Easy Party Cookies
Sweet, colorful party cookies with M&M's provide a fun treat suitable for gatherings, combining chewy texture with chocolate and vanilla flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together sugar, vanilla, shortening, brown sugar, and egg.
- Sift together dry ingredients: soda, flour, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of M&M's.
- Drop spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Decorate with remaining M&M's on top of each cookie.
- Bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For perfectly chewy cookies, be sure not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. If you want to add a twist, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter texture. You can also use different types of chocolate candies instead of M&M's, such as chocolate chips or chopped nuts, to customize your cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Party Cookies are perfect on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also pair well with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside other treats like Raggedy Ann's Magical Jello Cake at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze the cookies for up to three months. If you'd like to reheat them, simply microwave for a few seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a couple of minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Party Cookies contains roughly 34 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 494mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the shortening with butter?
Yes, you can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter. This may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit softer and richer. Just remember to let the butter soften to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars.
What can I do if I don't have brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can make a quick substitute by mixing white sugar with molasses. For every cup of brown sugar needed, combine one cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. This will mimic the flavor and moisture of brown sugar in your cookies.
Can I add nuts to this cookie recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can add a delightful crunch to your Easy Party Cookies. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of your choice of nuts after mixing in the dry ingredients for a delicious variation.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).