½cupbrown sugarpacked (I used 1/4 cup of light and 1/4 cup dark)
¼cupgranulated sugar
1large egg
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
1 ¼cupsall-purpose flour
¼cupinstant vanilla pudding mix
½teaspoonbaking soda
¼teaspoonsaltor to taste
¾cupM&M'splus more for adding to dough mounds
½cupsemi-sweet chocolate chipsplus more for adding to dough mounds
Instructions
To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or large mixing bowl and electric mixer) combine the butter, sugars (highly recommend using some dark brown sugar), egg, vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until creamed and well combined, about 4 minutes.
Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the flour, pudding mix (just add it dry as if it’s a dry ingredient, do not actually make pudding), baking soda, salt, and beat on low speed until just combined, about 1 minute.
Add the M&M's, chocolate chips, and beat on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds.
Using a large cookie scoop, 1/4-cup measure, or your hands, form 12 equal-sized mounds of dough, roll into balls, and flatten slightly. Tip – Strategically place a few M&M's and chocolate chips on top of each mound of dough by taking M&M's and chips from the underside as well as adding more as necessary for a nice pop of color.
Place mounds on a large plate or tray, cover with plasticwrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, up to 5 days. Do not bake with unchilled dough because cookies will bake thinner, flatter, and be more prone to spreading.
Preheat oven to 350F, line a baking sheet with a Silpat or spray with cooking spray. Place dough mounds on baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart (I bake 8 cookies per sheet).
Bake for about 10 to 11 minutes, or until edges have set and tops are just set, even if slightly undercooked, pale, and glossy in the center; don’t overbake. Cookies firm up as they cool.
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for about 10 minutes before serving. I let them cool on the baking sheet and don’t use a rack.
Notes
Storage: Cookies will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Alternatively, unbaked cookie dough can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months, so consider baking only as many cookies as desired and save the remaining dough to be baked in the future when desired.Dough base adapted from Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies and Soft M&M's Chocolate Chip Cookies.