Introduction to The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Ah, Valentine’s Day! A time for love, laughter, and, of course, delicious treats. If you’re like me, you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies come in! These cookies are not only festive and fun, but they also come together in a snap. With a delightful crunch from the Oreos and a pop of color from the M&M’s, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. So, let’s dive into this sweet adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
These cookies are a game-changer for busy moms and professionals alike. They’re quick to whip up, taking just 27 minutes from start to finish. The combination of Oreo cookies and M&M’s creates a delightful flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with family, friends, or that special someone. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a go-to treat for any occasion!
Ingredients for The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to cookie bliss! Here’s what you’ll need for The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies:
- Unsalted butter: Softened to create a rich, creamy base that helps achieve that perfect cookie texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread beautifully as they bake.
- Brown sugar: Packed for moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, making the cookies chewy.
- Large eggs: These bind everything together and add moisture, ensuring a soft center.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this magical ingredient enhances the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of any cookie, providing structure and stability.
- Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Crushed Oreo cookies: The star of the show! They add a delightful crunch and chocolatey goodness.
- Valentine’s Day M&M’s: These colorful candies not only add sweetness but also a festive touch to your cookies.
Feel free to get creative! You can substitute regular M&M’s for seasonal ones or even try different flavors of Oreos. For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find a printable version of the recipe.
How to Make The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get baking! Making The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies is a delightful process that’s as easy as pie. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make your heart sing!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. A hot oven helps them rise and develop that perfect golden edge. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. This process is key to achieving a light and fluffy texture. The sugars will aerate the butter, creating tiny air pockets that help your cookies rise beautifully. It’s like giving your cookies a little boost!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until well combined. The eggs add moisture and richness, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which is essential for proper rising. No one wants a cookie that’s flat as a pancake!
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy. Just mix until you don’t see any more flour, and you’re good to go!
Step 6: Fold in Oreos and M&M’s
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies and Valentine’s Day M&M’s. Folding is important here; it helps maintain the light texture of the dough while evenly distributing those delicious mix-ins. You want every bite to be a delightful surprise!
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, drop balls 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. Think of it as giving them room to dance in the oven!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them! The centers might look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool. That’s the secret to a perfectly chewy cookie!
Step 9: Cooling the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling process is vital for achieving the right texture. If you move them too soon, they might fall apart. Patience is key!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Don’t skip the chilling step if you have time; it helps prevent spreading.
- For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
- Keep an eye on the cookies; they can go from perfect to overbaked quickly!
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing and a smaller one 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 stoneware pan.
- Parchment paper: For easy cleanup, but silicone mats are a fantastic alternative.
- Cookie scoop: A tablespoon works well for portioning dough.
Variations of The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a cup of chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey experience that will make your heart skip a beat!
- Nutty Delight: Fold in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
- Minty Fresh: Use mint-flavored Oreos and green M&M’s for a refreshing twist that’s perfect for the season.
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs to create a delicious vegan version of these cookies.
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 in a decorative box tied with a ribbon for a sweet gift.
- Enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy afternoon.
FAQs about The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies
As you embark on your cookie-baking journey, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries about The Best Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies that I’ve encountered along the way:
Can I use regular M&M’s instead of Valentine’s Day M&M’s?
Absolutely! While the festive M&M’s add a lovely touch, regular M&M’s work just as well. Your cookies will still be delicious!
How do I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week. If they last that long!
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
What can I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better in the oven.
Can I add other mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit can add a unique twist to your cookies. The sky’s the limit!
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 loved ones. The joy of pulling warm cookies from the oven fills the kitchen with love and laughter. Each bite is a delightful mix of crunch and sweetness, perfect for sharing or savoring alone. Whether you’re celebrating with family or surprising a friend, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and enjoy the delicious journey of baking. Trust me, your heart (and taste buds) will thank you!
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 the 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 and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate 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 tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow 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