Irresistible M and M White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies

Indulge in the Ultimate Delight: Macadamia Nut Cookies with White Chocolate M&M’s. These irresistible treats are more than just a cookie; they’re an experience. Combining the rich, buttery crunch of macadamia nuts with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, and a festive burst of M&M’s, this easy cookie recipe promises pure bliss with every bite. Perfect for satisfying any cookie craving, these soft, chewy, and decadent cookies are designed to be a memorable indulgence for any occasion.

Elevate your classic cookie game with these chewy White Chocolate Macadamia Nut M&M Cookies. While originally crafted with a delightful autumnal twist using seasonal colored white chocolate M&M’s, the true beauty of this recipe lies in its incredible versatility. Imagine swapping them out for vibrant Easter pastels, cheerful Christmas reds and greens, or patriotic reds, whites, and blues, transforming your dessert into a celebration tailored to any holiday or event throughout the year. Each variation promises a unique visual appeal while maintaining the beloved taste and texture that makes these cookies so special.

Why You Must Make These Irresistible Cookies

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about the perfect cookie, one that combines the best elements of flavor, texture, and visual appeal, then these M&M White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies are your answer. They’re not just another cookie recipe; they’re a culinary masterpiece waiting to happen in your kitchen.

• A Dream Come True for White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Lovers: For those who adore the timeless combination of creamy white chocolate and crunchy macadamia nuts, this recipe is tailor-made for your palate. These cookies take that beloved classic and elevate it with an exciting, colorful addition.
• Unforgettable Texture and Flavor: Prepare for a sensory delight. Each cookie is wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside, with perfectly crisp edges, all infused with a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. The addition of white chocolate M&Ms introduces an extra layer of creamy sweetness and a satisfying candy shell crunch, kicking these classic cookies up several notches.
• Endless Seasonal Versatility: What makes this recipe truly stand out is its adaptability. You can effortlessly customize these cookies for any holiday, season, or special occasion simply by choosing M&M’s in appropriate colors and flavors. From Halloween to Christmas, Valentine’s Day to Fourth of July, or even school colors for a bake sale, these cookies can be a festive centerpiece on any dessert table.
• Simple Yet Sophisticated Baking: Despite their gourmet taste and appearance, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make. The straightforward steps ensure that even novice bakers can achieve professional-looking and tasting results, making them a perfect go-to recipe for busy individuals who still want to impress.
• The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion: Whether you need a comforting snack for a quiet evening, a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies fit the bill. Their universal appeal guarantees smiles and requests for the recipe wherever they are served.

The inspiration for these extraordinary cookies arose from a fun and somewhat unexpected opportunity. I was scheduled to appear on a local TV segment, putting on my “Lifestyle Expert” hat to discuss “orange” cooking tools, perfectly timed with the approach of Halloween. It seems folks genuinely enjoy injecting a splash of seasonal color into their kitchens for the holidays. Of course, as a food blogger, I couldn’t arrive empty-handed! Bringing a delicious treat for the hardworking crew was a must, a small gesture to keep my food blogger status in good standing.

Initially, I pondered whipping up my renowned Killer Pumpkin Bars, celebrated for their incredibly thick and luscious cream cheese frosting. They are always a hit. However, a spark of creativity led me to a different, more vibrant path. I decided to shake things up and put a festive twist on my perennial favorite White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies, incorporating some seasonal M&M’s to match the Halloween theme.

A trip to Target yielded a bag of White Chocolate Candy Corn M&M’s, which seemed like the perfect thematic choice with their orange, yellow, and white hues. My plan was simple: swap out a portion of the traditional white chocolate chips for these candy-coated delights. Little did I know, these particular M&M’s weren’t just white chocolate; they were infused with a distinct candy corn flavoring. While it created a truly unique, somewhat unexpected profile, it taught me a valuable lesson about the diverse world of M&M flavors! Lesson learned, and while I might explore other options next time, it highlighted the endless possibilities. M&M’s come in an astounding array of colors and flavors—from classic milk chocolate to peanut, dark chocolate, crispy, and even specialty seasonal editions. This makes them the ultimate customizable ingredient for any baker. So, when you embark on your own version of these M&M White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies, feel free to choose the M&M’s that best suit the season, the holiday du jour, or simply your personal chocolate preference!

Crafting the Perfect Cookie: Essential Baking Tips

Achieving bakery-quality cookies at home is simpler than you might think, especially with a few key techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your M&M White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies are nothing short of perfection:

• Start with Room Temperature Ingredients: This is crucial for successful baking. Butter, eggs, and other dairy products should be at room temperature. Softened butter creams more effectively with sugar, incorporating air for a lighter, fluffier dough. Room temperature eggs emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more uniform texture in your cookies.
• Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale for flour if possible, or the “spoon and level” method (spoon flour into a measuring cup and level with a straight edge, don’t pack it down). Too much flour can lead to dry, crumbly cookies, while too little can make them spread too much.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
• Quality Matters: Use good quality white chocolate chips and fresh macadamia nuts. The better your ingredients, the better your final cookie will taste. Toasting the macadamia nuts lightly before adding them can also enhance their nutty flavor.
• Perfect Baking Time is Key: For chewy cookies, it’s often better to slightly underbake them. Look for edges that are lightly golden brown, while the centers still appear soft and slightly undone. They will continue to cook slightly from residual heat once removed from the oven.
• Cool on the Baking Sheet: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set up, preventing them from breaking apart when moved, and helps maintain their chewy texture.
• Personalize with Extra M&M’s: For that picture-perfect finish, press a few extra M&M’s onto the tops of the hot cookies immediately after they come out of the oven. This creates a visually appealing “bakery-style” look.
• Proper Storage: Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness. For longer storage, the dough can be frozen in individual balls, ready to bake from frozen whenever a craving strikes.

A Heartfelt Tribute: Remembering a Beloved Blogger

This blog post is dedicated to the memory of a truly dear friend and a cherished member of the blogging community who departed from this world far too soon. Joan, the brilliant mind behind the incredibly popular blog, Chocolate Chocolate and More, was a beacon of kindness, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her sudden passing at the tender age of 49, attributed to a heart attack, left an enormous void in the hearts of many, myself included, and sent shockwaves through the blogging world.

Joan was not just a successful blogger; she was a savvy businesswoman who willingly shared her vast knowledge and invaluable tips with countless colleagues, including myself and many of my foodie friends. She built a thriving platform centered around decadent chocolate and dessert recipes, propelling her blog to the top echelons of the online culinary sphere. Yet, despite her impressive achievements, she always made time for her “blogger peeps.”

Photo courtesy of Shanna Schad

We were part of a small, close-knit Facebook group, a virtual sanctuary where we would frequently connect for Google chats. These were informal, late-night sessions—often sans makeup, in PJs, with our beverage of choice by our computers. It was during these candid conversations that ideas would fly freely, and I absorbed so much wisdom from this blogging dynamo. Joan’s passion was infectious, and her insights were always spot on. She mastered the art of food blogging, creating a legacy that continues to inspire.

Joan’s commitment to her craft and her community was unwavering. Her recipes are a testament to her philosophy: easy to follow, approachable for all skill levels, and, without exception, absolutely delicious! Even now, long after her passing, every single click on her blog posts continues to generate revenue, providing vital support for her three wonderful children. It is our collective effort, as her friends and as a community, to keep her blog alive, ensuring her legacy endures and continues to benefit her family. Please take a moment to explore some of her amazing creations through the links below. Rest in peace, my dear friend. I’ll forever toast to your memory with a warm cup of hot chocolate and a chocolate-laden cookie until we meet again.

• Peanut Butter Cake
• Ombre Cake
• Nutty Toffee Bars
• Chocolate Overloaded Brownies

Understanding Heart Health: Essential Signs of a Heart Attack in Women

In light of Joan’s untimely passing, it’s crucial to shed light on a topic that affects so many, particularly women: the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. It’s a sobering reminder that heart disease can strike unexpectedly and present differently in women than in men, often leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

While the classic image of a heart attack involves crushing chest pain radiating down the arm, women often experience more subtle, less obvious symptoms that can be easily dismissed or mistaken for other conditions. Being aware of these differences can be life-saving. Here are common signs of a heart attack in women:

• Shortness of Breath on Exertion: Feeling unusually breathless or winded during routine activities that wouldn’t normally tire you out can be a significant red flag.
• Heartburn or Indigestion (Especially New Onset): While heartburn is common, new or worsening heartburn, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms, should not be ignored. It can mask a cardiac event.
• Generalized Achiness: This can manifest as discomfort or pain in the chest, arms (left or right), jaw, neck, or upper back. Unlike the classic “crushing” chest pain, it might feel more like pressure, fullness, or a dull ache.
• Back Pain, Nausea, or Lightheadedness: Women are more likely to experience symptoms like unexplained back pain, nausea, vomiting, unusual fatigue, or lightheadedness without significant chest pain.
• A “Gut Feeling” that Something is Wrong: Trust your instincts. If you feel an inexplicable sense of unease, anxiety, or simply that “something isn’t right” with your body, it warrants attention.

It is vital to realize that men and women can indeed have different symptoms of a heart attack. A woman may never experience the severe, crushing chest pain typically associated with heart attacks. Instead, her symptoms might be vague, develop gradually, or even come and go. Pay close attention to your body, listen to any changes, and absolutely trust your gut feeling. If you are concerned about any combination of these symptoms, do not hesitate. Head to the emergency room immediately or call 911. Only a medical professional, through tests like an EKG and cardiac enzyme analysis, can accurately determine whether your symptoms are cardiac-related or point to something else. Please, let’s look out for one another and act swiftly when necessary. I don’t want to lose another friend to this silent killer. Thank you for taking this message to heart.

With Joan, Kim, and Dionne in Seattle, in September 2014, a treasured memory of shared laughter and friendship.

More Irresistible Cookie and Bar Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve enjoyed these M&M White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies, then you’re in for a treat! Our collection is brimming with delicious cookie and bar recipes that are perfect for any occasion, craving, or celebration. Explore these other fantastic options to expand your baking repertoire:

• Coconut Macadamia Nut Bars: A delightful combination of tropical coconut and buttery macadamia nuts in a convenient bar form, perfect for sharing.
• M & M Brownie Cookies: The best of both worlds – the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie meets the fun and festive appeal of M&M’s in a chewy cookie.
• M & M Cookie Cake: A giant, celebratory cookie cake studded with colorful M&M’s, ideal for birthdays, parties, or any festive gathering.
• Explore even more of the Best Cookie Recipes from our extensive collection, where you’re sure to find your next favorite sweet treat.

The Recipe:

M&M White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
10 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

Yield
36 cookies

Chewy cookies filled with macadamia nuts, white chocolate chips, and white chocolate M&M’s

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 sticks (16 tablespoons) butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate M&M’s, plus more to press into cookies when they come out of the oven
• 1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In your stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until just combined.
4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture, mixing on low speed until thoroughly combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, 1 cup of white chocolate M&M’s, and the chopped macadamia nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Spoon out generous tablespoons of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, ensuring to leave approximately 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still appear slightly soft. Slightly under-baking will result in a wonderfully chewy cookie.
8. Remove cookies from the oven. If desired, immediately press a few extra M&M’s into the tops of each hot cookie for a vibrant finish. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For different holidays, swap out the white chocolate M&M’s for seasonal varieties like Valentine’s Day pinks and reds, Easter pastels, Christmas reds and greens, or patriotic colors. You can also experiment with different M&M flavors (milk chocolate, peanut, crispy) for a unique twist. Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for best results.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

2 cookies


Amount Per Serving:

Calories: 213


Total Fat: 9g


Saturated Fat: 3g


Trans Fat: 0g


Unsaturated Fat: 5g


Cholesterol: 18mg


Sodium: 140mg


Carbohydrates: 31g


Fiber: 1g


Sugar: 20g


Protein: 3g

Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results.

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.

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