Irresistible Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies: A Sweet Treat to Celebrate Love
Ah, Valentine’s Day! A day filled with heart-shaped chocolates, roses, and all things sweet. Growing up, my favorite part of this day wasn’t the classic gifts but the delicious creations in the kitchen. I remember the scent of fresh cookies wafting through the house, the excitement of decorating them, and the joy of sharing with loved ones. My go-to treat was always a chocolate chip cookie, but this year, I’ve developed a special twist that’s even more irresistible: Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies.
What makes these cookies so distinctive? It’s the combination of crunchy Oreo pieces and colorful Valentine’s Day M&M’s blending with warm, gooey dough that creates a cookie that’s not just fun to eat but also a visual delight. Trust me, these cookies will not only satisfy your sweet tooth; they’ll turn any regular day into a celebration. They are perfect for gifting, sharing at parties, or simply indulging at home, and believe me when I say, they’re better than any store-bought version you’ll find.
In this post, I’ll guide you through making these stunning cookies, share useful tips, and reveal why they will quickly become your new favorite Valentine’s Day treat. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this easy recipe, and create some sweet memories in the process!
What Are Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies?
The delightful Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies are like a love letter to your taste buds! Originating from the classic chocolate chip cookie idea, this recipe features a surprising twist with the addition of chopped Oreos and Valentine’s Day M&M’s. The experience is an explosion of flavors and textures—crispy edges, a soft chewy center, and bursts of chocolatey goodness with every bite.
These cookies have a rich chocolate flavor that mingles beautifully with the unexpected crunch of Oreo cookies and the vibrant snap of M&M’s, making them perfect for those looking to make a statement this Valentine’s Day. They’re an ideal treat for your loved ones or even for a cozy night in with a hot cup of cocoa. The colorful M&M’s also add a fun festive touch that makes them visually appealing and perfect for sharing.
Whether you’re baking for a party or simply indulging yourself, these cookies will give you that warm, nostalgic feeling of comfort food with a fun twist. And, trust me, after making them once, they’ll likely become a regular in your baking rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are five compelling reasons why making Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies is the perfect choice for your upcoming celebrations:
Irresistible Flavor Combination: With the perfect mix of creamy chocolate from the M&M’s and the crunchy texture of Oreos, each bite offers a delightful surprise. They taste like a rich brownie crossed with a cookie, creating comfort food heaven!
Customization Galore: Feel free to switch up the M&M’s for other seasonal candies or different varieties of Oreos. You can even add in a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness.
Cost-Effective Indulgence: While gourmet treats can be pricey, this homemade version costs a fraction of what you’d spend at a bakery. Plus, you can make a large batch to enjoy and share with loved ones, creating wonderful memories without breaking the bank.
Easy to Make: Don’t worry if you’re a beginner; these cookies are straightforward and fun to prepare. With minimal prep time and simple steps, they come together quickly, so you can enjoy them in no time!
Perfect for Any Occasion: While they shine on Valentine’s Day, these cookies are fantastic for family gatherings, school events, or even just a cozy night in. They are versatile treats that bring joy no matter the season.
In just a short while, you’ll be whipping up a batch of these delicious cookies to impress family and friends. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need!
Ingredients Section
Here’s what you’ll need for your Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies:
- 1/2 cup butter (slightly softened; room temperature for easier mixing)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed for that extra moistness)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for a delightful sweet crunch)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (real vanilla is always best!)
- 1 & 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for accuracy)
- 1 tbsp corn starch (to enhance the chewiness)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (for a lovely rise)
- 1/2 tsp salt (to balance sweetness)
- 2/3 cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s (use extra for decoration if desired)
- 7 Oreo cookies (roughly chopped, regular stuffed NOT double stuffed for the right texture)
Ingredient Notes
- Butter: Make sure it’s slightly softened, which makes for easier creaming with the sugars.
- Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar can also be used for a deeper flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Using a quality brand, like King Arthur Flour, can yield better results.
- Oreos: Feel free to experiment with seasonal flavors, but the regular stuffed Oreos hold up best in this cookie.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
Step 2: Creaming the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Use a spatula to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in 1 egg and pour in 2 tsp vanilla extract. Mix everything until smooth and well incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 & 1/3 cup flour, 1 tbsp corn starch, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually add this dry mix over the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in the 2/3 cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s and the chopped 7 Oreos. The dough will be thick and chunky, which is perfect.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a large cookie scooper (about 1/4 cup or 4 tbsp), scoop out the cookie dough to form around 10 equal cookies. Place them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 13 minutes. Don’t worry if they look a tad underdone in the middle—that’s exactly how we want them! They will firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Cool Down
Once out of the oven, use a larger cookie cutter to gently swirl around the warm cookies, ensuring they maintain a perfect round shape. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and results in better-textured cookies.
Don’t Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Make Ahead: The dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 48 hours. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready to go!
Troubleshooting: If the cookies spread too much during baking, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your treat:
- Pair with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon indulgence.
- For presentation, dust them with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a gourmet touch.
- Perfect for school parties, family gatherings, or simply sharing with that special someone on Valentine’s Day!
Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to mix things up! Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:
- Nut Lovers: Add in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Different M&M’s: Try using festive M&M’s based on the holiday or season. Spring colors for Easter or red and green for Christmas!
- Gluten-Free Tamber: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious gluten-free cookies.
- Diet-Friendly: For a lighter version, substitute some sugar with a sugar alternative, like stevia, and use whole wheat flour.
Nutrition & Storage Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 10 cookies
- Estimated Calories: ~150 calories per cookie
- Storage Instructions: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
FAQ Section
Can I use double-stuffed Oreos?
- Regular stuffed Oreos work better for this recipe since they provide the perfect ratio of cookie to cream, maintaining the right texture.
What if I don’t have corn starch?
- You can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though this may slightly change the texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes! You can chill the dough in the fridge for 24-48 hours before baking.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
- You can substitute one egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water).
What happens if my cookies spread too much?
- If your cookies spread too much, they may need more flour or you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I use mini M&M’s instead?
- Absolutely! Mini M&M’s will add even more chocolatey bites, making each cookie even more delightful.
How long do these cookies last?
- They last about a week at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
Can I use other flavors of Oreos?
- Sure! Different flavored Oreos can add unique twists to the flavor profile of your cookies.
What should I do if my cookies don’t come out chewy?
- Ensure you’re not overmixing the dough and consider reducing baking time slightly for a soft and chewy texture.
Can I add other mix-ins?
- Definitely! Feel free to add in nuts, dried fruits, or coconut, based on your preference.
Conclusion
These Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M’s Cookies encapsulate everything delightful about love and sweetness. They merge classic flavors with modern twists, offering something special that both you and your loved ones can enjoy. I hope you try this recipe and create some beautiful memories baking them to share with family and friends.
Don’t forget to leave me a comment letting me know how yours turn out, or if you have any tips of your own! If you love baking, check out my other delicious cookie recipes on the blog. Happy baking!
Valentine's Day Oreo M&M's Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (slightly softened) Room temperature for easier mixing.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed) For that extra moistness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar For a delightful sweet crunch.
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract Real vanilla is always best!
- 1 & 1/3 cup all-purpose flour Spooned and leveled for accuracy.
- 1 tbsp corn starch To enhance the chewiness.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda For a lovely rise.
- 1/2 tsp salt To balance sweetness.
- 2/3 cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s Use extra for decoration if desired.
- 7 cookies Oreo cookies (roughly chopped) Regular stuffed NOT double stuffed for the right texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, corn starch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the Valentine's Day M&M’s and chopped Oreos.
- Using a cookie scooper (about 1/4 cup), scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out.
- Bake for 13 minutes. Cookies may look underdone in the middle but will firm up as they cool.
- Once out of the oven, swirl around the warm cookies using a larger cookie cutter to maintain a round shape and cool on a wire rack.