Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms are the perfect treat for anyone who loves cookies and chocolate. This delightful recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Using a cake mix as the base simplifies the process and save time, giving you chewy cookies filled with colorful M&Ms in no time at all. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a party, or just to satisfy sweet cravings, these cookies are versatile and loved by kids and adults alike. The combination of rich chocolate flavor and the crunch of candy-coated chocolate makes every bite a delight. What’s even better? They take very little time to prepare, so you can whip up a batch quickly and enjoy them warm right out of the oven.
HOW TO MAKE Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms
Making Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. You don’t need to be an expert baker to create these delicious cookies. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to do.
Ingredients:
- 15.25 ounces devil’s food cake mix (1 box)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups M&M’s candies
DIRECTIONS:
- Mix the Ingredients: Start by taking a large bowl. In this bowl, add the whole box of cake mix. Pour in the vegetable oil, crack in the two eggs, and add the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a spoon or spatula, mix everything well until you see no dry cake mix left.
- Add the M&Ms: Once the mixture is smooth, fold in about 2/3 of the M&Ms. Doing this gently ensures they are well-distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Chill the Dough: Place the bowl with your cookie dough in the refrigerator. Chill the dough for at least 20 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Preheat the Oven: After the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Shape the Cookies: Take the chilled dough and scoop out roughly 1 to 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls. Place these dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, as they will spread while baking.
- Top with M&Ms: To make the cookies look more appealing, press a few additional M&Ms into the top of each dough ball.
- Bake the Cookies: Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you want the tops to be set but not overbaked. The cookies may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook a bit after being taken out of the oven.
- Cool Them Down: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. After that, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool further.
- Enjoy: Serve the cookies warm or let them reach room temperature. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
HOW TO SERVE Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms
Serving Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms is simple and fun. You can place them on a platter to share at a party, school event, or casual family gathering. For a special treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. These cookies also make a great addition to lunchboxes or as an after-school snack. If you’re feeling festive, you might consider decorating the cookies with additional M&Ms or drizzle some melted chocolate on top when fully cooled. No matter how you serve them, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
HOW TO STORE Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms
If you have any leftover cookies (which is unlikely!), it’s essential to store them correctly. To keep them fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to make them last longer, consider freezing them. To freeze, let the cookies cool completely, then layer them in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They can be stored this way for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds to get them warm again.
TIPS TO MAKE Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, helping them maintain a nice shape.
- Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different. Start checking your cookies at the lower baking time (around 8 minutes) to avoid overbaking.
- Customize Your M&Ms: You can use different types of M&Ms for variety, such as peanut, pretzel, or seasonal flavors to match different holidays.
- Mix-Ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or other candies for more texture and flavor.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Baking Sheets: Make sure to space cookies well apart. They spread when baking, and too close together can lead to mishaps.
VARIATIONS
There are several fun variations you can try with Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter along with the oil for a nutty flavor. It complements the chocolate base.
- Mint Chocolate Cookies: Use mint-flavored M&Ms or add a few drops of mint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Double Chocolate: For extra chocolate flavor, consider folding in chocolate chips along with the M&Ms.
- Party Mix: Substitute M&Ms with a mix of various candies such as butterscotch chips and mini marshmallows for a colorful treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors! Yellow or chocolate cake mixes work great, and you will still end up with delicious cookies.
2. What should I do if my cookie dough is too dry?
If your dough seems a bit dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or milk to help moisten it.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can find gluten-free chocolate cake mixes in most grocery stores. Just substitute the regular cake mix with gluten-free options, and follow the recipe as usual.
By following the easy recipe and tips provided, you’ll create delightful Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms that are sure to bring joy to everyone who tries them. Happy baking!