Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! As Easter rolls around, I can’t help but get excited about my go-to holiday delight: **Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies**. There’s something magical about colorful candies and warm, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that just scream festive fun. Whether you’re making these to share with family, a neighbor who’s popped over for a visit, or just to indulge yourself (hey, we’ve all been there), these cookies will surely spread some cheer.
I remember the first time I baked these cookies with my niece. She was all of seven years old and clumsy in the most adorable way imaginable. We covered the kitchen in flour, and for a moment I thought we might end up making a more sophisticated version of cookie dough soup! But thankfully, we were left with a batch of beautiful cookies that she decorated with M&M’s, giggling the whole time. Those sweet memories combined with the deliciousness of these cookies make them a staple in my holiday baking repertoire.
What’s in Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Let’s break down these wonderful ingredients so we know what makes these cookies so irresistibly delicious!
Unsalted Butter: This is the star of the show! I prefer my butter softened, so it blends beautifully with the sugars for that perfect creamy texture.
Granulated Sugar: This helps the cookies spread nicely while giving them a delightful sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and a wonderful chewiness that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings out the flavors and makes the kitchen smell heavenly.
Large Eggs: These provide structure and moisture. Always remember to bring your eggs to room temperature for the best results!
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookie dough! It makes those cookies sturdy enough to hold in all that chocolatey goodness.
Baking Soda: This little ingredient is essential for that perfect rise, ensuring our cookies are fluffy and light.
Salt: Just a pinch! It enhances all the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: What’s a chocolate chip cookie without chocolate? I love the meltiness of semi-sweet chips, but feel free to mix it up with dark or milk chocolate if you prefer.
Pastel M&M’s: These adorable candies not only add pops of color but also a delightful crunch!
Additional Pastel Candy: If you’re feeling extra festive, toss on more pastel bites for a truly enchanting cookie display!
Is Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Good for You?
You know, indulge away, my friend! While these cookies aren’t exactly health food, they do bring happiness, which is essential! Let’s break it down:
Unsalted Butter: While butter is high in saturated fat, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The key is not to go overboard!
Baking Soda: Friendly reminder – it’s a leavener and is used in minimal amounts, so no worries here.
Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate offers some antioxidants, but the sugar content can add up. Moderation is the name of the game!
These cookies are a treat, after all! Just remember to save some for sharing—the joy is in the giving!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup pastel M&M’s (or similar candy for decoration)
– Additional pastel candy for decoration (optional)
*Makes about 24 cookies*
How to Make Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Ready to get baking? Let’s do this!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze!
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy – about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add your vanilla extract and then the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until everything’s nicely blended.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This is where the magic starts!
7. Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, place dollops of cookie dough onto the baking sheets, making sure to leave space for spreading.
8. Gently press some pastel M&M’s onto the tops of each cookie dough ball, and feel free to add more around the edges for a fun look!
9. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly undercooked, but don’t worry; they will firm up as they cool.
10. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Share your delicious Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies with family and friends. Or don’t; I won’t judge!
Sweet Suggestions for a Yummy Experience!
Want to customize your cookies further? Here are a few fun ideas:
– **Mix up the candies:** Use any colorful Easter candy you fancy, or even add some nuts for a little crunch!
– **Gluten-Free Option:** Swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free blend and voila! Everyone can join in the fun!
– **Experiment with Extracts:** A dash of almond extract combined with vanilla could add an intriguing twist!
That’s it! I can’t wait for you to whip these up for your Easter celebrations. They are sure to be a hit and make your kitchen smell divine! Happy baking, my friends! Don’t forget to share your cookie adventures with me!
