Introduction to Valentine’s Day Oreo M&Ms Cookies
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I can already feel the excitement in the air! If you’re like me, you want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where these Valentine’s Day Oreo M&Ms Cookies come in. They’re not just delicious; they’re a quick solution for busy days filled with love and laughter. Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they bite into these colorful, sweet treats. Trust me, this recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the day of love!
Why You’ll Love This Valentine’s Day Oreo M&Ms Cookies
These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&Ms 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 crunchy Oreos and colorful M&Ms creates a delightful taste and texture that everyone will adore. Plus, they’re a fun way to involve the kids in the kitchen, turning baking into a sweet family bonding experience!
Ingredients for Valentine’s Day Oreo M&Ms Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of baking! For these Valentine’s Day Oreo M&Ms Cookies, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few festive touches. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps create a soft texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Brown sugar: It brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, making your cookies chewy and delicious.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetens the cookies and contributes to their lovely golden color.
- Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and help the cookies rise, giving them a nice structure.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough, it provides the necessary structure for those delightful cookies.
- Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Crushed Oreo cookies: These are the star of the show! They add a delightful crunch and chocolatey goodness.
- M&Ms: I recommend using Valentine’s Day themed ones for a pop of color and fun. They add sweetness and a bit of crunch!
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Valentine’s Day Oreo M&Ms Cookies
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Valentine’s Day Oreo M&Ms Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies in no time.
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 the oven isn’t hot enough, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. So, let that oven warm up while you prepare the dough!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This process is key to achieving that perfect cookie texture. The air you incorporate while creaming helps the cookies rise, making them light and chewy. Don’t rush this step; take your time to get it just right!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients and providing structure. The vanilla adds a warm, inviting flavor that makes these cookies irresistible. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step is important for consistent flavor and texture in your cookies. No one wants a salty surprise in their sweet treat!
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. You want to see a few flour streaks; it’s okay! We’ll fold in the fun stuff next.
Step 6: Fold in Oreos and M&Ms
Here comes the best part! Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies and M&Ms. This is where the magic happens. The Oreos add a delightful crunch, while the M&Ms bring a pop of color and sweetness. It’s like a party in your cookie dough!
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions 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 uniform cookies, try to keep the portions consistent. It’s all about that perfect bite!
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 lightly golden while the centers remain soft. A little trick? The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out, so don’t wait until they’re fully set!
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly! Now, grab a glass of milk and enjoy your delicious Valentine’s Day Oreo M&Ms Cookies!
Tips for Success
- Always use softened butter for easy mixing and a better texture.
- Don’t skip the preheating step; it’s essential for even baking.
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them.
- Experiment with different M&M colors for festive variations!
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet: A standard one works, but a silicone mat can prevent sticking.
- Parchment paper: Great for easy cleanup; aluminum foil is a good alternative.
- Mixing bowls: Use any size, but a large bowl is best for creaming.
- Whisk: A hand whisk or electric mixer will do the job.
- Cookie scoop: A tablespoon works too for portioning the dough.
Variations
- 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 Twist: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Minty Fresh: Use mint-flavored M&Ms or add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a plant-based version.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cookies with a tall 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 for a romantic touch.
- Wrap a few cookies in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a sweet gift.
FAQs about Valentine’s Day Oreo M&Ms Cookies
Can I use regular M&Ms instead of Valentine’s Day themed ones?
Absolutely! While Valentine’s Day themed M&Ms add a festive touch, regular M&Ms will work just as well. The flavor will remain delicious, and your cookies will still be a hit!
How should I store these cookies?
To keep your Valentine’s Day Oreo M&Ms Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking. This will help the cookies spread evenly.
What can I do if my cookies turn out too flat?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to melted butter or not enough flour. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and consider adding a bit more flour next time. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help!
Can I add other mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to customize your Valentine’s Day Oreo M&Ms Cookies. The possibilities are endless!
Final Thoughts
Making these Valentine’s Day Oreo M&Ms 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 that’s hard to beat. As the cookies bake, the delightful aroma fills your home, wrapping you in warmth and love. Whether you’re sharing them with family or gifting them to friends, these cookies are sure to spread smiles. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let the magic of baking fill your hearts this Valentine’s Day!
Print
Valentine’s Day Oreo M&Ms Cookies That Everyone Will Love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies made with Oreo and M&Ms, perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies
- 1 cup M&Ms (preferably Valentine’s Day themed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- 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 M&Ms.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a festive touch, use red and pink M&Ms.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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: 20mg
