There is something irresistibly joyous about colorful cookies that scream celebration, and that is exactly what the Pastel Easter M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe brings to your kitchen. These cookies are not only bursting with the classic comforting taste of chocolate chips but also sprinkle in festive pastel-hued M&Ms that add a playful crunch and delightful sweetness. Perfectly tender, slightly chewy cookies tinted in soft Easter colors make this recipe a standout treat for spring gatherings, family snacking, or gifting to loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun baking project, this recipe offers a beautiful balance of flavors and vibrant presentation that will brighten anyone’s day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first joy of any great baking adventure. Each element here is simple yet essential, contributing to the cookie’s perfect texture and that colorful Easter charm that makes these cookies truly special.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy foundation for tender cookies that hold their shape beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The magic leavening agent that gives cookies a soft rise and chewyness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the cookie dough.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering while helping to create a slight crispness on the edges.
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel note for that classic cookie warmth.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while contributing a tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: The golden touch that elevates all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: For that timeless melty chocolate surprise in every bite.
- 1 cup Easter-themed M&Ms, plus extra for topping: Brings colorful festivity and crunchy texture with seasonal charm.
- Gel food coloring (pastel pink, purple, yellow, and blue): Infuses the dough with soft, eye-catching pastels perfect for celebrating spring and Easter.
How to Make Pastel Easter M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures your dry ingredients are well combined and ready to gradually transform into delightful cookie dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to the cookies’ tender texture and subtle crispness.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth, rich base, then stir in the vanilla extract till well combined, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed. Avoid overmixing to retain a tender crumb and a soft bite in your cookies.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and M&Ms
Fold in the chocolate chips and Easter-themed M&Ms evenly throughout the dough. This is where the classic cookie charm meets festive fun!
Step 6: Color the Dough
Divide the dough into four equal parts. Using pastel gel food colorings, tint each portion pink, purple, yellow, and blue, mixing gently until the colors are consistent and vibrant.
Step 7: Create Marbled Cookie Balls
Take portions from each colored dough and gently press them together without fully blending to create a pretty marbled effect, then roll into balls roughly two tablespoons each.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with adequate spacing, press a few extra M&Ms on top for a festive look, cover, and chill for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step enhances the texture and flavor.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chilled dough balls for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are just golden, and the centers look slightly underbaked. The cookies will firm up as they cool for a soft, chewy finish.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This finishes the texture and ensures they are ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Pastel Easter M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra pastel M&Ms or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish that makes your cookies almost too pretty to eat. Fresh edible flowers can also add an unexpected springtime touch.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a glass of cold milk, vanilla almond milk, or even a warm cup of chai tea to balance the sweetness and create an inviting snack or dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a pastel-colored platter or Easter basket, layering with shredded paper grass. Wrap small stacks with clear cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon for charming homemade gifts that spread seasonal cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly soft and chewy for up to five days, making them a wonderful treat for days after baking.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies. Just separate layers with parchment paper and store them in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months.
Reheating
To revive frozen or stored cookies, gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to regain that fresh-from-the-oven softness and melty chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I use regular M&Ms instead of pastel Easter-themed ones?
Absolutely! While pastel M&Ms give these cookies their festive Easter look, regular M&Ms will still deliver the classic chocolate crunch and sweetness you love.
Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough helps firm up the butter, which prevents cookies from spreading too much, ensuring nice thick centers and those beautiful marbled colors stay distinct.
Is gel food coloring necessary or can I use liquid?
Gel food coloring is recommended because it provides vibrant colors without altering the cookie dough’s consistency, unlike liquid coloring which can make the dough too soft.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but be sure to check the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately for best texture.
How do I keep the pastel colors from fading during baking?
Using gel food coloring and chilling the dough helps the pastel colors stay bright. Also, baking the cookies just until edges are set helps prevent color fading from overbaking.
Final Thoughts
There is so much joy baked into the Pastel Easter M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, from the festive colors to the classic chocolate chip goodness with a fun crunch of M&Ms in every bite. This recipe invites you to celebrate the simple happiness of baking and sharing delicious treats with those you love. So, grab your mixing bowls and gel colors, and let these cookies add a sweet pop of color and cheer to your Easter celebrations or springtime gatherings. Happy baking!
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Pastel Easter M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these festive marbled chocolate chip cookies, infused with colorful pastel hues and studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips and Easter-themed M&Ms. Perfectly soft with a slightly crisp edge, these cookies make a fun and vibrant treat for spring celebrations or any cookie craving.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup Easter-themed M&Ms, plus extra for topping
Coloring
- Gel food coloring (pastel pink, purple, yellow, and blue)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mix aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, enhancing the cookie texture.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure even incorporation.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips and Easter-themed M&Ms into the cookie dough to distribute them evenly throughout.
- Color the Dough: Divide the dough evenly into four portions. Tint each portion with a different gel food coloring (pastel pink, purple, yellow, and blue), mixing gently until the color is consistent.
- Shape the Cookies: Take small amounts of each colored dough and press them together lightly without mixing fully to create a marbled effect. Roll these marbled dough sections into balls approximately 2 tablespoons each.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball for extra color and sweetness.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and slightly golden, while the centers remain soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set further before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant, pastel hues without affecting cookie texture.
- Chilling the dough helps maintain the marbled shape and prevents excessive spreading.
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft in the center.
- For a fun twist, you can experiment with different colored M&Ms to match other holidays or themes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
