Introduction to The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
As a busy mom, I know how hectic life can get, especially around Valentine’s Day. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my recipe for The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies. These delightful treats are not only quick to whip up, but they also bring a festive flair to any celebration. Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they bite into these soft, chewy cookies filled with crunchy Oreos and colorful M&M’s. Trust me, this recipe is a sweet solution for those busy days when you want to show your love without spending hours in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
These cookies are a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike. They come together in just 27 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute baking. The combination of rich Oreos and vibrant M&M’s creates a delightful flavor explosion that will impress everyone. Plus, they’re so easy to make that even your kids can help! You’ll love how quickly they disappear from the cookie jar!
Ingredients for The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking success! Here’s what you’ll need for The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies:
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it adds richness and helps create a tender cookie.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetener gives the cookies a delightful sweetness and helps with browning.
- Brown sugar: Packed for moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, it makes the cookies chewy.
- Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add moisture, making the cookies fluffy.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds a warm, comforting flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookies, it provides structure and stability.
- Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Crushed Oreo cookies: These add a delightful crunch and chocolatey goodness to each bite.
- Valentine’s Day M&M’s: These colorful candies not only add sweetness but also a festive touch!
For those who want to mix things up, feel free to substitute regular M&M’s for seasonal ones or even try different flavors of Oreos. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—baking! Follow these simple steps to create The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. If you skip this step, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie perfection!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This process is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that light, tender texture we all love. Aim for a pale, creamy consistency—this is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is important because it helps to emulsify the ingredients, creating a uniform batter. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract! It adds a warm, inviting flavor that elevates your cookies to a whole new level.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately is key to ensuring that the baking soda is evenly distributed. This will help your cookies rise beautifully and taste just right!
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want to see a few flour streaks; it’s okay! This will keep your cookies soft and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in Oreos and M&M’s
Here comes the fun part! Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies and Valentine’s Day M&M’s. Folding is a technique that helps maintain the airiness of the dough while evenly distributing the mix-ins. You want those colorful candies and crunchy Oreos to be scattered throughout each cookie!
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. For a uniform shape, you can roll the dough into balls before placing them on the sheet.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be golden brown while the centers remain soft. A little underbaking is okay; they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. After a brief cooling period, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set and maintain that delightful chewiness!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Don’t skip the preheating step; it’s vital for even baking.
- For softer cookies, underbake slightly and let them cool on the sheet.
- Experiment with different Oreo flavors for a unique twist.
- Involve your kids in the mixing and shaping for a fun family activity!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for wet ingredients and a medium bowl for dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer: A hand mixer works great, but a whisk can do the job too!
- Baking sheet: Use a standard cookie sheet or a rimmed baking pan.
- Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking; aluminum foil is a good alternative.
- Cookie scoop: A tablespoon works well for shaping the dough.
Variations of The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free option.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a cup of chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Minty Fresh: Use mint-flavored Oreos and green M&M’s for a refreshing twist perfect for the holiday.
- Reduced Sugar: Swap out half of the granulated sugar for a sugar substitute to cut down on sweetness.
Serving Suggestions for The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
- Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
- Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Present them on a festive platter, garnished with fresh strawberries.
- Wrap them in cellophane bags as sweet gifts for friends and family.
FAQs about The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Can I use regular M&M’s instead of Valentine’s Day M&M’s?
Absolutely! While I love the festive touch of Valentine’s Day M&M’s, regular M&M’s work just as well. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand!
How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
To keep The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week!
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I do if my cookies turn out too flat?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to softened butter or not enough flour. Make sure to measure accurately and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter. This way, you can enjoy The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies while keeping them plant-based!
Final Thoughts
Making The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories with your loved ones. The joy of mixing, folding, and shaping the dough brings a sense of togetherness, especially when the aroma fills your home. Watching those colorful cookies disappear from the plate is a delightful reward for your efforts. Whether you’re sharing them with family or gifting them to friends, these cookies are sure to spread love and happiness. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the baking magic begin!
Print
The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies You Must Try!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive cookies made with Oreo cookies and M&M’s, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed Oreo cookies and Valentine’s Day M&M’s.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a softer cookie, do not overbake.
- Feel free to substitute regular M&M’s for seasonal ones.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg