Oh my goodness, July Cookies with M&M’s have a special place in my heart! These delightful cookies are a sweet tribute to summer gatherings and the vibrant colors of the 4th of July festivities. I remember baking them with my family during long summer afternoons, the warm scent of vanilla wafting through the house while we sang our favorite songs. Each bite was filled with a burst of chocolatey goodness and a little crunch from the M&M’s — a total treat!
What makes these cookies unique is how the colorful candies brighten up any occasion. They’re perfect for everything from casual backyard barbecues to holiday get-togethers. Plus, they’re so easy to make; even the kids can get involved! Trust me, once you take a bite of a warm July Cookie, you’ll understand why I adore them so much.
What’s in July Cookies with M&M’s?
Butter: The key to achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture. I usually opt for unsalted butter to control the sweetness.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to the cookies. I love using light brown sugar, but dark works well too if you’re going for a richer flavor.
Granulated Sugar: This balances out the brown sugar and helps in achieving that delightful cookie crispness.
Eggs: They bring everything together, add moisture, and create that lovely chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet aroma that elevates the whole cookie experience.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie that binds everything together. I always sift mine for an extra light texture.
Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise and gives them that perfect fluffy bite.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
M&M’s: The star of the show! I like to use the classic milk chocolate variety, but feel free to mix it up with peanut or pretzel M&M’s for a fun twist!
Is July Cookies with M&M’s Good for You?
While these cookies definitely fall on the indulgent side of the spectrum, they do have some fun perks!
Butter provides a source of fat that can help absorb some vitamins, and brown sugar has a bit more moisture than its granulated counterpart, meaning it might keep you feeling fuller for longer. Plus, the joy of baking and sharing treats can do wonders for your mental health!
However, do keep in mind that these cookies are high in sugar and fat, so moderation is key. Enjoying one or two with a cup of coffee or milk can definitely bring a smile and a sweet moment to your day!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup M&M’s (feel free to mix and match!)
These quantities will yield about 2 dozen cookies. Perfect for sharing… or not!
How to Make July Cookies with M&M’s?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing!
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
4. 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.
5. Fold in the M&M’s until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sweet Tips and Tricks to Try
– Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
– For a fun twist, add a 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or different types of chocolate to the batter.
– Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking for an extra chewy cookie.
– These cookies freeze beautifully! Just layer them between pieces of parchment in an airtight container.
Now that you have this delightful recipe, I encourage you to give it a try! Dive into the world of baking these July Cookies with M&M’s and create your own memories. I’d love to hear how they turn out and any fun twists you try! Happy baking!
