Name: Mint M&M Chocolate Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup butter; 1 cup brown sugar packed; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 egg; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup mint M&Ms

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There’s something truly magical about the combination of mint and chocolate, and that magic comes to life in these Mint M&M Chocolate Cookies. I remember the first time I baked these cookies; it was a rainy afternoon, and the scent of melting chocolate and peppermint filled my kitchen. This delightful aroma drew my family into the kitchen like bees to honey. Each bite is a perfect balance of chewy and crunchy, enhanced by vibrant pops of minty M&M’s, creating a cookie experience that’s simply unforgettable.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
27 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
12 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
160 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Oven, Whisk, Baking Sheet

Why This Mint M&M Chocolate Cookies Is So Good

Irresistible Flavor Combination

The blend of rich chocolate with refreshing mint makes these cookies stand out. The crunch of the M&M’s brings a fun texture, and with every bite, you get a delightful contrast that satisfies your sweet tooth.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. They can brighten up a birthday celebration, holiday gathering, or even a simple family dinner.

Easy to Make

Don’t worry if you’re a baking novice; these cookies are straightforward to prepare. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious batch ready to eat. The mixing process is a joy in itself, especially when you see the dough come together.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Get your kids involved in the kitchen! They will love helping to mix the ingredients and, of course, pressing in the extra M&M’s on top of the cookie dough. It’s a great way to teach them some baking skills while making wonderful memories.

Endless Variations

Once you master the basic recipe, the possibilities are endless! You can play around with different types of M&M’s, sprinkle in some nuts, or even experiment with other chocolates. Each variation opens a new door to deliciousness.

Ingredients for Mint M&M Chocolate Cookies

When it comes to baking the perfect cookies, quality ingredients play a pivotal role. In these Mint M&M Chocolate Cookies, we have a delightful mix that balances flavor and texture. The key players include butter, which adds richness; sugars that create sweetness; and, of course, the star, mint chocolate M&M’s, giving a burst of color and flavor.

¾ cup butter: This is the base of our cookies, providing essential fat for the perfect chewy texture.
1 cup brown sugar packed: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
½ cup granulated sugar: This helps to achieve the right balance of sweetness and texture.
1 tablespoon vanilla: Vanilla enhances all the flavors, adding a warm note to the cookies.
1 teaspoon peppermint extract: This is the secret ingredient that gives our cookies that refreshing minty kick.
1 egg: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookies’ structure.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookie dough, providing structure.
½ cup cocoa powder: This adds a rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful color to the cookies.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: A secret ingredient that helps create a soft and tender cookie texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This is our leavening agent, helping the cookies rise.
½ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness perfectly.
1 cup mint M&Ms: The star of our show, adding color, crunch, and that luscious minty flavor.

Step by Step Instructions for Mint M&M Chocolate Cookies

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the joy of baking these Mint M&M Chocolate Cookies. Trust me, each step is filled with anticipation as that heavenly aroma fills your kitchen.

Start by lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and both types of sugar together until smooth. You’ll want a light and fluffy mixture, which usually takes about three to four minutes. This is where the magic begins.
Next, beat in the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla until everything is thoroughly combined. The batter should be looking creamy and delicious.
In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients and prevents any clumps.
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want soft, tender cookies.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in ¼ cup of the mint M&Ms until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop, form balls about 1 tablespoon in size and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet. Place three extra M&Ms on top of each cookie, gently pressing them in.
Cover the cookie sheet with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 1 hour. This chilling step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the hour is up and your oven is preheated, it’s time to bake!
Remove the cookies from the freezer. Space them evenly on the cookie sheet, leaving enough room for them to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want them to look slightly underbaked in the center for the perfect chewy texture.
Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set up beautifully!

Things Worth Knowing

Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Fresh ingredients: Using fresh butter and eggs can significantly improve the flavor and texture of your cookies.
Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake. They continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
Try different M&Ms: Feel free to swap out the mint M&Ms for other flavors for a new twist on this recipe.

How to Switch It Up

If you’re looking to add some variety to your Mint M&M Chocolate Cookies, here are a few fun ideas:

Storage: Ensure your cookies cool completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container or a plastic bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezing: You can also freeze leftover cookies! Simply place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations: Experiment with different types of M&Ms such as peanut butter or almond for a unique flavor experience.
Mix-ins: Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Serving suggestion: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Great Combinations for Mint M&M Chocolate Cookies

These Mint M&M Chocolate Cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in so many ways. Here are some delightful combinations:

Perfect Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Occasions: These cookies are great for birthdays, holiday parties, or even a simple family gathering. They’re sure to impress!
Storage tips: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and texture.
Seasonal Treat: Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies can be a fun addition to your festive dessert table.
Gift Idea: Package these cookies in a decorative box to give as a sweet gift for friends or loved ones.

FAQ

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for mint M&Ms, feel free to experiment with different varieties such as peanut butter or milk chocolate M&Ms. Each type will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the cookies, making it a fun way to switch things up!

If you’re a fan of mint, consider increasing the amount of peppermint extract slightly. You could also mix in some crushed peppermint candies or even use mint-flavored chocolate chunks. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much mint can overpower the other flavors!

To keep your Mint M&M Chocolate Cookies fresh, ensure they are completely cooled before storing them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They can last for up to a week at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Just make sure to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften it slightly before forming the cookies.

Conclusion

These Mint M&M Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly marries mint and chocolate for a truly unique flavor. They are easy to make and sure to be a hit with family and friends, making them a must-try. So why not whip up a batch today? Your taste buds will thank you!