If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the sweet crunch of M&Ms, then these chewy oatmeal M&M cookies are just what you need! Packed with flavor and texture, these cookies offer a perfect balance of chewiness and sweetness. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering or simply indulging your sweet tooth at home, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to tackle. The combination of oats and colorful chocolate candies not only makes these cookies visually appealing but also adds a fun twist to the classic cookie experience. With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, you’ll have these delicious treats ready in no time. Perfect for lunchboxes or an after-school snack, these chewy oatmeal M&M cookies will surely become a family favorite. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Provides texture and chewiness; choose old-fashioned oats for the best results.
- M&Ms: Use regular or mini-sized chocolate candies; they add color and sweetness to each cookie.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the ingredients together; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness; let it soften at room temperature before using.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies; adjust according to your taste preference.
- Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a deeper flavor; light or dark brown sugar works well.
- Baking Soda: Ensures proper leavening; check the expiration date to ensure effectiveness.
- Salt: Enhances flavors; use fine sea salt for even distribution.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic sweetness; opt for pure vanilla extract when possible.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder; use large eggs at room temperature for the best consistency.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
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How to Make Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about three minutes using an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add in one large egg along with one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together one cup of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of salt, and three cups of old-fashioned rolled oats.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in M&Ms
Gently fold in one cup of M&Ms until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Transfer spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for about ten to twelve minutes or until edges are golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Chill Your Dough: For thicker cookies that don’t spread too much during baking, chill your dough in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes before baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days without losing freshness.
- Add Nuts if Desired: For extra crunch and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough.
Enjoy creating these delightful chewy oatmeal M&M cookies that everyone will love!
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How to Serve Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies
This Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- A Glass of Milk: The classic combination enhances the cookie’s sweetness and soft texture.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla complements the chewy oats and chocolatey M&Ms for a delightful dessert.
- Coffee or Tea: The warm beverage balances the sweetness, creating a comforting afternoon snack.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough for Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies up to two days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. If you want to freeze it, portion out the dough balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container for up to three months.
- Storing: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last up to three months. Ensure they are well-sealed to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they stay soft and chewy without becoming hard.
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Suggestions for Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies
Use Old Ingredients
When baking chewy oatmeal M&M cookies, using fresh ingredients is crucial. Expired flour or stale oats can drastically affect the texture and flavor. Always check the dates on your ingredients, especially baking soda or baking powder. These leavening agents lose their potency over time, leading to flat cookies that lack chewiness. Fresh eggs also contribute to the overall moisture in your cookies. Remember, high-quality ingredients lead to better results. Make sure you have everything ready before starting to bake for the best outcome.
Overmixing the Dough
One common mistake in making chewy oatmeal M&M cookies is overmixing the dough. When you mix too vigorously or for too long, you develop gluten in the flour, which can make your cookies tough and chewy rather than soft and tender. To avoid this, mix until just combined. You should still see some flour streaks in the dough; that’s perfectly fine! The key is to blend until everything comes together without overworking it. This simple step ensures your cookies maintain their ideal chewy texture.
Skipping Chilling Time
Chilling the cookie dough may seem like an unnecessary step, but it’s essential for chewy oatmeal M&M cookies. This process allows the flavors to meld together and gives the butter a chance to firm up, resulting in thicker cookies that don’t spread too much while baking. Aim for at least 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator before baking. If you’re short on time, even a quick chill can help improve texture and flavor significantly—is worth it for those perfect cookie bites!
Incorrect Baking Temperature
Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your chewy oatmeal M&M cookies. An oven that’s too hot will cause them to bake quickly on the outside while remaining raw within, whereas a cooler oven may lead to overly flat cookies. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is calibrated correctly. Bake your cookies at 350°F (175°C) for optimal results. If you’re unsure about doneness, look for a golden edge with a slightly soft center that will set as they cool.
FAQs
What are the best oats to use for chewy oatmeal M&M cookies?
For chewy oatmeal M&M cookies, old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal. They provide a hearty texture without becoming mushy during baking. Quick oats can work as well but may yield a softer cookie due to their smaller size and faster cooking time. Avoid instant oats altogether since they won’t give you that satisfying chewiness we all love in oatmeal cookies. If you want extra texture, consider adding some oat flour along with rolled oats—this combination can enhance both flavor and chewiness.
Can I substitute chocolate chips instead of M&Ms?
Absolutely! While M&Ms add color and crunch to your chewy oatmeal cookies, chocolate chips make an excellent alternative if you’re looking for something different or more traditional. You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or even dark chocolate ones for a more intense flavor profile. Feel free to combine both options! Mixing M&Ms with chocolate chips creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making each bite even more enjoyable.
How do I store leftover chewy oatmeal M&M cookies?
To keep your leftover chewy oatmeal M&M cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to one week this way! If you’d like them to last longer, consider freezing them instead: place individual cookies in freezer-safe bags or containers separated by parchment paper so they don’t stick together. When you’re ready to eat one (or several), simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them into a microwave briefly—enjoy warm goodness whenever you crave it!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free chewy oatmeal M&M cookies by using certified gluten-free oats and substituting regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, such as baking powder and vanilla extract if applicable. With these adjustments, you’ll satisfy those craving delicious treats while adhering to dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor or texture!
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Conclusion for Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies
In summary, creating perfect chewy oatmeal M&M cookies relies heavily on avoiding common mistakes such as using old ingredients and overmixing dough. Properly chilling your dough ensures that flavors develop beautifully while maintaining ideal chewiness during baking at correct temperatures plays a vital role in achieving great results too! By following these tips alongside answering frequently asked questions about ingredient substitutions and storage methods—you’re now equipped with all necessary knowledge needed to bake deliciously irresistible treats anytime you want! Happy baking!
Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the wholesome texture of oats with the vibrant sweetness of M&Ms. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and offer a satisfying chewiness that appeals to both kids and adults alike. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will quickly become a family favorite. Ideal for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or shared at gatherings, these cookies promise to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Indulge in the delicious blend of hearty oats and colorful chocolate candies, and enjoy every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and oats.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in M&Ms gently.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Feel free to mix in chopped nuts for added crunch or substitute chocolate chips for M&Ms if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg