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Chewy M&M Cookies with Shortening (Perfect Texture Recipe)

Chewy M&M Cookies with Shortening

These tender, chewy M&M cookies use butter-flavored shortening for a soft center and controlled spread. They are packed with colorful candies and ready in just 9–12 minutes per tray.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 30 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup (190 g) Vegetable shortening, preferably butter-flavored
  • 1 cup (200 g) Packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) Granulated sugar
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 cups (300-315 g) All-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Mix-Ins
  • 1 1/2-2 cups (255-340 g) Plain M&M candies

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Beat the shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 2–3 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the shortening mixture, mixing only until combined.
  5. Fold in most of the M&Ms, reserving a handful for the cookie tops.
  6. Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between portions. If the dough spreads more than desired, chill it for 20–30 minutes.
  7. Bake for 9–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly soft.
  8. Press the reserved M&Ms onto the cookies immediately after baking. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Notes

Do not overbake. The cookies may look slightly underdone when removed from the oven, but the centers will firm as they cool. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container.