A few days ago, as I was catching up on my favorite food blogs, one particular post instantly grabbed my attention. It was from “How Sweet It Is,” a site practically synonymous with delectable treats and baking masterpieces. The author, known for her incredible array of sweets, declared that she had just made “the best cookie recipe she has ever made.” Coming from someone whose culinary creations are consistently phenomenal, this was a statement I simply couldn’t ignore. My inner baker immediately knew: I *had* to try these cookies! The promise of a truly exceptional M&M cookie was too tempting to resist.

The original recipe that inspired this delightful baking project can be found on the fantastic “How Sweet It Is” blog. I highly recommend checking out her site for countless sweet treats and captivating food photography:

Giant Rainbow Cookies.

Embracing the Giant Rainbow Cookie Craze

These aren’t just any cookies; they are *Giant Rainbow Cookies*! Each bite offers a delightful explosion of color and flavor, making them an instant favorite for kids and adults alike. This recipe yields approximately 18 large cookies, or if you prefer a slightly smaller, more shareable treat, you can easily get 36 medium-sized cookies from the same batch. The name alone evokes a sense of joy and whimsy, perfectly matching the visual appeal of these M&M-studded delights.

One fascinating detail “How Sweet It Is” shared about this recipe is that a reader pointed out its similarity to the renowned Cooks Illustrated chocolate chip cookie batter. This connection immediately elevates its status, hinting at a scientifically perfected balance of ingredients for an ideal cookie texture and flavor. And indeed, these cookies are wonderfully sweet – a truly indulgent experience. Given my family’s diverse preferences when it comes to chocolate, I decided to make a double batch. For one batch, I opted for classic milk chocolate M&M’s, creating that familiar, comforting sweetness. For the other, I ventured into the rich, slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate M&M’s. It’s a testament to the versatility of this recipe that it can accommodate such variations, ensuring everyone finds their perfect giant rainbow cookie.

Beyond just a recipe, baking is an experience, and the details often make all the difference. I wholeheartedly recommend taking a moment to browse through the original blog post for her incredible pictures illustrating each baking step. Not only is the author genuinely hilarious, making the reading experience thoroughly enjoyable, but her visual guidance is invaluable. The photos provide clear, step-by-step instructions on how to handle the dough, ensuring your cookies turn out perfectly. My kids, with their wonderful imaginations, thought the freshly scooped dough balls looked just like snowmen! Snowmen in July, no less – a delightful and unexpected twist to our summer baking.

Tips for Baking the Best Giant Rainbow M&M Cookies

To ensure your Giant Rainbow M&M Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some key tips and insights derived from my own baking experience and the wisdom shared by the original recipe creator:

• Melted Butter is Key: Unlike many cookie recipes that call for softened butter, this one specifically uses melted and cooled butter. This small detail significantly impacts the texture, resulting in a chewier, denser cookie. Don’t skip this step, and make sure the butter isn’t hot when you add it to the sugars, or you might end up with scrambled eggs instead of a smooth dough!
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, which can lead to tough cookies. A slightly crumbly dough is perfectly fine initially; it will come together as you continue to work it, especially when you gently fold in the M&M’s.
• The Unique “Rough Side Up” Shaping: This is the secret to those beautiful, craggy, bakery-style cookie tops. After forming your dough into a ball, gently pull it into two equal halves. Then, turn each half so the “rough” side (which was the inside of the ball) faces upwards and squish them back together. Place this rough-side up onto your baking sheet. This technique creates amazing visual texture and helps the cookies spread perfectly.
• Space Them Out: Especially for large cookies, ensure you leave ample space – at least 2 inches – between each dough ball on the baking sheet. These giant cookies will spread considerably, and you don’t want them merging into one colossal cookie monster.
• Watch for Doneness, Not Just Color: The recipe advises baking large cookies for 12-15 minutes, or 8-12 minutes for smaller ones. Crucially, look for edges that are *slightly* browned. The centers should still appear soft and puffy. Overbaking is the enemy of a chewy cookie, leading to a dry, crispy result. A slightly underbaked center ensures that glorious gooeyness we all crave.
• Cool Completely: While it’s tempting to dive into a warm cookie right away, allowing them to cool completely on the baking sheet (or on a wire rack after a few minutes) helps them set and firm up. This is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture and preventing them from falling apart.
• Chocolate Choices: As I discovered, varying the M&M’s types (milk, dark, peanut, crispy) can lead to exciting flavor profiles. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even different colored candies to customize your rainbow cookies!
• Storing Your Cookies: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies or even the dough balls (unbaked) for a quick future treat.

Why These Rainbow M&M Cookies Stand Out

What makes these Giant Rainbow M&M Cookies truly special? It’s a combination of factors. The melted butter base provides an incredible chewiness and a rich, buttery flavor that’s hard to beat. The perfect balance of brown and white sugar ensures they are sweet but not cloyingly so, with the brown sugar adding depth and moisture. The M&M’s, of course, bring that iconic crunch and burst of chocolatey color, making each cookie a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Beyond the technical aspects, there’s the sheer joy these cookies bring. They are a delightful treat for any occasion, from a casual family dessert to a vibrant addition to a party spread. The simple act of baking them fills the home with an irresistible aroma, and seeing the vibrant M&M’s peeking through the golden-brown crust is pure happiness. They embody everything a good homemade cookie should be: comforting, indulgent, and utterly delicious.

So, if you’re looking for a new go-to cookie recipe, or simply want to brighten your day with a splash of color and a whole lot of flavor, these Giant Rainbow M&M Cookies are an absolute must-try. Get ready to bake, share, and enjoy every single delightful bite!