Chewy & Delicious Mini M&M Cookies: Your Go-To Quick & Low-Point Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. And when that craving for something sweet hits, these chewy and absolutely scrumptious mini M&M cookies are the perfect answer! This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels, and the best part? They’re ready in just a flash, taking only about 5 minutes of prep and 5 minutes to bake. Plus, for those tracking their intake, these delightful treats are remarkably light, often coming in at just 1 SmartPoint per cookie or even 2 for 1 point plus, depending on your program. Get ready to bake a batch of pure happiness!
Whether you’re looking for a delightful snack, a quick dessert for an unexpected guest, or simply a sweet pick-me-up, these mini M&M cookies deliver every time. Their vibrant colors and irresistible chewiness make them a hit with both kids and adults. We’ve perfected this recipe to ensure that even with a lighter touch on ingredients, you don’t compromise on flavor or that quintessential cookie texture. So, let’s dive into making these incredible cookies that are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
Mini M&M Cookies
Ingredients
These simple ingredients come together to create a light yet satisfying cookie. Using light margarine and egg whites helps keep the calories down without sacrificing flavor or the delightful chewy texture. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- 2 Tbsp light margarine
- 1/2 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3 Tbsp mini M&M’s
Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to bake a batch of delightful mini M&M cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Precision in baking often leads to the best results, so take your time and enjoy the process!
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First, get your oven ready. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Set it aside for now.
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In a medium mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the brown sugar, light margarine, and honey until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating a tender cookie. Then, add in the egg whites and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
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Next, gently mix in your all-purpose flour and baking soda with a spoon or a low speed on your electric mixer. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Finally, carefully fold in the mini M&M’s by hand. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough without getting crushed.
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Using a teaspoon, drop rounded dollops of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking. For uniform size, use a small cookie scoop if you have one.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 4-6 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; cookies are done when the edges appear lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. As a reminder, each cookie is 1 SmartPoint on all three MyWW programs (Blue, Green, & Purple), or 2 cookies are 1 point plus on the old Weight Watchers program.
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Nutritional information per cookie: Approximately 23 calories, 0.4g fat, 0.1g saturated fat, 4.4g carbohydrates, 0.1g fiber, 2.8g sugars, and 0.3g protein. These values provide a guide for those monitoring their intake, making these a truly guilt-free indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Chewy M&M Cookies Every Time
Achieving that perfect chewy texture and delightful flavor is easier than you think with these simple tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your light margarine, honey, and egg whites are at room temperature. This helps them cream together smoothly, creating a more uniform and airy dough, which contributes to the final texture of the cookies.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour and baking soda, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, rather than chewy, cookies. A light hand is key!
- Mini M&M’s for Mini Cookies: Using mini M&M’s is crucial for this recipe. Regular-sized M&M’s might be too large for the small cookie dough drops, potentially altering their shape and baking time.
- Watch the Baking Time Closely: Ovens vary, so the 4-6 minute baking time is a guideline. Start checking at 4 minutes. You want the edges to be set and lightly golden brown, while the centers still look a little soft. They will firm up as they cool. Undercooking slightly is better than overcooking, which can lead to dry, hard cookies.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from breaking apart.
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their chewiness and freshness.
Customization and Variations
While these mini M&M cookies are perfect as is, feel free to experiment and make them your own!
- Different Candies: Instead of mini M&M’s, try other small chocolate candies, chopped up candy bars, or even miniature chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Nutty Additions: For a delightful crunch, fold in 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts along with the M&M’s.
- Extracts: A drop of almond extract or a hint of orange zest can add an interesting twist to the classic vanilla flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Results may vary slightly, but it’s worth experimenting!
Additional Info
There’s nothing quite like pulling a fresh batch of these vibrant, colorful cookies from the oven. Their soft, chewy texture and the familiar taste of M&M’s make them an instant favorite. These mini delights are perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or even a healthier sweet treat for your evening dessert. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of homemade M&M cookies without the guilt!
This recipe truly highlights how easy it can be to whip up a satisfying dessert with minimal effort and smart ingredient choices. The balance of chewiness and sweetness, combined with the fun pop of M&M’s, makes these cookies incredibly addictive. Remember, baking should be a joy, and with a recipe this simple and rewarding, it certainly will be!
So, the next time you’re in the mood for baking, or simply craving a classic cookie with a twist, give these mini M&M cookies a try. They are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a testament to how healthy eating can still include delicious indulgences. Happy baking!