Name: M&M Cookie Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour.; 1 tsp baking soda.; ½ tsp sea salt.; 2 sticks (16 tbsp) unsalted butter, browned and cooled.; 1 cup + 2 tbsp dark brown sugar.; ½ cup granulated sugar.; 3 tsp vanilla extract.; 2 large eggs, room temperature.; 2 cups mini M&Ms.

These M&M Cookie Bites are soft, chewy, and bursting with vibrant mini M&Ms, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. The secret to their rich, nutty flavor comes from browning the butter before incorporating it into the dough. With just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of these colorful cookies, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet snack. The combination of brown sugar and vanilla adds depth to the flavor, while the mini M&Ms bring a fun and colorful touch to every bite.

M&M Cookie Bites are the perfect combination of chewy, colorful fun and delicious flavor. Made with rich browned butter, these cookies are soft in the center with a slight crisp on the edges. The mini M&Ms not only add sweetness but also a pop of color, making these treats perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or casual snack time.

INGREDIENTS

All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups, the base for the cookie dough.
Baking soda: 1 tsp, for leavening and a light texture.
Sea salt: ½ tsp, enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Unsalted butter: 2 sticks (16 tbsp), browned and cooled, for a nutty, rich flavor.
Dark brown sugar: 1 cup + 2 tbsp, adds moisture and deep caramel flavor.
Granulated sugar: ½ cup, for sweetness and structure.
Vanilla extract: 3 tsp, to enhance the flavor.
Large eggs: 2, room temperature, to bind the dough and add richness.
Mini M&Ms: 2 cups, for vibrant color and chocolatey goodness in every bite.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
Step 2:: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt.
Step 3:: Brown one stick of butter over medium heat, then mix with the other stick of butter until smooth. Let the butter cool.
Step 4:: Cream the butter with the dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Step 5:: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition.
Step 6:: Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 7:: Gently fold in the mini M&Ms.
Step 8:: Roll the dough into small spheres and place them on the prepared baking trays.
Step 9:: Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
Step 10:: Allow the cookies to cool on the trays for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Serving and Storage Tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain freshness.
These cookies are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as an afternoon snack.

Helpful Notes

Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to the cookies, which sets them apart from regular cookie recipes.
You can experiment with different types of M&Ms, such as peanut or crispy varieties, for a twist on this recipe.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef John recommends slightly underbaking the cookies to keep them extra soft and chewy in the center.

How to Make the Perfect M&M Cookie Bites

To ensure that your cookies stay soft and chewy, make sure not to overbake them. Watch for the edges to turn a light golden color, while the center should still appear slightly underdone. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the tray, giving them the perfect texture.

Ideal Occasions for M&M Cookie Bites

These colorful M&M Cookie Bites are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re making them for a birthday party, holiday gathering, or simply as a fun snack to share with friends, these cookies will bring a pop of color and flavor to any event. They also make a great addition to cookie trays or dessert buffets.

FAQs

Can I freeze M&M Cookie Bites?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies. When freezing the dough, shape it into balls first, then freeze on a tray before transferring them to a container. Bake the dough balls directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the baking time.

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

Yes, you can substitute regular M&Ms for the mini ones, but keep in mind that the mini M&Ms distribute more evenly throughout the dough, ensuring a bit of chocolate in every bite.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips instead of M&Ms?

Yes, you can substitute M&Ms with chocolate chips or a mix of chocolate chips and M&Ms for a different texture and flavor.

Summary

M&M Cookie Bites are a delightful, easy-to-make treat perfect for any occasion. The recipe starts with browning one stick of butter, which gives these cookies a rich, nutty flavor. Mixed with dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and a hint of vanilla, the dough becomes the perfect base for the mini M&Ms, which add both sweetness and a fun burst of color. These cookies bake in just 7-8 minutes, emerging with perfectly golden edges and a soft, chewy center. Ideal for sharing at parties or as a sweet snack, these cookies will surely be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Their chewy texture, combined with the crisp exterior, makes them an irresistible treat!