If you’re searching for the best chewy m brown sugar cookies with shortening recipe, look no further. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of creating cookies that are perfectly soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers exceptional results every time. Let’s dive into the world of chewy M&M brown sugar cookies with shortening and discover the secrets to making the perfect batch.
Introduction
There’s something magical about the combination of brown sugar, shortening, and M&Ms that creates the ultimate chewy cookie experience. This chewy M&M brown sugar cookies with shortening recipe is beloved by home bakers for its rich flavor and tender texture. The brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness, while the shortening keeps the cookies soft and chewy, even days after baking. Whether you’re making these cookies for a holiday gathering, a school bake sale, or just because you have a sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you enjoy baking cookies, you might also like this classic Nestle Toll House cookie recipe that is a must-try for cookie lovers.
Ingredients for the Perfect Chewy M&M Brown Sugar Cookies with Shortening Recipe
Creating the best chewy M&M brown sugar cookies with shortening recipe begins with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start baking:
- M&Ms: These colorful chocolate candies not only add a burst of sweetness but also provide a delightful crunch in every bite. You can use classic M&Ms or mix it up with different flavors and colors.
- Brown Sugar: The key to the chewy texture and rich flavor in these cookies is the brown sugar. It contains more moisture than white sugar, which helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Shortening: Shortening is a crucial ingredient in this recipe because it prevents the cookies from spreading too much and keeps them soft and chewy. It also helps achieve a perfectly uniform texture.
- Granulated Sugar: It moderates the sweetness and boosts the comprehensive taste of the cookies. A mix of brown and white sugar provides the perfect sweetness level.
- Eggs: Eggs are essential for providing structure to the cookies. They also add moisture, which contributes to the chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A classic ingredient that enhances the flavor of the cookies. Vanilla pairs beautifully with the brown sugar and M&Ms.
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of the cookie dough and gives the cookies their structure. Be sure to measure the flour correctly to avoid dense cookies.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and ensures they have a light, tender crumb. Baking soda also reacts with the brown sugar to create a rich flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness. A pinch of salt is all you need to take these cookies to the next level.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Chewy M&M Brown Sugar Cookies with Shortening Recipe
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect chewy M&M brown sugar cookies with shortening.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by warming up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper oven temperature is crucial for even baking and achieving the right texture. Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t spread too much.
Step 2: Get Your Baking Trays Ready
Cover your baking trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will stop the cookies from adhering and simplify the cleaning process.If you don’t have parchment paper or silicone mats, you can lightly grease the baking sheets instead.
Step 3: Cream the Shortening and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shortening, brown sugar, and white sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Creaming the shortening and sugars together incorporates air into the dough, which is essential for creating a soft and tender cookie.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Once your shortening and sugar mixture is light and fluffy, it’s time to add the eggs. Add them one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. This step is crucial for creating a smooth and cohesive dough. After the eggs, add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Components
In a different bowl, blend the flour, baking soda, and salt together using a whisk.Whisking helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour, ensuring that the cookies bake evenly. Slowly incorporate the dry components into the wet ones, blending at a low pace until they are just mixed together. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can cause the cookies to become tough.
Step 6: Fold in the M&Ms
Using a spatula, gently fold the M&Ms into the dough. Be careful not to crush the candies, as this can cause them to bleed their colors into the dough, which might affect the appearance of the cookies. Folding the M&Ms by hand rather than with a mixer helps maintain their integrity and ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Drop the Dough onto the Baking Sheets
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. If you prefer perfectly round cookies, you can gently roll the dough into balls with your hands before placing them on the baking sheets.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, as ovens can vary in temperature. Remember, the cookies will continue to bake on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so it’s important not to overbake them if you want them to remain soft and chewy.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on the baking sheet allows the cookies to set and finish baking without becoming too crisp. Once the cookies are completely cool, you can store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Tips for Perfect Chewy M Brown Sugar Cookies with Shortening Recipe
Creating the perfect chewy M&M brown sugar cookies with shortening recipe requires a few key tips and tricks. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve the best results every time:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Using room temperature ingredients, especially the shortening and eggs, helps them blend together more easily, resulting in a smoother dough. Cold ingredients can cause the dough to separate, leading to an uneven texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Overmixing the dough can lead to tough, dense cookies. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the cookies chewy in a bad way.
Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies
If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling the dough solidifies the fats in the shortening, which helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking and prevents them from spreading too much.
Underbake for Extra Chewy Cookies
If you love extra chewy cookies, consider underbaking them slightly. Baking for a minute or two less than the recommended time ensures that the centers remain soft and gooey. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out of the oven, so don’t worry if they look slightly underdone when you first remove them.
Use Quality Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your cookies. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the brown sugar and vanilla extract, to ensure the best possible results.
Delicious Variations on Chewy M&M Brown Sugar Cookies with Shortening Recipe
One of the best things about this chewy M&M brown sugar cookies with shortening recipe is its versatility. Here are some variations you can try to make the recipe your own:
Different M&M Flavors
Experimenting with different M&M flavors can add a fun twist to this classic recipe. Try using peanut M&Ms for a nutty crunch, mini M&Ms for a more delicate texture, or even seasonal M&Ms for a festive look. The possibilities are endless, and each variation offers a unique taste experience.
Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
In addition to M&Ms, you can add other ingredients to the dough for extra flavor and texture. Consider mixing in chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a bit of crunch. Chocolate chips or chunks can also be added for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness. A dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of sea salt can add a gourmet touch to these cookies.
Using Different Types of Flour
For those who prefer a healthier twist, you can experiment with different types of flour. Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber to the cookies, while a gluten-free flour blend can be used for those with dietary restrictions. Keep in mind that different flours may affect the texture and rise of the cookies, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid or baking time accordingly.
Creating a Double Chocolate Version
If you’re a chocolate lover, try making a double chocolate version of this chewy M&M brown sugar cookies with shortening recipe. . Simply replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder to create a rich, chocolatey dough. You can also add chocolate chips or use dark chocolate M&Ms to enhance the chocolate flavor. This variation is perfect for those who can’t get enough of chocolate in their cookies. For a citrusy twist, you might enjoy this lemon cookies recipe, which offers a refreshing flavor.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Chewy M&M Brown Sugar Cookies with Shortening Recipe
Even with the best chewy M&M brown sugar cookies with shortening recipe, you may encounter some challenges. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:
Cookies Spreading Too Much
If your cookies are spreading too much and becoming flat, there could be a few reasons for this. First, make sure your dough is chilled before baking. Chilling solidifies the fats in the shortening, which helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking. If the dough is too warm, the cookies will spread more.
Another reason for spreading could be the type of baking sheet you’re using. Non-stick baking sheets can sometimes cause cookies to spread more than regular aluminum baking sheets. If you’re having trouble with spreading, try using a different type of baking sheet or lining your sheet with parchment paper.
Cookies Too Crispy
If your cookies are turning out too crispy, it could be because they’re overbaked. Remember that the cookies will continue to bake on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven. If you prefer chewy cookies, try baking them for a minute or two less than the recommended time.
Another factor that can cause cookies to be too crispy is using too much sugar. Double-check your measurements to ensure you’re using the correct amount of sugar. Too much sugar can cause the cookies to spread and become crispy rather than chewy.
Cookies Not Chewy Enough
If your cookies aren’t as chewy as you’d like, it could be due to the ratio of shortening to butter or the bake time. Shortening helps keep the cookies soft and chewy, so make sure you’re using the correct amount. If you’re using a combination of butter and shortening, consider increasing the amount of shortening for a chewier texture.
Also, check your bake time. Underbaking the cookies slightly can help them stay soft and chewy in the center. If the cookies are overbaked, they will lose their chewiness and become more crisp.
Cookies Tasting Bland
If your cookies are lacking in flavor, it could be due to the quality of your ingredients. Make sure you’re using fresh, high-quality brown sugar and vanilla extract, as these ingredients play a significant role in the flavor of the cookies. Additionally, don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to the dough, as salt enhances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions for Chewy M&M Brown Sugar Cookies with Shortening Recipe
These chewy M&M brown sugar cookies with shortening are delicious on their own, but there are plenty of ways to serve them that can make them even more special. Here are some serving suggestions to try:
Pair with a Glass of Cold Milk
There’s nothing better than enjoying a chewy M&M brown sugar cookie with a cold glass of milk. The milk helps to balance the sweetness of the cookie and enhances the overall experience. Whether you’re serving these cookies at a party or enjoying them as a snack, milk is the perfect accompaniment.
Serve Warm
For the best flavor and texture, serve the cookies warm, fresh out of the oven. When the cookies are still warm, the chocolate in the M&Ms is slightly melted, making each bite extra indulgent. If you’re serving the cookies later, you can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds to recreate that just-baked warmth.
Pair with Ice Cream
For a decadent dessert, try pairing these chewy m brown sugar cookies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The combination of the warm, chewy cookie and the cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible. Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate or cookie dough.
Create a Cookie Sandwich
Another fun way to enjoy these cookies is to make a cookie sandwich. Simply spread a layer of frosting or ice cream between two cookies for a delicious treat. You can use buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting, or even Nutella for the filling. Cookie sandwiches are a great option for parties or as a special treat for kids.
Gift in a Decorative Box
These chewy m and m brown sugar cookies with shortening recipe shortening make a great gift for friends and family. Package them in a decorative box or tin for a sweet and thoughtful present. You can add a personal touch by including a handwritten note or tying the box with a ribbon. These cookies are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just to show someone you care. Pair your cookies with these delicious almond cookies for a delightful variety on your dessert table
Conclusion
In conclusion, this chewy m and m brown sugar cookies with shortening recipe is the perfect go-to for anyone who loves a soft and chewy cookie. With the right ingredients and a few simple tips, you can create a batch of cookies that are sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. For more cookie inspiration, try out this delicious Quaker oatmeal cookie recipe or experiment with this unique cake cookie recipe for your next baking adventure
Remember, the key to making the best chewy M&M brown sugar cookies with shortening is to follow the recipe closely, use quality ingredients, and don’t be afraid to experiment with variations. From different M&M flavors to add-ins like nuts and chocolate chips, there are endless ways to customize this recipe to your liking.
Thus, assemble your ingredients, warm up your oven, and prepare to bake the tastiest chewy M&M brown sugar cookies with shortening you’ve ever experienced. Your taste buds will thank you, and your friends and family will be begging for the recipe.
For more delicious cookie recipes, be sure to check out Food.com and Allrecipes, where you’ll find a variety of creative and mouth-watering ideas to satisfy your sweet tooth.