M&M Christmas Cookies

M&M Christmas Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure to sift the flour to avoid lumps.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch: This helps to keep the cookies soft and tender.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda: This acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise.
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature: Ensure the butter is soft to the touch for easy creaming.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
  • 1 1/4 cups lightly packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the dough.
  • 1 egg yolk, at room temperature: Adds extra richness to the dough.
  • 1 (12 oz) bag Christmas M&M® candies: Adds festive color and a fun crunch.
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Balances the sweetness of the M&Ms.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: If you plan to bake the cookie dough immediately, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt. Make sure the ingredients are well combined and set the bowl aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the 2 sticks of room temperature butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 1/4 cups of light brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which will help the cookies rise.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the butter and sugar are well mixed. Add in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, the 2 large eggs, and the additional egg yolk, one at a time. Beat well after each addition, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
  6. Incorporate M&Ms and Chocolate Chips: Stir in the Christmas M&M® candies and the 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the M&Ms to garnish each cookie dough ball before baking.
  7. Chill the Dough: For best results, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling the dough helps the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature just until it is soft enough to scoop.
  8. Prepare the Dough Balls: Divide the dough into balls that are about 3 tablespoons each. Drop the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  9. Garnish the Dough Balls: Press a few extra M&M® candies into the top of each dough ball for added color and crunch.
  10. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven at 350ºF for about 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
  11. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.

Enjoy your festive M&M Christmas Cookies!

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