Introduction
M&M sugar cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic appeal of sugar cookies with the colorful and delicious addition of M&M candies. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself. The combination of the soft and buttery sugar cookie base with the crunchy and vibrant M&M candies creates a mouthwatering experience that is sure to please both kids and adults alike. In this article, we will explore the ingredients needed, the steps to make these cookies, variations you can try, some helpful tips, and answer some frequently asked questions about M&M sugar cookies.
Ingredients
To make a batch of M&M sugar cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 and 1/2 cups M&M candies
Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the M&M candies, reserving a handful for topping the cookies.
7. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Press a few M&M candies onto the top of each cookie dough ball.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
While the classic M&M sugar cookies are already delicious on their own, you can add some variations to make them even more exciting:
– Peanut Butter M&M Sugar Cookies: Replace half of the butter with creamy peanut butter for a nutty twist.
– Chocolate Chip M&M Sugar Cookies: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the cookie dough along with the M&M candies.
– Oatmeal M&M Sugar Cookies: Mix in 1 cup of old-fashioned oats to the cookie dough to add a chewy texture.
– Mint M&M Sugar Cookies: Use mint-flavored M&M candies for a refreshing and cool taste.
Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your M&M sugar cookies turn out perfect:
– Soften the butter at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
– Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients, as it can result in tough cookies.
– For a festive touch, use holiday-themed M&M candies, such as red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
– If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
– Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Conclusion
M&M sugar cookies are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies, adding a burst of color and flavor with the addition of M&M candies. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a party, as a gift, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Get creative with variations and enjoy the deliciousness of M&M sugar cookies!
FAQs
Q: Can I use different flavors of M&M candies?
A: Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors such as peanut, almond, or even caramel-filled M&M candies to add extra depth of flavor to your cookies.
Q: Can I freeze the dough for later use?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the recipe.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: While you can use salted butter, it’s best to use unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness of the cookies. If using salted butter, you can reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly.
Q: How long will the cookies stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week. However, they are best enjoyed within the first few days of baking when they are at their softest.
Q: Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
A: Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies to your preference. For smaller cookies, use a smaller cookie scoop or drop less dough onto the baking sheet. For larger cookies, use a larger scoop or drop more dough onto the baking sheet. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.
M&M Sugar Cookies
M&M sugar cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic appeal of sugar cookies with the colorful and delicious addition of M&M candies. These cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with vibrant M&M candies, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups M&M candies
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Gently fold in the M&M candies, reserving a handful for topping the cookies.
-
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
Press a few M&M candies onto the top of each cookie dough ball.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
-
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
