This Secret Ingredient Makes Softer, Chewier Cookies | America's Test Kitchen

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients.

unsalted butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative.

M&M candies

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate chips

💰Cheaper: chocolate-covered raisins

Dark chocolate chips provide antioxidants, while chocolate-covered raisins are often cheaper.

Start by measuring 11 and a quarter ounces of all-purpose flour, which is also two and a quarter cups.

Add 1 teaspoon of table salt and 3 quarters of a teaspoon of baking soda to the flour and whisk together.

In a separate bowl, melt 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter and add it to the bowl.

Add 1 cup of light brown sugar (7 ounces) and half a cup of white sugar (3 and a half ounces) to the melted butter and whisk until combined, about 30 seconds.

Add 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the mixture and whisk until emulsified, about 30 seconds.

Gradually add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until combined, being careful not to overmix.

Add the remaining flour mixture and mix until just combined.

Fold in 9 ounces of M&Ms (1 and a quarter cups) into the dough.

Portion the dough into 16 equal portions, about 2 heaping tablespoons each or 2 and a quarter ounces.

Roll the portions into balls and press them down to three quarters of an inch thick to help them spread while baking.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool for an additional 10 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Allergens