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My big chocolate M&M Valentine's cookies bring pure joy to the holiday. Each giant cookie packs rich chocolate flavor studded with festive candy pieces. They're the perfect way to show someone you care especially chocolate lovers.
What Makes These Special
These cookies turn out perfectly chewy loaded with chocolate in every bite. Those colorful M&Ms make them look so festive and add the perfect crunch. Everyone's eyes light up when they see them.
Your Shopping List
- Butter: Two whole sticks keep them rich and tender.
- Sugar: Just over a cup makes them perfectly sweet.
- Eggs: Two large ones hold everything together.
- Cocoa: Half cup gives deep chocolate flavor.
- Flour: Two and quarter cups for perfect texture.
- Salt: Quarter teaspoon balances sweetness.
- Baking Powder: One teaspoon for lift.
- Almond Extract: Just a touch adds magic.
- Chocolate Chips: A cup makes them extra chocolatey.
- M&Ms: One cup split between inside and top.
Let's Make Magic
- First Steps
- Heat your oven to 350, line your pans with parchment.
- Mix It Up
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Wet Things
- Drop in eggs one at a time, then that almond extract.
- Chocolate Time
- Mix in cocoa until everything's dark and lovely.
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Add Dry Ingredients
- Keep It Simple
- Mix in flour, salt, and baking powder just until combined.
- Make It Fun
- Stir in those chips and half your M&Ms.
Shape and Bake
- Size Matters
- Make twelve big dough balls, space them well.
- Pretty Tops
- Press them down, add extra M&Ms on top.
- Bake Time
- About 15 minutes, they'll look soft but that's perfect.
Cool and Serve
Give them ten minutes on the pan then move to a rack. Nothing beats these warm with cold milk. The chocolate gets all melty and wonderful.
Keep Them Fresh
They stay perfect five days in a sealed container. Pop in a slice of bread; it keeps them soft and chewy, just like fresh-baked.
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My Best Tips
Measure your flour carefully; too much makes them tough. Mix just until everything comes together. Trust me on this one.
Mix It Up
Change the M&M colors for any holiday you like. Sometimes I sprinkle sea salt on top; it makes the chocolate taste even better.
Know Your Numbers
Each cookie's worth the splurge about 250 calories packed with chocolate goodness. Perfect for special occasions.
Plan Ahead
Make your dough a day early; keep it in the fridge. The flavors get even better overnight plus it makes baking day so easy.
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Perfect Partners
Hot chocolate was made for these cookies. A scoop of vanilla ice cream between two makes the most amazing ice cream sandwich.
Share The Love
These make such sweet Valentine's gifts. Pack them in pretty boxes, add a ribbon; everyone feels special getting homemade cookies.
Pure Love
Big chocolate cookies always say I love you best. These Valentine's M&M ones just add extra sparkle to the message. Simple ingredients, lots of chocolate, pure happiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make smaller cookies?
- Yes, you can make smaller cookies but reduce baking time to 10-12 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
- → Can I skip the almond extract?
- You can substitute vanilla extract or leave it out entirely. The almond adds a nice flavor but isn't essential.
- → How do I store these cookies?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- → Why do my cookies spread too much?
- Make sure your butter isn't too soft and chill dough if needed. Using room temperature eggs and proper flour measurement also helps prevent spreading.
- → Can I use different M&Ms?
- Any variety of M&Ms works great - try peanut butter, dark chocolate, or seasonal colors for different holidays.