a visually appealing treat.
2. Try Different M&M Flavors:
- Experiment with different M&M flavors, such as peanut butter or mint, to add an extra layer of taste and excitement to your cookies.
3. Use Holiday Sprinkles:
- Enhance the festive feel by adding holiday-themed sprinkles along with M&M candies. This adds extra color and texture to the cookies.
4. Toasted Nuts or Coconut:
- For added texture and flavor, consider incorporating toasted nuts like pecans or coconut flakes into the cookie dough. Make sure to finely chop them for even distribution.
5. White Chocolate Drizzle:
- After the cookies have cooled, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a beautiful and delicious finishing touch.
6. Infuse with Citrus Zest:
- Add a burst of freshness by incorporating citrus zest (orange or lemon) into the cookie dough. This complements the sweetness of the M&M candies.
7. Sea Salt Finish:
- Sprinkle a touch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking to create a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
8. Mini M&M Toppings:
- For a charming look, press mini M&M candies into the tops of the cookie dough balls. They create a mosaic of colors and a playful appearance.
9. Half-and-Half Cookies:
- Create a visually interesting batch by using two different colors of M&M candies, dividing the dough in half and mixing in different colors for each half.
10. Double Chocolate Variation: – Increase the chocolate intensity by using dark chocolate chips or chunks along with the semisweet chocolate chips. This creates a richer flavor.
11. Gift in a Jar: – Make cookie mix jars by layering the dry ingredients in a jar and attaching a tag with the wet ingredients and baking instructions. It makes for a thoughtful and festive gift.
12. Ice Cream Sandwiches: – Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent M&M Christmas Cookies ice cream sandwich.
13. Personalized Packaging: – If sharing or gifting, package the cookies in festive boxes, bags, or jars with holiday-themed ribbons and tags for a personal touch.
14. Festive Shapes: – Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to shape the cookies before baking for an added element of fun and festivity.
Remember to have fun with the process, and don’t hesitate to get creative with the ingredients and presentation. These tips will take your M&M Christmas Cookies to the next level of deliciousness!
Here are some popular questions and answers related to M&M Christmas Cookies Extravaganza:
Q1: Can I use different colors of M&M candies in the cookies? A1: Absolutely! Using a mix of different colors from the Christmas M&M candies adds a festive and colorful touch to your cookies.
Q2: Can I substitute the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips? A2: Yes, you can definitely substitute semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile and a visually appealing contrast.
Q3: How long can I store these cookies, and what’s the best way to keep them fresh? A3: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain freshness, you can also add a slice of bread to the container to prevent them from drying out.
Q4: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use? A4: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw in the refrigerator.
Q5: What other mix-ins can I add to the cookie dough for extra flavor? A5: Consider adding chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of holiday-themed sprinkles to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
Q6: Can I make smaller-sized cookies for a holiday cookie exchange? A6: Absolutely! Adjust the size of the cookie dough balls to create smaller cookies perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges.
Q7: How can I prevent the M&M candies from cracking during baking? A7: To prevent M&M candies from cracking, gently press them into the cookie dough balls after shaping. This helps them adhere better without cracking.
Q8: Can I use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes? A8: Yes, using a cookie scoop ensures that each cookie is of the same size, resulting in even baking. This also gives your cookies a professional and polished appearance.
Q9: What’s the best way to store these cookies for gifting? A9: For gifting, place the cookies in festive holiday boxes or jars. Tie them with a ribbon and attach a personalized tag for a thoughtful and delightful gift.
Q10: Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough? A10: Chilling the dough enhances the flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, you can bake the cookies without chilling. However, the texture may be slightly different.
Feel free to use and modify these Q&A pairs based on your preferences or the preferences of your audience!
Here are some secrets to help you create the most delightful cookies:
1. Softened Butter, Not Melted:
- Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature, not melted. Softened butter allows for proper creaming with sugars, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture.
2. Room Temperature Eggs:
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the dough. This helps create a smoother and more cohesive cookie batter.
3. Measure Flour Correctly:
- Measure the flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, so avoid packing it into the measuring cup.
4. Chill the Dough:
- For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 2 hours. Chilled dough produces thicker, chewier cookies with enhanced flavor.
5. Reserve M&M Candies for Garnish:
- Reserve a small portion of M&M candies to press into the top of each cookie dough ball just before baking. This ensures a colorful and festive appearance.
6. Mix M&M Colors:
- Mix different colors of M&M candies to add variety and a visually appealing pop of color to your cookies. This makes them look even more festive.
7. Use High-Quality M&M Candies:
- Choose high-quality M&M candies for the best flavor. Fresh, vibrant colors and a variety of flavors can elevate the overall cookie experience.
8. Control Baking Time:
- Keep a close eye on the baking time to prevent overcooking. The goal is to have golden edges while keeping the center slightly soft for a perfect chewiness.
9. Experiment with Extracts:
- Add a dash of almond or peppermint extract to the dough for an extra layer of flavor that complements the M&M candies.
10. Mix in a Variety of Chocolate: – Combine semisweet chocolate chips with chunks or swirls of white chocolate for a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
11. Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup: – Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent cookies from sticking. This also ensures even baking.
12. Cool on Baking Sheet: – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without overcooking.
13. Personalize with Holiday Sprinkles: – If desired, add holiday-themed sprinkles along with the M&M candies for an extra festive touch. This enhances the cookie’s appearance and texture.
14. Share Freshly Baked: – M&M Christmas Cookies are best when enjoyed fresh. Share them with family and friends shortly after baking for the most delightful experience.
By incorporating these secrets into your baking process, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect M&M Christmas Cookies Extravaganza that will be a hit during the holiday season!