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The BEST Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Delicious Treat for the Holiday Season
Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious treats! If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to impress your loved ones this Easter, look no further than The BEST Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies are truly the ultimate bakery-style chocolate chip cookies, dressed up for the holiday with colorful M&Ms and rich, gooey chocolate chips. Soft, chewy, and extra thick, these cookies are loaded with sweet chocolate and festive Easter colors. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, preparing a dessert table, or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these irresistible cookies, including step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and even the nutritional information. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!
Why These Are the BEST Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies
What makes these cookies stand out from the rest? Here are a few reasons why they’re truly the BEST:
- Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside with slightly crisp edges, thanks to the addition of cornstarch and the perfect balance of ingredients.
- Extra Thick: By chilling the dough before baking, these cookies maintain their thickness and don’t spread too much, giving them that bakery-style look.
- Festive and Fun: The addition of colorful M&Ms makes these cookies perfect for Easter. You can even customize the colors to match your Easter theme!
- Loaded with Chocolate: With both semi-sweet chocolate chips and M&Ms, every bite is packed with chocolatey goodness.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers can master this recipe.
Ingredients for The BEST Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. Here’s what you’ll need to make 24 delicious cookies:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&Ms (plus more for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create the BEST Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This will be used to hold the cookie dough balls before they go into the oven.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating the perfect cookie texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. Make sure your egg is at room temperature to ensure even mixing.
Step 4: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. The cornstarch is the secret ingredient that keeps these cookies soft and chewy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate and M&Ms
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and M&Ms. Reserve a few M&Ms to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking for a festive touch.
Step 7: Scoop and Roll the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Press a few extra M&Ms onto the tops of the cookies if desired.
Step 8: Chill the Dough
Cover the cookie dough balls with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 9: Preheat and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chilled cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven. For soft and chewy cookies, take them out when they’re still slightly under-baked in the center.
- Customize the Colors: Use pastel-colored M&Ms for a more Easter-themed look.
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
The Secret to Perfectly Soft and Chewy Cookies
When it comes to baking cookies, achieving the perfect texture can be a challenge. Too often, cookies turn out either too crispy or too cakey, but The BEST Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies are guaranteed to be soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible. So, what’s the secret? It all comes down to a few key ingredients and techniques.
First, the addition of cornstarch is a game-changer. Cornstarch helps to tenderize the cookies, giving them that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Combined with the right amount of flour, it ensures that the cookies are thick and chewy without being dense. Another crucial factor is the ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar. Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and helps create a chewy texture, while granulated sugar contributes to the cookies’ slight crispness on the edges.
The chilling process is another essential step. By freezing the cookie dough for at least an hour (or up to overnight), you allow the fats in the dough to solidify. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker, bakery-style cookie. Additionally, chilling the dough enhances the flavors, making the cookies even more delicious.
Finally, avoiding overbaking is critical. These cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. They will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven, so it’s better to err on the side of underbaking. This ensures that the cookies remain soft and chewy rather than becoming dry and crispy.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create cookies with the perfect texture every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these techniques will help you master the art of soft and chewy cookies.
How to Customize Your Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies
One of the best things about The BEST Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies is how easy they are to customize. Whether you want to switch up the flavors, add extra toppings, or make them more festive, there are endless ways to put your own spin on this recipe.
For a nutty twist, try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough. The crunch of the nuts pairs perfectly with the soft, chewy texture of the cookies. If you’re a fan of white chocolate, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and add dried cranberries for a sweet and tangy combination.
To make these cookies even more festive for Easter, consider using pastel-colored M&Ms. These add a pop of color and make the cookies look extra special. You can also use Easter-themed sprinkles to decorate the tops of the cookies before baking. For a fun surprise, stuff each cookie dough ball with a mini chocolate egg before baking. When you bite into the cookie, you’ll find a delicious chocolatey center!
If you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit their needs. For gluten-free cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. To make vegan cookies, replace the butter with vegan margarine and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg.
No matter how you choose to customize these cookies, they’re sure to be a hit. Get creative and have fun with it—after all, baking is all about making something delicious and unique!
Storing and Freezing Your Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Once you’ve baked a batch of The BEST Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Proper storage is key to maintaining their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor.
To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Stored this way, the cookies will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them soft for even longer, you can add a slice of bread to the container. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread, keeping them soft and chewy.
If you’d like to freeze the baked cookies, they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm, freshly baked taste, you can reheat the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
But what if you want to freeze the cookie dough instead? This is a great option if you want to bake cookies on demand. Simply scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the dough balls until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, you can place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies anytime!
By following these storage and freezing tips, you can ensure that your Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies stay delicious and ready to enjoy, whether you’re serving them right away or saving them for later.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per cookie (based on 24 servings):
- Calories: 279kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
- Sodium: 114mg
- Potassium: 110mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 23g
- Vitamin A: 215IU
- Vitamin C: 0.1mg
- Calcium: 31mg
- Iron: 1.7mg
Why You’ll Love These Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of the Easter season. The combination of rich chocolate chips and colorful M&Ms makes them a festive treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday.
Whether you’re baking them for an Easter egg hunt, a family dinner, or just because, these Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and make this Easter the sweetest one yet!
The BEST Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Delicious Treat for the Holiday Season
Nothing says Easter like warm, gooey, bakery-style Chocolate Chip Cookies loaded with sweet chocolate and colorful M&Ms! These cookies are soft, chewy, and extra thick—just like the ones from your favorite bakery. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or sneaking a few for yourself, these cookies are pure happiness in every bite! Get your apron on and let’s bake some Easter magic!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 min
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&Ms (plus more for topping, if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Add Mix-Ins:
- Fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms until evenly distributed.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Press a few extra M&Ms onto the tops of the dough balls for a festive look.
- Freeze:
- Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). If freezing overnight, let the dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underdone.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for a smooth, even dough.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Freeze the Dough: Freezing the dough balls helps the cookies stay thick and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Under-Bake Slightly: The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet, so take them out when they look slightly underdone for a soft and chewy texture.
- Customize: Use pastel-colored M&Ms for an extra Easter touch!
Nutrition
- Calories: 279kcal per cookie
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 114mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies filling your home, especially during the Easter season. These Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with a treat that’s both delicious and festive. With their soft and chewy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and colorful M&Ms, they’re sure to become a new Easter tradition in your household.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and let us know how your cookies turn out in the comments below. Happy baking, and Happy Easter!