Oatmeal M&M Cookies Recipe

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.

Brown sugar: Provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie's structure.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.

Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note to the cookies.

Old-fashioned oats: Provide a chewy texture and wholesome flavor.

M&Ms: Add color, crunch, and chocolatey goodness to the cookies.

When creaming together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, make sure the butter is at room temperature. This ensures it blends smoothly with the sugars, creating a light and fluffy mixture that will help your cookies achieve the perfect texture.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, giving the cookies a slightly different but pleasant flavor.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar texture and sweetness level, with a slight caramel flavor that complements the cookies.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, though it will slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients together.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but delightful flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it will make the cookies denser.

• baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 teaspoons of baking powder for every teaspoon of baking soda. This will help the cookies rise, though the texture may be slightly different.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a warm, complex flavor.

• old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quick oats: Quick oats have a similar texture but cook faster, making the cookies slightly softer.

• m&ms - Substitute with chocolate chips: Chocolate chips provide a similar sweetness and texture, though without the colorful candy coating.

• Allow the cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack before storing. This ensures they maintain their delightful texture and don't become soggy.

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for up to one week.

• For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months.

• To enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. For a warm treat, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

• If you prefer to freeze the cookie dough, scoop the dough into individual portions and place on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

• Always label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for 5-10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method helps to restore the cookies' original texture.

• Use a microwave-safe plate and arrange the cookies in a single layer. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check the cookies and add more time if necessary, but be cautious not to overheat them as they can become too soft.

• For a quick and easy method, use a toaster oven. Set it to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies directly on the rack or on a piece of aluminum foil. Heat for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.

• For a stovetop method, use a skillet over low heat. Place the cookies in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping them gently to avoid breaking. This method works well if you prefer a slightly crispy exterior.

• If you have a steam oven, set it to a low steam setting at around 250°F (120°C). Place the cookies on a steam tray and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method helps to retain moisture while warming the cookies.

• For those who enjoy a softer texture, wrap the cookies in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-12 minutes. The foil helps to trap moisture, resulting in a chewier cookie.

• Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the cookie dough for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lining for the baking sheet to prevent cookies from sticking.

• Large mixing bowl: Used to cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, and to mix the wet and dry ingredients.

• Hand mixer: Useful for creaming the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.

• Whisk: Used to combine the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, oats, and sugars.

• Measuring spoons: Used for measuring smaller quantities like baking soda, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

• Spatula: Handy for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and folding in the oats and M&Ms.

• Tablespoon: Used to drop rounded tablespoonfuls of cookie dough onto the baking sheet.

• Cooling rack: Allows the cookies to cool evenly after baking.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth and quick baking process.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can cream the butter and sugars faster than by hand, saving you time.

Pre-scoop dough: Scoop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet before preheating the oven. This way, you can pop them in as soon as it's ready.

Batch baking: Use multiple baking sheets to bake more cookies at once, reducing overall baking time.