Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key to achieving that perfect bake!
Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheet
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about three minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
- Beat in the egg and yolk, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, cream of tartar, and cinnamon. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in M&Ms
- Gently fold in the M&Ms, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Roll
- Using a cookie scoop, create balls of dough and roll them in the extra sugar. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced a few inches apart.
Step 8: Bake
- Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want to pull them out when they still look soft!
Step 9: Cool
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh baking powder and soda make a difference. Check expiration dates for best results.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling. This helps with shaping.
- Watch the Oven: Ovens vary. Keep an eye on your first batch to ensure perfect timing.
- Experiment with M&Ms: Try different kinds of M&Ms, like peanut or caramel, to shake things up!
