A few days ago, as I was scrolling through my favorite food blogs, one particular post caught my eye. A blogger whose creations I deeply admire, and whose site is aptly named “How Sweet It Is”, declared she had discovered “the best cookie recipe she has ever made.” Knowing her reputation for delectable desserts and sweet treats, I instantly knew this was a recipe I absolutely *had* to try. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and the promise of a truly exceptional cookie was something I couldn’t resist.
The timing, however, wasn’t exactly perfect. My kitchen floor had just been refinished, meaning our culinary hub was largely off-limits. Baking became a distant dream amidst the fumes and caution tape. To add to the challenge, we were in the midst of a sweltering heatwave, with the heat index soaring to a stifling 111 degrees Fahrenheit! The thought of turning on the oven was almost unbearable. “Ugh!” was certainly my sentiment during those hot, kitchen-less days.
Despite the obstacles, I had made a promise to my youngest daughter: a baking session was in our near future. She, with her keen sweet tooth, enthusiastically voted for cupcakes. But I, ever the cookie enthusiast, cast my vote for cookies! And, as often happens in our household, my cookie conviction prevailed. Don’t worry, though; cupcakes are definitely on the agenda for next week – a sweet compromise for a happy family.
This particular recipe, destined to become a family favorite, promised giant, delightful treats. The original source, a treasure trove of sweet inspiration, can be found here: How Sweet Eats: Giant Rainbow Cookies. I highly recommend visiting her blog, not only for the comprehensive steps but also for her incredibly entertaining writing style. Her posts always bring a smile to my face.
What makes these Giant Rainbow Cookies so special? Beyond their impressive size and cheerful appearance, they offer a perfect balance of texture and sweetness. The original blogger mentioned that a reader had commented on the batter being remarkably similar to the famous Cooks Illustrated chocolate chip cookie base. This hint of culinary prestige immediately piqued my interest. Indeed, these cookies are wonderfully sweet, a true indulgence that satisfies any craving.
For my first attempt at this delightful recipe, I decided to go big and made a double batch. Our family, like many, is happily divided when it comes to chocolate preferences. So, to cater to everyone, I prepared one batch with classic milk chocolate M&M’s and another with rich dark chocolate M&M’s. The vibrant colors of the candies truly make these cookies live up to their “rainbow” name, adding a playful visual appeal that children and adults alike adore. They’re not just cookies; they’re a celebration in every bite!
The true magic of these cookies lies in their soft, chewy centers and slightly crispy edges, a texture that is simply divine. My kids, with their wonderful imaginations, even thought they resembled snowmen! Snowmen in July, nonetheless, which brought a delightful chuckle to our hot summer day. It was a testament to how these cookies, with their unique shape and colorful M&M “buttons,” spark joy and creativity.
Essential Baking Tips for Perfect Giant Rainbow Cookies
While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few tips can help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time. First, ensure your butter is melted and then cooled slightly. This seemingly small detail plays a significant role in the cookie’s texture, contributing to that desirable chewiness. Similarly, using room-temperature eggs helps them emulsify better with the sugar and butter, creating a smoother, more uniform dough.
When it comes to mixing, don’t rush the process. Combine the butter and sugars until they are well integrated and light, almost fluffy. Gradually adding the dry ingredients prevents overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies. The dough will initially appear crumbly, but persistence (and perhaps a little help from your hands, as I discovered) will bring it together into a cohesive, pliable mass, ready for those colorful M&M’s.
The shaping technique described in the recipe is key to achieving the signature “giant” and slightly craggy look. Dividing the dough into portions, then pulling each ball into two equal pieces and rejoining them with the rough sides facing up, creates those beautiful, artisanal edges. This method also helps the cookies bake up thick and chewy, rather than spreading too thin. Leave ample space between each cookie on the baking sheet to allow for their generous expansion.
Crucially, watch your baking time. Overbaking is the enemy of a soft, chewy cookie. Aim for edges that are just beginning to turn golden brown while the centers still look slightly soft and puffy. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Resist the urge to pull them off the sheet too soon; allowing them to cool completely helps them firm up and develop their full flavor.
Why These M&M Cookies are a Family Favorite
These Giant Rainbow M&M Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. They’re perfect for family gatherings, school events, or simply a cozy evening at home. Their vibrant appearance makes them an instant hit, especially with children. You can customize them by using seasonal M&M’s for holidays or different colored candies for themed parties. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the simple act of eating, baking these cookies together creates lasting memories. The laughter, the sweet aromas filling the kitchen, and the anticipation of that first warm bite are moments to cherish. These cookies embody the joy of homemade treats, crafted with love and shared with those who matter most. They are a true testament to the simple pleasures that baking can bring into our lives.
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Print Recipe
Somewhere Over the Rainbow… Giant Rainbow M&M Cookies
5 minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
Cookies, Dessert, Treat
American
Giant Rainbow Cookies, M&M Cookies, Best Cookie Recipe, Homemade Cookies
18
Large cookies
173
kcal
How Sweet Eats / Michaela Kenkel
Ingredients
-
2
cups
+ 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour -
1/2
teaspoon
baking soda -
1 1/2
sticks
(12 tablespoons) of salted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature -
1
cup
packed light brown sugar -
1/2
cup
granulated sugar -
1
large egg + 1 egg yolk
at room temperature -
2
teaspoons
pure vanilla extract -
1
cup
mini M&M’s
or your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or other candies
Instructions for Baking Perfect Giant Rainbow Cookies
- Prepare Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). This lower temperature helps ensure an even bake and a chewy interior without overly browning the edges.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda, then set aside. In a separate, larger bowl, cream together the melted and cooled butter with both brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth. This step creates the foundation for the cookie’s rich flavor and texture. Next, beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. It may appear crumbly at first, but keep mixing gently; it will come together, sometimes needing a light knead with your hands. Finally, fold in the mini M&M’s until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape Your Giant Cookies: Divide the cookie dough into your desired portions. For 18 large cookies, use about 1/4 cup of dough per cookie. For 36 smaller cookies, use approximately 2 tablespoons per cookie. Take each portion and roll it into a ball between your palms. Then, pull each ball into two roughly equal pieces. Turn each half so that the rough, torn side (what was originally the inside of the ball) faces upwards, and then gently squish both halves back together. This unique shaping technique helps create those delightful, craggy edges and a thick, chewy center. Place the dough portions, rough-side up, onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, ensuring to leave at least 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the large cookies for 12-15 minutes, or smaller cookies for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers remain soft and slightly puffy. It’s crucial not to overbake, as this will result in a dry cookie. The cookies will continue to set as they cool. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, it’s time to dig in and enjoy these incredible giant rainbow M&M cookies!
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Serving:
1
cookie
|
Calories:
173
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
25
g
|
Protein:
1
g
|
Fat:
8
g
|
Saturated Fat:
5
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g
|
Cholesterol:
36
mg
|
Sodium:
90
mg
|
Sugar:
23
g