If you’re searching for a cookie that brings together a delightful mix of textures and flavors, look no further than Loaded Kitchen Sink Cookies with M&M’s and Dried Fruit. This recipe combines the vibrant crunch of colorful M&M’s with the chewy, tangy burst of dried fruit, all wrapped up in a soft, buttery cookie base. It’s the perfect sweet and chewy treat that’s not just irresistible but also endlessly customizable to your favorite mix-ins and tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A flavor explosion: The combination of M&M’s and dried fruit creates a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and chocolaty notes in each bite.
- Texture play: Crunchy candy, chewy fruit, and tender cookie dough make every mouthful exciting.
- Easy to customize: You can swap or add your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or other dried fruits effortlessly.
- Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds thanks to the crowd-pleasing mix of textures and flavors.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether a casual snack or a party treat, these cookies always hit the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Loaded Kitchen Sink Cookies with M&M’s and Dried Fruit lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays a key role in balancing sweetness, texture, and flavor while providing that irresistible cookie foundation.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the soft and chewy structure of the cookies.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise perfectly without spreading too much.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to keep the cookies tender.
- Sugars (brown and granulated): Brown sugar provides chewiness and depth, while granulated sugar gives a slight crisp edge.
- Eggs: Act as a binder and contribute to the cookie’s softness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet ingredients with a warm, fragrant note.
- M&M’s: Add bursts of chocolate and colorful crunch that brighten the cookie.
- Dried fruit (such as cranberries or cherries): Offer a chewy, tart contrast that balances the sweetness.
- Optional mix-ins: Nuts, chocolate chips, or even oats can enrich texture and flavor.
Variations for Loaded Kitchen Sink Cookies with M&M’s and Dried Fruit
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and invites you to get creative. Swap, add, or omit ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs without losing its signature appeal.
- Nut swap: Use pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy twist.
- Different dried fruits: Try apricots, raisins, or chopped dates for new flavors.
- Chocolate chips mix: Add dark, white, or peanut butter chips for more chocolate variety.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Vegan adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce.
How to Make Loaded Kitchen Sink Cookies with M&M’s and Dried Fruit
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda, ensuring even distribution to help your cookies rise and hold shape.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy, which creates that perfect base for chewy cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract, helping all flavors meld beautifully in the dough.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to maintain a tender cookie texture.
Step 6: Stir in M&M’s and Dried Fruit
Fold in your colorful M&M’s and chewy dried fruit evenly, distributing bursts of sweetness and tartness throughout the dough.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop generous spoonfuls of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges turn golden.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely for perfect texture.
Pro Tips for Making Loaded Kitchen Sink Cookies with M&M’s and Dried Fruit
- Use room temperature butter: This ensures even mixing and a smoother dough.
- Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients just until blended to avoid tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: Letting the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes ensures less spreading.
- Measure M&M’s and dried fruit generously: The magic happens when these mix-ins are plentiful and well distributed.
- Watch baking time: Cookies continue to bake slightly on the hot cookie sheet after removal, so err on the side of slightly underbaking.
- Use parchment paper: It prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
How to Serve Loaded Kitchen Sink Cookies with M&M’s and Dried Fruit
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra M&M’s or dried fruit pieces on cookies just after baking for a colorful, inviting look that highlights the ingredients.
Side Dishes
Serve with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat combination that elevates any snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies with layers of whipped cream and fruit for quick cookie sandwiches or wrap batches in festive cellophane tied with ribbons for gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to preserve their chewiness and freshness.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet before transferring to zip-top bags for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes.
Reheating
Rewarm cookies briefly in the microwave or a low oven to regain that fresh-baked softness and melty M&M goodness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of candy instead of M&M’s?
Absolutely! Candy-coated chocolates, Reese’s Pieces, or even mini chocolate chips can work wonderfully in this recipe.
What dried fruits work best in these cookies?
Dried cranberries, cherries, apricots, and raisins all add a lovely chew and tartness that balance the sweetness of the cookie.
How can I make these cookies vegan-friendly?
Replace butter with coconut oil, and use flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce as an egg substitute for a tasty vegan version.
Should I chill the cookie dough before baking?
While not mandatory, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and improves texture.
Can I add nuts to Loaded Kitchen Sink Cookies with M&M’s and Dried Fruit?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add an extra crunch and nutty depth to these already loaded cookies.
Final Thoughts
Ready to delight your taste buds? Loaded Kitchen Sink Cookies with M&M’s and Dried Fruit offer a unique, exciting twist on classic cookies that’s sure to bring smiles and a little joy to your day. Go ahead, mix up a batch—you won’t regret the sweet and chewy experience that awaits!