A Fun and Flavorful Cookie for the Season of Love
Valentine’s Day is a time for expressing affection, and what better way to do so than with a batch of homemade cookies? These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies are a fun, festive, and flavorful treat that’s perfect for sharing with your loved ones. They combine the classic chocolate chip cookie with colorful Valentine’s Day M&M’s, chunks of Oreo cookies, and a hint of extra sweetness and chewiness from brown sugar. They’re easy to make, customizable with your favorite colors and mix-ins, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
A Recipe that Spreads the Love (and the Chocolate)
I first made these Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies for a Valentine’s Day party, and they were a huge hit. The bright pink, red, and white M&M’s combined with the chunks of Oreo cookies made them visually irresistible. And the taste? Let’s just say they disappeared faster than I could have imagined. Everyone was asking for the recipe! Since then, these cookies have become my go-to for Valentine’s Day, and any time I want to bake something special for friends and family. They’re a fun and easy way to spread the love, one delicious cookie at a time. I also love that I can get the kids involved when making these cookies.
Ingredient Insights: Building Blocks of a Festive and Delicious Cookie
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these cookies so special:
- Butter: Provides richness, flavor, and tenderness to the cookies.
- Tip: The butter should be softened but still slightly cool to the touch for optimal creaming.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, a subtle molasses flavor, and contributes to the cookies’ chewiness.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a warm, aromatic note.
- All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component of the cookies.
- Cornstarch: A secret ingredient that helps create a soft and tender cookie.
- Baking Soda: The leavening agent that gives the cookies a slight lift.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Valentine’s Day M&M’s: Add a festive pop of color and a classic chocolatey crunch.
- Tip: Look for bags of M&M’s with red, pink, and white candies for a Valentine’s Day theme.
- Oreo Cookies: Contribute a unique chocolatey flavor and a contrasting texture.
- Tip: Regular Oreos work best. Double Stuf will be too creamy.
Essential Equipment: Tools for Cookie Baking Success
- Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
- Parchment Paper or Silpat: Lining the baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: For creaming the butter and sugars.
- Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand): For efficiently creaming the butter and sugar and mixing the dough.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Rubber Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in the mix-ins.
- Large Cookie Scoop (¼ cup or 4 tablespoons): For portioning out the dough and creating large, bakery-style cookies.
- Large Round Cookie Cutter (Optional): For swirling just-baked cookies into a perfect circle shape.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the baked cookies.
The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Valentine’s Day Cookie Perfection
Ingredients with Measurements
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, slightly softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s
- 7 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped (regular stuffed, NOT Double Stuf)
Detailed Instructions
1. Prepare for Baking: Setting the Stage for Success
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (Silpat).
2. Cream Together Butter and Sugars: The Foundation of Flavor and Texture
- Combine Butter and Sugars: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the slightly softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Cream: Using a rubber spatula, cream the butter and sugars together until they are well combined and the mixture is relatively smooth. You can also use an electric mixer on a low setting if desired.
- Tip: The butter should be softened but still slightly cool to the touch for optimal creaming.
3. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Adding Moisture and Flavor
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
- Mix: Mix thoroughly until everything is smooth and well incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Ensuring Even Distribution
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt over the wet ingredients.
- Tip: For best results, measure the flour by fluffing it up in its container, then spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a straight edge.
- Stir: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough will be thick.
5. Fold in M&M’s and Oreos: Adding the Festive Mix-Ins
- Add M&M’s and Oreos: Add the Valentine’s Day M&M’s and the roughly chopped Oreo pieces to the cookie dough.
- Fold: Gently fold in the M&M’s and Oreos using a rubber spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape and Bake the Cookies: Creating Large, Bakery-Style Treats
- Scoop Dough: Use a large cookie scoop (approximately ¼ cup or 4 tablespoons) to portion out the cookie dough. This will create about 10 large cookies.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Place the scoops of dough on the prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between each one (about 2-3 inches) to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 13 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: The cookies should look slightly underdone or even a bit gooey in the middle. This is what you want! They will continue to bake as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Optional Swirling: The recipe author suggests using a large, round cookie cutter to swirl around the just-baked cookies as soon as they come out of the oven, which helps to create a perfectly round shape.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Allowing the Cookies to Set
- Cool on Baking Sheet: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking when transferred.
- Transfer to Wire Rack: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Troubleshooting Common Problems: Tips for Cookie Success
- Cookies Too Flat:
- Problem: The cookies spread too much during baking.
- Solutions: Make sure your butter isn’t too soft. You can chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking. Also, make sure you are not flattening the dough before baking it.
- Cookies Too Dry:
- Problem: The cookies are dry and crumbly.
- Solutions: Don’t overbake the cookies. They should still be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. Make sure you measured the flour correctly.
- M&M’s Bleeding Color:
- Problem: The color from the M&M’s bleeds into the dough.
- Solutions: Some slight bleeding is normal. To minimize it, make sure not to overmix after adding the M&Ms. You can also try chilling the dough before baking.
Tips and Variations: Customize Your Valentine’s Day Cookies
- Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey flavor.
- Nuts: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch.
- Sprinkle Colors: Use different colors of M&M’s or sprinkles to match other holidays or occasions.
- Different Extracts: Experiment with other extracts like almond, peppermint, or even a small amount of orange extract.
Serving Suggestions: Spreading the Love with Cookies
- Valentine’s Day Gifts: Package these cookies in a decorative box or bag for a sweet Valentine’s Day gift.
- Classroom Parties: A fun and festive treat for a Valentine’s Day party at school.
- Dessert Platters: Arrange these cookies on a platter with other Valentine’s Day treats for a beautiful dessert spread.
- Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a cookie with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
Pairing Recommendations: Delicious Complements
- Drinks:
- Milk: A classic pairing for cookies.
- Coffee: The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: A perfect pairing for a cozy winter treat.
- Strawberry Milk: Complements the Valentine’s Day theme and the flavors in the cookies.
- Sides:
- Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an extra special dessert.
- Fresh Fruit: A bowl of fresh strawberries or raspberries pairs well with the flavors of the cookies.
Nutritional Information: A Sweet Indulgence
Per serving (1 large cookie, approximate): Calories: 300-350, Fat: 15-18g, Carbohydrates: 40-45g, Protein: 3-4g. (Note: This is an approximation and will vary based on the specific ingredients used).
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Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies: A Sweet, Colorful, and Festive Treat
Description
Learn how to make these adorable and delicious Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies! These festive treats are packed with chocolate, Oreos, and colorful M&M’s, perfect for celebrating love.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, slightly softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s
- 7 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped (regular stuffed, NOT Double Stuf)
Instructions
1. Prepare for Baking: Setting the Stage for Success
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (Silpat).
2. Cream Together Butter and Sugars: The Foundation of Flavor and Texture
- Combine Butter and Sugars: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the slightly softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Cream: Using a rubber spatula, cream the butter and sugars together until they are well combined and the mixture is relatively smooth. You can also use an electric mixer on a low setting if desired.
- Tip: The butter should be softened but still slightly cool to the touch for optimal creaming.
3. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Adding Moisture and Flavor
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
- Mix: Mix thoroughly until everything is smooth and well incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Ensuring Even Distribution
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt over the wet ingredients.
- Tip: For best results, measure the flour by fluffing it up in its container, then spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a straight edge.
- Stir: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough will be thick.
5. Fold in M&M’s and Oreos: Adding the Festive Mix-Ins
- Add M&M’s and Oreos: Add the Valentine’s Day M&M’s and the roughly chopped Oreo pieces to the cookie dough.
- Fold: Gently fold in the M&M’s and Oreos using a rubber spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape and Bake the Cookies: Creating Large, Bakery-Style Treats
- Scoop Dough: Use a large cookie scoop (approximately ¼ cup or 4 tablespoons) to portion out the cookie dough. This will create about 10 large cookies.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Place the scoops of dough on the prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between each one (about 2-3 inches) to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 13 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: The cookies should look slightly underdone or even a bit gooey in the middle. This is what you want! They will continue to bake as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Optional Swirling: The recipe author suggests using a large, round cookie cutter to swirl around the just-baked cookies as soon as they come out of the oven, which helps to create a perfectly round shape.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Allowing the Cookies to Set
- Cool on Baking Sheet: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking when transferred.
- Transfer to Wire Rack: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Comprehensive FAQ: Your Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookie Questions Answered
- Q: Can I make these cookies smaller?
- A: Yes, you can use a smaller cookie scoop or spoon to make smaller cookies. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness a few minutes earlier.
- Q: How do I store leftover cookies?
- A: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
- A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the cookie dough.
- Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate candy?
- A: Absolutely! Feel free to use other chocolate candies, such as mini chocolate chips, chopped chocolate pieces, or other M&M flavors.
- Q: Can I use a different type of cookie?
- A: Sure, you can experiment with different cookies, like chocolate chip cookies or peanut butter cookies.
- Q: Can I make these cookies without the Oreos?
- A: Yes, you can omit the Oreos for a classic M&M cookie.
- Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?
- A: You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different. Make sure all your other ingredients are gluten free as well.
- Q: Can I make these cookies vegan?
- A: You would need to find vegan substitutes for butter, egg, M&Ms, and Oreos. There are many vegan butter and egg substitutes available on the market.
- Q: What’s the best way to chop Oreos?
- A: You can roughly chop them with a knife or pulse them a few times in a food processor. Be careful not to over-process them into fine crumbs.
- Q: How do I make sure my cookies are soft and chewy?
- A: Don’t overbake the cookies. They should still be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. The cornstarch also helps to create a soft texture.
- Q: Can I double this recipe?
- A: Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled. You may need to bake the cookies in batches.