Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of a tender cookie. Softened butter ensures a smooth and creamy texture when creamed with sugars.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a crispy edge.Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Enhances the chewiness of the cookies while imparting a subtle caramel flavor.
- Eggs (2 large): Act as binders, ensuring a cohesive dough with a rich, tender crumb.Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Balances the cocoa’s bitterness with its aromatic sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Provides structure, keeping the cookies soft yet sturdy.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (3/4 cup): The star ingredient for a deep, chocolatey flavor.Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft and fluffy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors.
- M&M Candies (1 cup): A colorful, crunchy addition that makes these cookies both fun and delicious.
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, resulting in soft, tender cookies. - Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully integrate them into the batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic cookie aroma. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and cocoa. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense cookies, so be gentle. - Fold in the M&M Candies
Gently fold in the M&M candies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. - Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. The key to chewy cookies is to avoid overbaking. - Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking and allows them to set.
Notes
Butter: Substitute with equal parts margarine or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
M&Ms: Use peanut butter M&Ms, dark chocolate M&Ms, or festive seasonal colors to suit the occasion.
Cocoa Powder: Opt for Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, deeper chocolate flavor.
Variations
Double Chocolate Delight: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolate boost.
Nutty Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Holiday-Themed: Use red and green M&Ms for Christmas, pastel ones for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes