Introduction
Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with freshly baked cookies that are as delightful as a box of chocolates? These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies are not just any ordinary treats; they are bursting with flavor and have that lovely, heartwarming spirit that’s perfect for sharing. The combination of rich, buttery cookie dough loaded with crunchy Oreo pieces, colorful M&M’s, and gooey chocolate chips will make your heart skip a beat with every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies
- 1 cup M&M’s (preferably Valentine’s themed)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to combine thoroughly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies to be tender!
- Fold in the crushed Oreo cookies, M&M’s, and chocolate chips gently until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look soft but set.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some more M&M’s on top of the cookies just before baking.
- If you prefer softer cookies, slightly underbake them; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Feel free to customize your cookies with other mix-ins like chopped nuts or white chocolate chips if you desire!
Cooking Techniques
When making cookies, the technique of “creaming” your butter and sugars together is crucial. This process incorporates air into the mixture, helping to create a lighter texture. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best results. Additionally, folding in the ingredients gently helps maintain that fluffy texture, ensuring your cookies are perfectly tender.
FAQ
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or ziplock bag. Simply bake from frozen for a few extra minutes when you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies.
- What if I don’t have brown sugar? You can substitute granulated sugar, but your cookies will be less chewy. For a brown sugar substitute, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses.
Conclusion
These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to spread some love this season of romance. Whether you’re baking them for a special someone, sharing them with friends, or indulging in a sweet treat yourself, each cookie is a little piece of happiness. So, preheat your oven and get ready to fill your home with the warm aroma of baking goodness!