Easter M&M Cookies

Easter is a celebration that brings families together, symbolizing renewal, hope, and new beginnings. One of the cherished traditions during this festive time is baking, which fosters connections and creates unforgettable memories. Among the various delights made to mark the season, Easter M&M Cookies have carved a special place in many hearts. Bursting with color and flavor, these cookies are perfect for kids and adults alike and are an ideal treat for Easter gatherings. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will have everyone hopping with joy!

Why Easter M&M Cookies?

When it comes to Easter traditions, cookies have a way of brightening up the holiday spirit. They are not only delicious but also evoke joy and togetherness as family members gather to bake and share. The vibrant colors of M&M’s mimic the colorful vibe of Easter, making these cookies a perfect fit for the occasion.

Using M&M’s in the cookie dough is particularly appealing because they add a playful crunch, unique colors, and a touch of sweetness. These cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration in themselves. Their bright colors can spark excitement in children while also bringing a smile to adults as they reminisce about childhood memories associated with sweets.

Moreover, Easter M&M cookies have universal appeal. Whether for a school Easter party, an afternoon tea with friends, or simply as a delightful way to welcome family over the holiday, these cookies fit right in. With each bite, they evoke happiness and a sense of nostalgia, making them a beloved treat for all ages.

Ingredients List with US Measurements

For your baking adventure, here is what you’ll need to whip up a batch of delicious Easter M&M cookies. Gather the following ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups M&M’s (divided)

Equipment Needed

Before you begin, make sure you have all the essential tools at hand for a smoother baking experience:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or mixing spoon
• Baking sheets
• Cookie cutter (if desired)
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This allows the baking soda to distribute evenly and helps prevent clumps.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which is fundamental for achieving a soft cookie texture.

4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything combines nicely.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; this could lead to tough cookies.

Mixing in the M&M’s

6. Add M&M’s: Carefully fold in 1 cup of the M&M’s into the cookie dough. The remaining ½ cup will be used for decorating the tops of the cookies.

Dough Shaping and Cutting

7. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Top with M&M’s: Gently press a few M&M’s into the top of each dough ball for a colorful finish.

Baking Process

9. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but don’t worry; they will continue to set as they cool.
10. Cooling: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Cooling and Storage Steps

11. Store Properly: Once cooled, store your Easter M&M cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, but I bet they won’t last that long!

Pro Tips and Tricks

• Selecting Best Ingredients: Always opt for fresh ingredients, especially butter and eggs. This can significantly influence the taste and texture of your cookies.
• Achieving the Perfect Texture: To ensure your cookies are soft and chewy, slightly underbake them. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden, and the center appears slightly underdone.
• Decoration Tips: For added festive flair, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the top after the cookies have cooled. You can also sprinkle colored sugar on top for some extra sparkle.

Nutritional Facts

• Caloric Content: Each cookie has approximately 150 calories, depending on size and ingredients used.
• Health Benefits and Warnings: While cookies can bring joy, moderation is key. They can serve as a sweet treat but be mindful of sugar intake, especially for those managing their health and dietary restrictions.

Alternative Ingredients and Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten intolerance.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter in place of regular butter and check that the M&M’s are dairy-free too.
• Sugar-Free or Low-Sugar Versions: Try using sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol to lower the sugar content.

• Alternative Candy Toppings: Feel free to swap out M&M’s for other festive candies, such as Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chunks, or even jelly beans for a fun twist.

FAQs

• What type of flour is best for these cookies?
  All-purpose flour is recommended, but you can experiment with gluten-free alternatives if needed.
• Can I use a different type of candy in place of M&M’s?
  Absolutely! Feel free to swap M&M’s with chocolate chips or seasonal candies you enjoy.
• How long can they be stored and how?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

• Can I freeze the dough for future use?
  Yes! Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before proceeding with baking.
• What can I do to ensure my cookies are soft and chewy, not hard or crispy?
  Here are some helpful tips:
  • Make sure not to overbake them.
  • Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  • Adding a bit extra butter or a tablespoon of milk can maintain moisture in the cookies.

Conclusion

Baking Easter M&M Cookies is not only about enjoying delicious treats; it’s about creating delightful memories with friends and family. By following the steps outlined, you can share these beautiful cookies at your Easter celebrations or anytime you seek a sweet indulgence. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe, make it your own, and share your creations with loved ones. Feedback and personal modifications are always welcomed, as they add a special touch to your baking experience. Happy baking!

Easter M

---

• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicious and colorful Easter M&M Cookies perfect for festive gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup brown sugar (packed), 2 large eggs, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 ½ cups M&M’s (divided)

---

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)., In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt., In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy., Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract., Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined., Fold in 1 cup of M&M’s into the cookie dough., Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart., Gently press a few M&M’s into the top of each dough ball., Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown., Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely., Once cooled, store your Easter M&M cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

For added festive flair, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top after cooling or sprinkle colored sugar on top.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cool Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: dessert
• Method: baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Easter, cookies, M&M's, baking, dessert