Ever taken a bite of a cookie and felt your heart skip a beat? These Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies are here to do just that! Bursting with colorful, candy-coated chocolate and a sweetness that embodies love, they are as quick to make as they are to disappear. Plus, who can resist fresh cookies wafting through the house? Let’s dive into this delightful treat that’s simple enough for even a novice baker yet impressive enough to impress your Valentine.
Why Make This Recipe
Why whip up a batch of these cookies? Here are a few reasons that make them unmissable:
- Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love rolling up their sleeves and helping out in the kitchen. Spoiler alert: Taste testing is always allowed!
- Quick and Easy Cleanup: Less time cleaning means more time enjoying the sweet creations. Who doesn’t want that on a busy holiday?
- Customizable: You can switch up the candies or even throw in some nuts if you’re feeling adventurous!
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)
Making these cookies is a piece of cake—uh, cookie! First, cream together your butters and sugars to create the lovable base. Next, add in the eggs and vanilla for that “mom’s kitchen smell” that pulls at your heartstrings. Combine the dry ingredients, then mix in those vibrant M&Ms that just scream romance. Finally, your cookies hit the oven, where they transform into the soft, chewy sweetness we all adore. Pro tip: Letting them cool for just a bit really enhances their chewy bliss!
How to Serve Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies
Present these cookies in style! Arrange them on a plate lined with parchment paper for that artisanal touch. Imagine the colors of the red and pink M&Ms gleaming through the golden-brown cookies—so Insta-worthy! Pair them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a mouthwatering dessert duo. The aroma? Pure bliss.
How to Store Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies
These cookies will stay delicious for about a week at room temperature in an airtight container—if they last that long! Want to keep them longer? Pop them in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them before serving, or take the lazy route and microwave for a few seconds to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe.
Tips to Make Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures everything combines smoothly for that perfect texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies delightfully chewy!
- Chill the Dough for a Thicker Cookie: If you like them plump, let the dough chill for 30 minutes before baking.
- Add More M&Ms for Extra Color: Because why not turn up the festive flair?
- Experiment with Different Flavors: Swap in white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a fun twist!
Variation
Want to kick things up a notch? You can easily transform these cookies into a vegan delight by substituting butter with coconut oil and using flax eggs instead. Feeling adventurous? Add some sprinkles or a hint of peppermint extract for an unexpected flavor boost—after all, love knows no bounds!
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that the texture might differ slightly.
2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go!
3. Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking!
📌 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 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.
