Vanilla M&M Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth vanilla shortbread cookies studded with colorful M&Ms. Sweet, slightly salty, and delightfully simple, these festive cookies are perfect for baking with kids and any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
3/4 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or 1 additional tsp vanilla extract)
1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt
1⅓ cups (320g) M&Ms
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy
Add powdered sugar and mix until well combined
Stir in vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste
Add salt and mix in
Gradually add sifted flour, mixing until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms
Fold in M&Ms until evenly distributed
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into 24 equal-sized balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Flatten each ball slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass
Bake for 13-15 minutes or until lightly golden at the edges
Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend
Substitute vegan butter for a plant-based option
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days