Introduction
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to whip up something sweet and delightful, especially when it comes to cookies! These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M Cookies are not only charmingly festive with their vibrant pink and red colors, but they also pack a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for just one more. With a rich, buttery base and a wonderful crunch from the crushed Oreos and M&M candies, they make an excellent treat for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on your own. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and spread some love!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies
- 1 cup M&M candies (pink and red for Valentine’s Day)
- Extra Oreo cookie pieces and M&M candies for topping
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, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, filling your kitchen with a sweet aroma.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly mixed in before adding the next; then, stir in the vanilla extract for that delectable hint of flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies to stay tender!
- Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies and M&M candies, spreading their delightful colors and crunchy bits evenly throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Press a few extra pieces of Oreo and M&M candies on top of each cookie for an enticing decoration that will make them look as good as they taste.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set, creating a warm, inviting smell that will make it hard to wait!
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful moment of anticipation as they cool!
Notes or Tips
For the best flavor, make sure your butter is at room temperature, allowing it to mix in flawlessly with the sugars. You can customize these cookies by using different M&M colors or flavors, making them perfect for any occasion! If you prefer a chewier cookie, consider baking them for a shorter time.
Cooking Techniques
Creasing the butter and sugars properly creates a light and airy texture in your cookies, essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth experience. Also, folding in the mix-ins gently ensures a good distribution of cookies and candies without overworking the dough. Allowing the cookies to cool slightly before transferring them helps maintain their shape and keeps them from breaking.
FAQ
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for later baking. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
What if I don’t have M&Ms on hand?
No problem! You can substitute with chocolate chips or your favorite candy pieces, providing the same delightful sweetness.
Conclusion
These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M Cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate love, friendship, or just a little self-indulgence! With their irresistible flavor and eye-catching appearance, they are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. So preheat that oven, embrace the joy of baking, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these delightful cookies!