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Sheet Pan Cookies

There’s something uniquely comforting about cookies, especially when they are made fresh, warm, and gooey from the oven. Imagine the smell wafting through your home as you whip up a delightful batch of sheet pan cookies. Not only is this recipe packed full of chocolate chips and colorful M&Ms, but it also offers a fun, straightforward approach to cookie-making. You’ll love the ease of making them in one pan, the convenience of cutting them into bars, and how they bring a touch of nostalgia to any gathering.

Why Make This Recipe

Effortless baking: No need to scoop each cookie individually; simply spread the dough on a sheet pan and cut later.
Customizable: Throw in your favorite mix-ins—whether that’s nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate.
Perfectly chewy: Baking them in a larger batch ensures a soft, chewy center and lightly crisp edges for every single piece.

Making these sheet pan cookies is not just about satisfying that sweet tooth; it’s about creating a joyful experience reminiscent of childhood baking days.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sheet Pan Cookies

Creating your own sheet pan cookies at home is simpler than you might think. Just follow these steps and prepare to indulge in cookie heaven.

Gather Your Ingredients: First and foremost, make sure to have all your ingredients ready. For this recipe, you will need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&Ms
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cream the Sugar and Butter: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract for that extra depth of flavor.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are perfectly fine.
Fold in the Goodies: Now comes the fun part—fold in the chocolate chips, M&Ms, and if you choose to, your chopped nuts. These are the little surprises that make each bite delightful.
Spread Out the Cookie Dough: Spread the cookie dough evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Make sure to fill the corners and create an even surface. This ensures uniform baking.
Bake: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center might look a bit undercooked, but it will firm up as it cools.
Cool and Cut: Once baked, let it cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, cut into bars and serve.

Now, here’s a little visual to entice your baking journey further:

Best Way to Store Sheet Pan Cookies

When it comes to storing your delicious sheet pan cookies, keep these tips in mind:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Refrigeration: If you prefer them cold, they can be refrigerated for about a week. Just ensure they are sealed properly to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing: Want to save some for later? Freeze them for up to 2 months. Freeze bars individually, wrapped in plastic wrap followed by foil, then place them in a resealable freezer bag.

Using these storage tips will ensure your cookies remain fresh and tasty, ready for whenever that craving strikes.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Cookies

Bringing the joy of sheet pan cookies to your gatherings and special occasions can be rewarding. Here are a few imaginative serving suggestions:

Simple Presentation: Arrange the cookie bars on a beautiful serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookie bars to create delightful ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor for a decadent treat.
Cookies and Milk: Serve these chewy delights with a glass of cold milk or warm chamomile tea for a cozy evening snack.
Mixed Treats Tray: Combine with other baked goods like brownies or blondies on a dessert platter for a colorful assortment.

The options are limitless when it comes to serving these crowd-pleasers.

Tips to Make Sheet Pan Cookies

For those who want to elevate their baking game, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps to achieve that perfect creamy mixture when combining butter and sugars.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for the softest bite.
Chilling the Dough: If time allows, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and control spreading while baking.

By adhering to these simple yet effective tips, your sheet pan cookies will turn out irresistibly delicious each time.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re feeling a little adventurous or simply want to mix things up, consider these variations:

Nut-Free Option: If allergies are a concern, feel free to leave out the nuts or substitute with additional chocolate chips or seeds.
Different Mix-Ins: Try using dried fruits like cranberries or apricots in place of M&Ms, or use white chocolate chips for a delightful twist.

These substitutions maintain the overall charm of the recipe while giving you a chance to explore new flavors.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before spreading on the pan.

Q: How do I keep the cookies soft?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread can help keep them moist and soft.

Q: Can I add more chocolate chips?
Certainly! If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to use more chocolate chips or even substitute half of the chocolate for white chocolate chips for a mix of flavors.

Q: How do I know when they are done?
They’re done when the edges start to turn golden brown. The center may seem a bit underbaked—don’t worry, it will continue to set as they cool.

Baking sheet pan cookies is not just about the final product; it’s about the experience along the way—the mixing, the aromas filling the kitchen, and the joy of sharing them with friends and family. This easy recipe guarantees not only delicious results but also a memorable time in the kitchen. Happy baking!