There’s just something magical about baking cookies, don’t you think? Every time I pull a batch of warm cookies from the oven, I’m instantly transported back to my childhood, when summer days seemed to stretch on forever, and the kitchen was filled with the sweet scent of chocolate. One of my absolute favorite cookie recipes is for July Cookies with M&M’s. They’re fun, colorful, and perfectly chewy—like little bites of happiness!
I remember the first time I made these cookies with my little sister. It was a sunny, sweltering July afternoon, and we decided to turn the kitchen into our very own baking studio. We laughed and sang along to our favorite tunes, and the joyous chaos of mixing, pouring, and accidentally spilling flour everywhere made it an unforgettable experience. Now, every time I bake these cookies, I think of that lovely day, and I can’t help but smile!
What’s in July Cookies with M&M’s?
Let’s explore the ingredients that come together to make these vibrant cookies sing!
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookies! I like to use a good quality brand, preferably unbleached, for the best texture.
Granulated Sugar: This sweet staple adds just the right amount of sweetness. I’d recommend using superfine sugar for a smoother cookie dough.
Brown Sugar: This gives our cookies that lovely chewy texture and depth of flavor. A light brown sugar works best, but dark brown can be fun if you want a deeper molasses flavor.
Baking Soda: The leavening agent that helps our cookies rise just enough to be perfectly puffy!
Salt: Always a must! It balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cookies.
Unsalted Butter: I usually like to use room-temperature, softened butter. There’s just something about butter that brings richness to cookies!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this lovely extract adds a warmth and aromatic touch that makes everything better!
Eggs: They’re the glue that holds everything together, providing moisture and richness. I always use large eggs for this recipe.
M&M’s: These colorful candy-coated chocolates are the star of the show! Feel free to use classic or peanut butter M&M’s, depending on your mood.
Chocolate Chips: Optional, but who can resist more chocolate? I like to add a handful of dark or semi-sweet chips for an extra indulgent bite.
Is July Cookies with M&M’s Good for You?
While these cookies are certainly a delightful treat rather than health food, they do have a few redeeming qualities:
All-Purpose Flour: While not whole grain, it does provide some carbs for energy. Remember, moderation is key!
Butter: It’s high in fat, but it also brings a delightful richness and flavor to baked goods. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt in your recipes.
Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein, which helps keep us feeling full longer.
M&M’s: While they do add sugar, they also bring joy and nostalgia, which can be important for our mental well-being. Treat yourself—life’s too short not to enjoy colorful candy!
Ingredients
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups M&M’s
– 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
These measurements should make about 24 cookies, depending on how generous you are with your scoops!
How to Make July Cookies with M&M’s?
Time to get your cookie game on! Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In another bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
6. Gently fold in the M&M’s and chocolate chips, if using.
7. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons (or use a cookie scoop) onto the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. You want that chewy goodness!
9. Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Cookie Magic: Tips and Variations
Let’s sprinkle in some extra tips to make these cookies even better:
– If you prefer a chewier cookie, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Trust me; it’s worth the wait!
– Get creative with add-ins! Chopped nuts, coconut, or even white chocolate chips can give your cookies a unique twist.
– For a fun presentation, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top right before baking to enhance the flavor.
– Pack these cookies in a cute box and share them with friends or neighbors. They’ll love you for it!
I truly hope you give my July Cookies with M&M’s a try! They are not just a treat; they are a celebration of warmth, joy, and memories. Bake them for a sunny day, a rainy afternoon, or to simply brighten up someone’s day. Don’t forget to share your cookie-making adventures! Happy baking!
