Oh my goodness, there’s just something magical about baking cookies for Valentine’s Day! The moment you pull those warm, gooey big chocolate M&M Valentine’s Day cookies out of the oven, your heart fills with joy. I can still remember the first time I made these for my loved ones. The vibrant colors of the M&Ms, the rich chocolate scent wafting through the air, and the smiles on their faces when they took that first bite—it was pure bliss! Trust me, these cookies are not just delicious; they’re a sweet way to show you care. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and bring some love into the kitchen together!
Ingredients List
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate M&Ms
How to Prepare Big Chocolate M&M Valentine’s Day Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheating is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while we mix everything together.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to blend the dry ingredients thoroughly. This step helps ensure there are no clumps and that the baking soda gets evenly distributed, which is key for those perfect cookie puffs!
Cream Butter and Sugars
In another large bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—think creamy clouds! This should take about 2-3 minutes. The texture should be smooth, and you’ll love the sweet aroma filling your kitchen!
Incorporate Eggs
Now, add in the 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. This is crucial for achieving that lovely, unified batter. You want to see the eggs fully blended in before adding the next one—no egg left behind!
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to your butter mixture. I like to do this in three parts, mixing gently after each addition. The key here is to combine everything without overmixing; you want to keep that light texture. Just mix until you see no more flour streaks—stop when it looks good!
Stir in M&Ms
Time to bring in the stars of the show! Gently fold in the 2 cups of chocolate M&Ms. Be careful not to break them; we want those colorful beauties to stay intact. This is when your cookie dough starts to look like a party!
Portion and Bake
Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto your baking sheets, leaving plenty of space (about 2 inches) between each one. They need room to spread out! Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit even after you take them out!
Cooling Process
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for around 5 minutes. This helps them set and makes it easier to transfer them to a wire rack. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Tips for Success with Big Chocolate M&M Valentine’s Day Cookies
To ensure your big chocolate M&M Valentine’s Day cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, if you prefer softer cookies, you can reduce the baking time to around 9-10 minutes—keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. Also, don’t hesitate to use festive M&Ms or even a mix of chocolate chips to make them extra special for the occasion! Another tip is to let your butter soften at room temperature rather than melting it; this helps create that perfect creamy texture. Lastly, trust your instincts—if the dough feels too dry, a splash of milk can work wonders!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each big chocolate M&M Valentine’s Day cookie. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a delightful treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of M&Ms?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with peanut M&Ms, crispy M&Ms, or even seasonal varieties like red and pink for Valentine’s Day. The more colorful, the better!
How do I store these cookies?
Store your big chocolate M&M Valentine’s Day cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and delicious!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and scoop without losing that lovely shape.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time!
Why are my cookies flat?
If your cookies turn out flat, it might be due to melted butter or not enough flour. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and measure accurately for the best results!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—whip these up in just 15 minutes!
- Simple steps make it easy for bakers of all levels.
- Deliciously rich chocolate flavor paired with colorful M&Ms.
- Perfect for sharing the love on Valentine’s Day!
- These cookies are sure to impress friends and family.
- Soft, chewy centers with crispy edges—pure cookie bliss!
- Customize with your favorite M&Ms or add-ins for a personal touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your big chocolate M&M Valentine’s Day cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week—if they last that long! If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. This will bring back that gooey, melty goodness that makes these cookies so irresistible!
Print
Big Chocolate M&M Valentine’s Day Cookies You’ll Adore
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious big chocolate M&M Valentine’s Day cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture.
- Stir in chocolate M&Ms.
- Drop large spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use festive M&Ms for decoration.
- Adjust baking time for softer cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: big chocolate mm valentines day cookies
