Description
Celebrate the 4th of July with these festive and delicious cookies loaded with chocolate chunks and patriotic M&M’s. Soft and chewy with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any Independence Day gathering or celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups unbleached flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chunks
- 2 1/2 cups patriotic M&Ms (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, ensuring an even texture in your cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the pure vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, salt, and baking soda to the wet mixture, stirring slowly to avoid overmixing while ensuring a uniform dough.
- Fold in Chocolate and M&Ms: Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and 1 1/2 cups of the patriotic M&M’s, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop Cookies: Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or spoon, form dough balls approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow space for spreading.
- Add Toppings: Press additional M&M’s on top of each cookie dough ball to enhance the festive look and add extra crunch.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookie centers are set and the edges start to turn a light golden brown.
- Cool and Finish: After baking, sprinkle the cookies with the remaining M&M’s while still warm. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- If you prefer a softer cookie, bake closer to 8 minutes; for crisper edges, bake up to 10 minutes.
- You can substitute chocolate chunks with chocolate chips if desired.
- Ensure M&M’s are added both inside the dough and on top for a colorful, festive appearance.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
