Coconut M&M Cookies Recipe
There’s something magical about cookies that brings a smile to anyone’s face, and when you add coconut and colorful M&Ms to the mix, it elevates the experience to a whole new level. These Coconut M&M Cookies are incredibly soft, chewy, and bursting with delightful flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are countless cookie recipes out there, but what sets this Coconut M&M Cookies Recipe apart is the unique combination of flavors and textures. The sweet, chewy coconut contrasts beautifully with the crunchy, colorful M&Ms. Each bite is a delicious explosion of sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, they’re super simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
What You’ll Gather
To make these scrumptious Coconut M&M Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113g) butter – softened for easy mixing
- 1/2 cup (107g) brown sugar – adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor
- 1/2 cup (99g) sugar – for sweetness
- 1 large egg (50g) – binds the ingredients together
- 2 teaspoons (9g) vanilla extract – enhances the flavors
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour – the base of the cookies
- 1/2 teaspoon (1g) kosher salt – balances the sweetness
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) baking soda – helps the cookies rise
- 1 cup (82g) coconut M&Ms – the star of the show!
Hardware & Gadgets
Before you start baking, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing Bowl – for combining ingredients
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – for accurate measurements
- Baking Sheet – where your cookies will bake to perfection
- Parchment Paper – for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking
- Whisk or Electric Mixer – to ensure a smooth batter
From Start to Finish: Coconut M&M Cookies Recipe
Making these Coconut M&M Cookies is a breeze! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Using a whisk or electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack the egg into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined, ensuring that everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
Step 6: Fold in the Coconut M&Ms
Gently fold in the coconut M&Ms until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful treats warm or at room temperature!
No-Store Runs Needed
One of the best parts about this Coconut M&M Cookies Recipe is that you likely have most of the ingredients already in your kitchen. Here’s a quick list of items you can easily find at home:
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Kosher salt
- Baking soda
- Coconut M&Ms (or any other M&Ms you have on hand)
Mistakes That Ruin Coconut M&M Cookies Recipe
Even the best bakers can make mistakes! Here are some common pitfalls to avoid while making Coconut M&M Cookies:
- Not softening the butter enough: Cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature.
- Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Skipping the parchment paper: This can cause sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheet!
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) for perfect baking.
Prep Ahead & Store
These Coconut M&M Cookies can be prepped ahead of time or stored for later enjoyment:
If you want to prepare the dough in advance, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent drying out. You can also freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
- Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper.
Quick Questions
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of coconut M&Ms?
Yes, you can definitely substitute unsweetened coconut flakes for a more coconut-forward flavor. Just add some chocolate chips for sweetness!
What can I use in place of butter?
For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Just make sure it’s softened before mixing.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for delicious gluten-free Coconut M&M Cookies.
How can I make these cookies extra chewy?
To achieve extra chewiness, you can add an additional egg yolk to the dough or slightly underbake the cookies for a softer center.
Make It Tonight
Now that you have this Coconut M&M Cookies Recipe in your hands, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising your loved ones, these cookies are sure to be a hit. You’ll love the way the sweet coconut and chocolate melt together in each bite. So grab your ingredients and hardware, and let the baking begin!
Baking these Coconut M&M Cookies will fill your home with an irresistible aroma. The combination of flavors and textures makes for an unforgettable treat that you will want to share with everyone. Happy baking!
Coconut M&M Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Using a whisk or electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Crack the egg into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined, ensuring that everything is evenly incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
- Gently fold in the coconut M&Ms until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful treats warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for best results.
- Don't overmix the dough; mix until just combined for tender cookies.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- You can freeze cookie dough for later baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
