The Ultimate Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe for Beginners

Sharing is caring!

Baking cookies is one of the most satisfying and rewarding experiences, especially for beginners. I remember my first attempt at baking chocolate chip cookies—excited but nervous, wondering if they would turn out right. I followed the recipe carefully, measuring each ingredient with precision, and when the cookies came out of the oven, they were golden, chewy, and packed with warm, melty chocolate. The sense of accomplishment was incredible.

Print

This Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is perfect for anyone new to baking. It requires simple ingredients, easy techniques, and minimal equipment. With a buttery, rich flavor and a perfectly chewy texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any Easter gathering. The addition of pastel M&Ms makes them festive and fun, perfect for spring celebrations or as a sweet treat to share with family and friends.

Whether you are baking for the first time or looking for a foolproof recipe, these cookies will guide you through every step with clarity and confidence.

Why This Recipe is Great for Beginners

1. Simple Ingredients – Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to start without a long shopping list.
2. Easy Steps – Each step is beginner-friendly, with clear instructions to prevent common mistakes.
3. Delicious and Foolproof – The combination of butter, brown sugar, and chocolate creates a rich and chewy texture, ensuring great results every time.
4. Perfect for Celebrations – The pastel M&Ms add a colorful touch, making them ideal for Easter and other festive occasions.

Ingredients and Substitutions

For the Cookie Dough

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Mix-Ins

• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup pastel M&Ms, plus extra for topping

Ingredient Substitutions

• If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
• Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nutty taste.
• If you are out of cornstarch, you can use an equal amount of arrowroot powder.
• White chocolate chips or butterscotch chips can be used instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, creating a soft and chewy texture. A hand mixer or stand mixer works best for this step, but you can also use a whisk with some extra effort.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Make sure the egg is at room temperature to blend evenly with the butter mixture.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop mixing as soon as no dry flour remains.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate and M&Ms

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and pastel M&Ms using a spatula. The goal is to distribute them evenly without breaking the candies.

Scoop out 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll them into balls. For a festive touch, press a few extra M&Ms and chocolate chips on top of each dough ball before baking.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least one hour. This step is crucial for achieving thick, chewy cookies, as it allows the butter to solidify and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

If you want to freeze the dough for later use, place the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chilled cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Beginner Tips and Notes

How to Get Perfectly Soft and Chewy Cookies

• Measure the flour correctly – Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Use room temperature ingredients – Cold butter or eggs can prevent proper mixing. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
• Do not overbake – The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven. They will set as they cool, creating a soft and chewy texture.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

• Cookies spreading too much – This can happen if the dough is too warm. Always chill the dough before baking. If the cookies still spread, try adding an extra tablespoon of flour.
• Cookies turning out too dry – Overbaking or adding too much flour can cause dryness. Reduce the baking time and check the flour measurement.
• M&Ms sinking into the dough – To keep them visible on top, press a few extra M&Ms onto each dough ball just before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair well with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For an Easter-themed dessert platter, serve them alongside sugar cookies, chocolate truffles, or fruit tarts.

They make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or tied with ribbon in clear treat bags.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help keep them soft.

Refrigeration: If you want to keep them fresh for longer, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Freezing:

• Dough: Freeze cookie dough balls for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Baked Cookies: Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Baking homemade cookies is an enjoyable and rewarding experience, especially when the results are as delicious as these Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies. This recipe is designed for beginners, with clear steps and helpful tips to ensure success.

Whether you are making them for a holiday celebration or just as a weekend baking project, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. The soft, chewy texture combined with melty chocolate and colorful M&Ms makes them irresistible.

Give this recipe a try and share your experience. What did you love about these cookies? Did you make any creative modifications? Leave a comment and let us know how they turned out. Happy baking!