Rainbow M&M Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both fun to make and irresistibly tasty, Rainbow M&M cookies are the way to go! These cookies are chewy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and filled with colorful M&Ms that add a delightful pop of flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just because, Rainbow M&M cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Let’s get started on baking these delightful cookies!

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What Are Rainbow M&M Cookies?

Rainbow M&M cookies are classic cookies made with a buttery, soft dough, similar to chocolate chip cookies, but instead of chocolate chips, they are packed with colorful M&Ms. The M&Ms melt slightly during baking, creating delicious bites of chocolate in every cookie, while their vibrant colors make these cookies eye-catching and perfect for celebrations. These cookies are the perfect balance of chewiness and sweetness, with the added crunch from the M&Ms.

Ingredients List for Rainbow M&M Cookies

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make these delicious and colorful cookies. You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, but don’t forget to stock up on plenty of M&Ms!

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft and chewy.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a slightly crispy edge.
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper, more complex sweetness.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
• 1 large egg yolk: The extra yolk makes the cookies even softer and chewier.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.

Mix-Ins:

• 1 ½ cups M&Ms: Use regular M&Ms for the most colorful, festive cookies. You can also use seasonal M&Ms for holidays!
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): For an extra boost of chocolate.

Substitutions and Variations

This Rainbow M&M cookie recipe is already fantastic, but you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter (like vegan margarine) and dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Vegan Version: In addition to using dairy-free butter and chocolate, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and the egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of plant-based milk.
• Peanut Butter M&M Cookies: Stir in ½ cup of peanut butter for a peanutty twist.
• Seasonal M&Ms: Use holiday-themed M&Ms, like red and green for Christmas or pastel-colored M&Ms for Easter, to make these cookies festive for any occasion.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s go through the steps to make these delightful Rainbow M&M cookies. Follow this guide carefully, and you’ll have soft, chewy cookies with a colorful pop in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a soft, chewy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth. The dough should be creamy and slightly thick at this stage.

Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula, gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips (if using). Reserve a small handful of M&Ms to press into the tops of the cookies before baking for an extra colorful presentation.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&Ms into the top of each dough ball to ensure each cookie looks vibrant and colorful after baking.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden, but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the cookies hard instead of chewy.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

How to Cook Rainbow M&M Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This ensures they blend together smoothly, resulting in a creamy, cohesive dough.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough cookies.
3. Reserve Some M&Ms for the Tops: Press a few extra M&Ms into the tops of the dough balls before baking to ensure each cookie is visually colorful.
4. Watch the Bake Time: Bake the cookies just until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe like M&M cookies, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Overbaking: If you bake the cookies until they look fully done, they will likely end up too hard. Pull them out when the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
• Not Creaming the Butter and Sugar Enough: Creaming the butter and sugar properly is key to soft, chewy cookies. Make sure to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
• Skipping the Room Temperature Butter: Using cold butter will make it harder to cream with the sugars, resulting in dense cookies.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Rainbow M&M cookies are not only delicious but also colorful and fun to look at, making them a perfect treat for parties, holidays, or as a sweet surprise for someone special. Here are some fun ways to serve and present them:

How to Serve Rainbow M&M Cookies:

• With Milk: These cookies are perfect for dunking in a cold glass of milk.
• As a Party Dessert: Serve these cookies on a colorful platter for a fun party snack, especially at kids' birthday parties.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Spread a layer of vanilla or chocolate frosting between two cookies to make cookie sandwiches for an extra indulgent treat.

Presentation Ideas for Rainbow M&M Cookies:

• Cookie Gift Boxes: Pack these cookies in a decorative box or tin to give as a gift for holidays, birthdays, or a thank-you gesture.
• Stacked Display: Stack the cookies on a cake stand or tiered dessert tray for a visually stunning display at parties or events.
• Festive Themes: Use holiday-themed M&Ms (red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or red, white, and blue for July 4th) to create themed cookies for special occasions.

Rainbow M&M Cookie Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed.
• Freezing the Dough: To freeze the cookie dough, roll it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw slightly and bake as usual.
• Storing the Cookies: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use mini M&Ms instead of regular-sized M&Ms?

Yes, mini M&Ms work great in this recipe! They will distribute more evenly throughout the dough, giving you a slightly different but equally delicious cookie.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! To freeze the dough, roll it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw slightly before baking.

Can I use a different type of candy or chocolate?

Yes! You can substitute the M&Ms with other colorful candies like Reese’s Pieces or add chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or white chocolate chips for variety.

Conclusion

Rainbow M&M cookies are a fun, colorful twist on classic cookies that everyone will love. Their soft, chewy texture paired with bursts of chocolate from the M&Ms makes them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a party, special occasion, or just because, this simple, step-by-step recipe will ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time. So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get baking! These Rainbow M&M cookies are sure to brighten up any day. Happy baking!

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