These Soft and Chewy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic cookie. The secret ingredient—pudding mix—adds an extra level of moisture and chewiness, ensuring each bite is soft and irresistible. With a combination of colorful M&Ms and rich chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family treat or a party snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Soft and Chewy: The pudding mix ensures the cookies stay soft for days.
- Colorful and Fun: M&Ms add a festive pop of color and sweetness.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
- Customizable: Add more chocolate chips, or use your favorite candy for variety.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- M&M candies
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and instant vanilla pudding mix. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips and M&Ms
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and M&M candies, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so be sure not to overbake.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why does the recipe use pudding mix?
The instant vanilla pudding mix adds extra moisture to the cookies, making them soft and chewy, even after a few days.
Q2: Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
Yes! You can experiment with chocolate or butterscotch pudding mix for a different flavor profile, but vanilla is the classic choice.
Q3: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter gives the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute. However, the cookies may not be quite as soft.
Q4: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Q5: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Q6: Can I substitute M&Ms with other candies?
Absolutely! You can use chocolate chunks, peanut butter chips, or any candy you like. Just be sure not to overload the dough to maintain the right texture.
Q7: How long will these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies will stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q8: Can I add nuts to the cookies?
Yes, if you like nuts, chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts would be a great addition.
Q9: Can I make these cookies thicker or thinner?
To make thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking. For thinner cookies, simply flatten the dough balls slightly before baking.
Q10: How can I make these cookies more chocolatey?
If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to add more chocolate chips or even drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent treat.
Enjoy these Soft and Chewy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies as a fun, colorful, and delicious treat perfect for any occasion!
PrintSoft and Chewy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pudding
These Soft and Chewy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are made with a secret ingredient—instant vanilla pudding mix! The result is a deliciously soft and chewy cookie, packed with chocolate chips and colorful M&M candies. Perfect for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minute
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M candies
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. - Add Pudding and Eggs:
Beat in the vanilla pudding mix until fully incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. - Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms:
Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M candies, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Scoop Dough:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. - Bake:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. - Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them, leaving them soft in the center.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg