The Best M&M Cookies

Step 1

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a large bowl.

Step 2

Beat the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in a bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth, then beat in the vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture and beat until combined. Reserve 1/4 cup of the chocolates, then stir in the remaining 1 3/4 cups of chocolates by hand. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dough and refrigerate until chilled through, about 1 hour.

Step 3

Arrange the racks in the upper and lower third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 4

Roll the dough into 24 balls, each about 3 tablespoons (alternatively, use a #20 large cookie scoop). Place 6 dough balls on each of the prepared baking sheets; stud the top of each dough ball with some of the reserved chocolates. Bake 2 trays at a time until the cookies are golden around the edges but still soft in the middle, rotating the trays halfway through, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 10 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough and chocolates.