Soft-Batch Mini M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you love cookies that balance a delightfully soft texture with bursts of colorful mini M&Ms and rich chocolate chips, then this Soft-Batch Mini M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine biting into a warm, tender cookie where every morsel melts in your mouth, studded with vibrant candies and gooey chocolate, making each bite a little moment of pure joy. These cookies are easy to whip up, perfect for sharing with friends or satisfying your own sweet tooth whenever the craving hits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving that soft-batch perfection, from the creamy butter that creates a tender crumb to the cornstarch that adds just the right amount of softness. The mini M&Ms bring a burst of color and fun, while the mini chocolate chips deliver pockets of melty richness.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup/2 sticks): Softened butter gives the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Light brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that enhances the cookie’s chewiness.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness and helps the cookies spread properly without becoming too cakey.
• Large egg (1): Binds all ingredients while adding richness and moisture.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Elevates the entire flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure of your cookie, providing just the right bite.
• Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): A secret weapon for softness, it keeps cookies tender without compromising shape.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly, contributing to that desirable soft-batch texture.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
• Mini M&Ms (1 cup): Fun, colorful candy pieces that add crunch and visual appeal.
• Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Little pockets of melty chocolate throughout every bite.

How to Make Soft-Batch Mini M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and helps your cookies bake evenly with perfect bottoms.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Keep mixing until the blend turns light in color and creamy in texture, which builds the base for your cookie’s soft and chewy interior.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Blend these into the butter-sugar mixture until everything is fully combined. This step makes your dough rich and fragrant, preparing it to welcome the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately

In a different bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Whisking them together ensures that every bite has consistent texture and flavor, helping your cookies rise just right and stay soft.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet Mixture

Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here — this is key to keeping the cookies tender rather than tough.

Step 6: Fold in Mini M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold your mini M&Ms and mini chocolate chips into the dough using a spatula. This ensures that the colorful candies and chocolate pieces are spread evenly, so each cookie is bursting with flavor and fun.

Step 7: Portion Out the Dough

Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between cookies to allow them to spread slightly while baking — about two inches apart is ideal.

Step 8: Bake Until Edges Are Lightly Golden

Slide your cookie sheets into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges but slightly underdone centers; this balance creates that soft-batch magic everyone loves.

Step 9: Cool Before Transferring

Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for five minutes to set properly. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking while still warm and allows them to maintain their softness.

How to Serve Soft-Batch Mini M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra charm, sprinkle a few mini M&Ms on top of the cookies right after baking while they’re still warm. This adds a glossy finish and a bit more playful color that’s perfect for parties or gifts.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. The soft texture contrasts beautifully with creamy cold beverages or desserts.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies in a colorful jar tied with a ribbon for an irresistible homemade gift, or place them on a tiered dessert tray at your next get-together to add a pop of cheerful color and homemade warmth to the spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your baked cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This ensures they stay soft and chewy for up to a week, so you can savor that soft-batch goodness over several days.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, scoop the cookie dough onto a tray and freeze before baking. Once frozen solid, transfer dough balls into a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To warm up your leftover cookies and revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly into a preheated oven at 300°F. This melts the chocolate slightly and restores softness beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute the mini M&Ms with regular-sized ones?

While you can, mini M&Ms distribute more evenly throughout the cookie, giving you that perfect balance of candy in every bite. Regular-sized candies might cause the cookies to spread unevenly.

What makes this a soft-batch cookie?

The combination of cornstarch and light brown sugar, along with careful mixing and timing during baking, keeps the cookies soft and chewy rather than crispy or cakey.

Can I use margarine or oil instead of butter?

Butter is key to both flavor and texture in this recipe, so swapping it out isn’t recommended. Margarine or oil might make the cookies greasy or alter the softness.

Is it necessary to use both mini M&Ms and chocolate chips?

Using both adds delightful texture and flavor variety. The mini M&Ms provide a colorful crunch while mini chocolate chips offer rich, melty pockets of chocolate. However, you can customize based on your preference.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the cookie dough for 15-30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm. This helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.

Final Thoughts

This Soft-Batch Mini M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe truly brings that comforting, nostalgic feeling of fresh-baked goodness, combining vibrant candy and melty chocolate in a soft, chewy bite. Once you try these, you’ll understand why they become an instant favorite for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, bake a batch, and enjoy every colorful, delicious moment!

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