M&M's Celebration Cookies When... You Want to Celebrate Surviving Another Monday. -

When you've made it through another Monday, treating yourself to M&M's Celebration Cookies can feel like the perfect reward. Their colorful appearance and satisfying crunch offer a brief escape from the week's demands. As you savor each bite, you might wonder how these cookies came to be, or what makes them a go-to comfort treat. There's more to these delightful cookies than just their taste; they carry a history and some surprising benefits that could elevate your cookie experience even further. Curious about what lies beneath the surface?

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

M&M's Celebration Cookies are the perfect treat to reward yourself after a long Monday.
Their vibrant colors and sweet crunch can instantly uplift your mood.
Baking them is an enjoyable activity, providing a creative outlet to relieve stress.
Share cookies with friends or family to strengthen social connections and celebrate together.
Pair with a warm beverage for a comforting experience that enhances relaxation.

History

The history of M&M's cookies dates back to the popularization of the iconic candy in the 1940s. Originally created as a candy-coated chocolate treat, M&M's quickly became a favorite for their vibrant colors and sweet crunch.

As people started experimenting with baking, they discovered that these candies could elevate traditional cookie recipes. It didn't take long for M&M's cookies to emerge as a beloved dessert.

By the 1950s, home bakers began incorporating M&M's into their cookie dough, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The colorful candies added not only sweetness but also visual appeal, making the cookies perfect for celebrations and gatherings.

As these cookies gained popularity, they became a staple in American households, synonymous with fun and joy.

Fast forward to today, and M&M's cookies continue to be a go-to treat for many. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just need a pick-me-up, these cookies hold a nostalgic charm.

They've evolved but remain rooted in that initial burst of creativity from the 1940s, proving that some treats truly stand the test of time.

Recipe

M&M's Celebration Cookies are a delightful dessert that can brighten up even the most mundane days. With their vibrant colors and irresistible flavor, these cookies combine the buttery richness of homemade dough with the sweet crunch of M&M's chocolate candies. They're perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a special treat for yourself. Easy to make, these cookies can be whipped up in no time, turning a regular Monday into a mini celebration.

To get started on these fun and delicious cookies, you'll need to gather your ingredients and prepare your baking space. Preheating your oven and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will set you up for success. As you mix together the ingredients, the warm aroma of cookies baking will fill your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere that makes the effort worthwhile.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups M&M's chocolate candies
Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)

To make M&M's Celebration Cookies, start by creaming the softened butter with the sugars, then mix in the eggs and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients before gradually combining them with the wet mixture. Finally, fold in the M&M's and any optional nuts, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, and bake until lightly golden.

For best results, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a thicker, chewier texture. You can also customize your cookies by using different types of M&M's or adding in other mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit to create a unique flavor profile that matches your preferences.

While M&M's Celebration Cookies are certainly a treat, they also offer some benefits. The cookies contain butter, which can provide some essential fatty acids, and the M&M's add a fun pop of color and sweetness. Additionally, if you choose to include nuts, they'll contribute healthy fats and protein, making these cookies a more satisfying indulgence.

Enjoying them in moderation can be a delightful way to treat yourself while still incorporating some nutritious elements into your dessert.

Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F

Before diving into the delicious world of M&M's Celebration Cookies, you'll want to make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial, as the right temperature ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.

While the oven heats up, take a moment to gather all your ingredients and baking tools. You'll need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Once your oven reaches the desired temperature, you can start mixing your ingredients.

Step 2. Mix Dry Ingredients Together

Start by whisking together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a separate bowl. This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies have the right texture and rise. Whisking the dry ingredients together evenly distributes the baking soda and salt, so they're well mixed throughout the flour.

Once you've combined these ingredients, set the bowl aside. The next step will involve the wet ingredients, and having your dry mix ready will make the process smoother. Make sure you use a whisk rather than a spoon; this will help break up any potential clumps in the flour and create a lighter mixture.

If you want to get even more precise, you could sift the flour after measuring it. This adds air and further ensures there are no lumps.

Keep an eye on the consistency of your flour mixture; it should be light and fluffy. Once you've whisked everything together, you'll be ready to incorporate this dry mix into your wet ingredients, which will create a beautiful cookie dough!

Step 3. Fold in M&M's and Nuts

At this point, you're ready to add a burst of color and flavor to your cookie dough. Grab your 1 1/2 cups of M&M's and gently fold them into the mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to incorporate the candies evenly, ensuring that each scoop of dough will have those delightful chocolate bursts.

If you're feeling adventurous, now's the time to add in your optional chopped nuts—about 1 cup will do. Walnuts or pecans work great, but you can choose any nut you love.

Fold the nuts in just until they're evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that fluffy texture you've created. The colorful M&M's and crunchy nuts won't only enhance the flavor but also give your cookies a fun, festive look.

Once everything's combined, it's time to prepare the dough for baking. Scoop rounded tablespoons of this vibrant mixture onto your lined baking sheet, making sure to space them about two inches apart.

Your delicious M&M's Celebration Cookies are almost ready to go into the oven for a delightful treat!

Step 4. Bake for 10-12 Minutes

Now that your cookie dough is ready, it's time to bake these colorful delights. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you haven't already. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Carefully drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring you leave about two inches between each scoop. This space allows the cookies to spread and bake evenly.

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and set a timer for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.

You'll know they're ready when the edges turn a light golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. This is the perfect moment to take them out; they'll continue cooking a bit from residual heat.

Trust your instincts here—don't let them overbake or they'll lose that delicious chewy texture.

Once done, allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They'll firm up nicely, creating a delightful treat that'll brighten your Monday. Enjoy the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Step 5. Cool on Baking Sheet

How long should you let those freshly baked cookies cool on the baking sheet? You should give them about 5 to 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time allows the cookies to firm up slightly, making them easier to move without falling apart. The edges will set, while the centers remain soft and chewy, creating that perfect cookie texture you love.

During this cooling period, resist the urge to dive in immediately! The cookies are quite delicate right out of the oven, and letting them rest ensures that they'll hold their shape and maintain that delightful chewiness.

After the initial cooling time, carefully slide a spatula under each cookie and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial because it allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Once they've cooled down, you can store them in an airtight container or serve them up right away. Enjoy every bite of your M&M's Celebration Cookies, knowing you've earned this sweet reward for surviving another Monday!

Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

Baking M&M's Celebration Cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you keep a few pro tips in mind.

First, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape, resulting in a thicker texture. Don't skip this step if you want perfectly round cookies!

Next, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This ensures a creamy mixture and helps the cookies rise properly.

When you mix the dry ingredients, whisk them together thoroughly to avoid any clumps.

Also, when you fold in the M&M's, do it gently to prevent breaking the candies.

Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins; swapping out M&M's for different flavors or adding nuts can elevate your cookies.

Health Benefits

Indulging in M&M's Celebration Cookies can bring a little joy to your day, but they also offer some surprising health benefits. First, the cookies contain ingredients like eggs and butter, which provide essential proteins and healthy fats. These nutrients play a vital role in maintaining your energy levels throughout the day.

Additionally, enjoying a warm beverage like Christmas Bright Festive Lemon Ginger Tea Infusion alongside your cookies can enhance your immune system and improve digestion, making for a wholesome treat.

Moreover, M&M's chocolate candies can boost your mood. Dark chocolate, in particular, is known to enhance serotonin levels, making you feel happier. Even the sweetness from sugar can trigger a temporary lift in your spirits, perfect for combating that Monday slump.

Additionally, baking can be therapeutic. The process of mixing, measuring, and creating something delicious can reduce stress and promote mindfulness. You're not just whipping up cookies; you're engaging in an enjoyable activity that can improve your mental well-being.

Lastly, sharing these cookies with friends and family fosters connection and strengthens relationships, which is essential for emotional health.