M&M Christmas Cookie

Tis the season for Christmas baking!  This cookie isn't something I would normally qualify as a Christmas cookie but I was looking for something that my toddler would enjoy making with me. She is obsessed with chocolate and the red and green M&Ms make it festive. The original recipe called for mini M&Ms but I couldn't find them at the store so I used the regular sized.  They worked out just fine but I think they would be better with the minis. Just a personal preference.  Anyhow, these cookies a delicious! They are very similar to a chocolate chip cookie with have a crunchy bite and yummy center. I didn't expect much from these but I was surprised by how much I liked them.  I'd even consider making them for a cookie exchange. I'm pretty sure Santa would be happy seeing them left out for him too!

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 12-14 minutes
Makes: 24 large cookies

INGREDIENTS:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cornstarch
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup salted butter, chilled and diced into cubes (about 1/2 inch)
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 (11oz) bag M&Ms

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend together butter and sugar on low speed until it starts to come together then increase mixer to medium speed and whip until creamy, about 3-4 minutes.  Mix in egg and egg yolk. Stir in vanilla. With mixer set on low speed, slowly add in dry ingredients and mix just until combined (batter will be think due to the chilled butter). Mix in M&Ms (set aside about 1/4 cup of the M&Ms to lightly press into the tops of the cookies before baking so they show through more, totally optional).

Scoop dough out 2 tbsp at a time and shape into a ball, transfer to a silpat lined or buttered cookie sheet, fitting 8 per sheet. Press tops down slightly and add M&M topping.  Bake in a preheated oven 12-14 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown.  Allow to cool on baking sheet several minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.  Store in an airtight container.