I really and truly can’t believe two whole years have gone by since I hit publish for the first time. Who would have known that an idea that I had on a whim could ever turn into something so special to me? I never understood how people other than my family or friends would ever find out about or read my blog, (I still kind of don’t,) and I couldn’t have imagined that I’d grow a readership that I love and appreciate so much. Thank you for sticking with me as I grow as a baker, blogger, and wife. I hope to continue to bring inspiration and delicious recipes your way for years to come!
I knew I needed to make something bright and festive to celebrate. I realize it’s the day before Valentine’s Day but I hope you don’t mind that I’m not sharing something pink and lovey. These cookies are everything I think of when it comes to a celebration- bright- fun and delicious. The brown butter gives them the most perfect texture- crispy on the edges, soft chewy center and perfectly puffy. The recipe is almost exactly like the Cooks Illustrated recipe I know and love, and though I was a bit nervous to change up the proportions- I’m so glad I did. This recipe will be the base to many flavor combinations to come!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups mini M&Ms
- 1/2 cup rainbow jimmies
Instructions
- In a large pan, melt the butter on medium-high until it starts to brown (it’ll bubble and become darker in color, but be careful not to let it burn!) Allow to cool for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 325 F.
- When the butter has cooled, pour it into a large mixing bowl or and add the sugars. Using a hand mixer (or whisk) stir until well-combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides and add the egg and vanilla; beat until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in the M&Ms and Sprinkles. Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into 2 inch balls and roll slightly to smooth. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until barely golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
Allowing the butter to cool ensures the M&Ms stay intact. If it's still warm they'll become a bit of a melty mess!
Adapted slightly from: The Sweet Life
Hello! I tried these tonight and the dough was incredibly crumbly/dry. I formed them into balls and tried baking anyway, but they never spread. Any idea what may have happened?! They smelled SO good while baking, and the dough was definitely tasty! We were so bummed….are there any liquid ingredients missing? Perhaps an egg white instead of the extra egg yolk? I browned the butter perfectly and bake all the time, so I’m not sure what went wrong. I’m willing to try, try again though!
Hey Jenny!
Did you use the full cup of butter? (two sticks) The batter should be very buttery- not dry at all. Let me know if that was the problem- and if not- I’ll try to help you troubleshoot. I’ve made these so many times…sorry you had trouble! :(
Hey Audra! I love your website…it’s my new fave and constantly I am coming here to try new recipes. I am making up excuses of who needs a pick me up or who’s birthday, whatever it is just so I can make a new sweet treat. I am obsessed with sweets. Not to mention its exciting to have my little ones help too. Congrats on two years! I don’t know how you have time to keep up on the blog..thank though :) you asked what we would like to see more of…I am very crafty so I would love to see your ideas on crafts…like recipes I love to tweak craft ideas. Inspired by you I went to the library and picked up milk bar cookbook…I am dying for a copy of my own…I keep hinting that to my hubs as my birthday is approaching in a little over a month :). Anywho, thanks for being so creative and making your blog for us. I have my friend addicted to you now too! P.S. do you still have baby fever now that your are married? :).
I love sweet recipes!
Your blog is one of the blogs I check almost every day to see what other deliciousness you’ve come up with – making the fudgy sea salt brownie bites right now! Happy Blogaversary! PS – those cookies look amazing!
Thank you so much Kathryn! Those fudgy brownies are one of my favorites!
I love this blog but i always love new bread recipes
Thanks Virginia- I love bread recipes too :)
your posts are great!!! i love when you post cookie recipes :) and cupcake recipes :) but am realy enjoying tidbits from your personal life too!
Thanks Veronica! Lots of cookie and cupcake recipes to come!
I love reading your posts, your blog is perfect just the way it is!
Thanks so much Casey! :)
These look SO yummy! I seriously want to try brown butter cookies, and so I might just go for these. Happy blog-aversary =)
Thanks Madi! Brown butter makes cookies pretty sensational if I do say so myself :)
Brown butter AND funfetti?!? Girl you are SUCH a rockstar! That combo is a perfect way to celebrate, no matter the holiday!
Thanks Lady :)
I love exactly what you do–delicious recioes, with your personal life intertwined and a few DIY projects here and thete. I feel like i can envision you doing all these in your ver tiny kitchen!! Thank you for sharing a little of your life!
Thanks Bonnie! Just imagine a crazed lady with frosting all over in a teeny space and you’ve got me! :)
happy blogaversary to you! i enjoy the site just like it is – wouldn’t suggest you change a thing :)
Thanks Chelsea! :)
I think I have pinned all of your recipes so far because they seem irristible! I love your recipe posts, espcialkly ones from cookbooks you own.
Aw thanks so much Stephanie! :)
I love this site :) I’d like to see more recipes portioned for 2 people. I tried the red velvet cupcake recipe for two and it was awesome to have a sweet treat for Valentin’es while knowing I couldn’t go back for more later! haha
Thanks Dominique! I agree- portions for 2 are great. I will definitely try to develop more of those in the future :)
Audra,
Happy 2 year Anniversary!! I am sure Andy has told you, I use your blog all the time and have sent the link to several of my fellow baker friends! My best friend from Boston loves it. I love your scone recipes, pie, and cupcake recipes as well. Whenever I have a dinner party and I need to make something delicious, instead of going to my cookbooks, I go straight to your blog…and the dessert is always a hit! Congrats on a job well done. I look forward to the new recipes to come. Too bad a I gave up sweets for lent! xoxoxo
Thanks Jessica! xo
Congrats Audra!
Following your blog has been such a treat (literally) this year, and my boyfriend can attest to this – he has reaped the sweet benefits of many of your delicious recipes. So from both of us, thanks for your hard work and point of view.
I would love to hear about what you’re reading – you’ve always had such great recommendations for a good read…maybe a book and recipe pairing? Some of my most comfortable and satisfying winter days this year were passed with a novel in hand and one of your fabulous recipes baking away in the oven.
Again congrats and I look forward to more Baker Chick :)
Aw thanks Brit!!! You are totally right- I need to do a “What I’m reading” list. I have so many good suggestions right now! And I love the idea of a pairing! Thanks! xoxo
Hi! Congratulations on your Anniversary. I look forward to seeing your posts on facebook. I don’t doPinterest yet. The cookies above look delicious and I’ll surely be exploring that recipe soon. In the meantime this very weekend I’m make another of your recipes for a family gathering. They fell in love with your Cookie Butter Crispies and I don’t think I’d be allowed to celebrate without them! Keep your yummy recipes coming. I may not have the ingredients to make one when you post it but I enjoy stopping myself from trying to eat my computer monitor!
Thanks Donna! I am so lucky to have you as a reader! And those cookie butter crispies are a favorite of mine too! xoxo
I’d like to see more of your personal recipes. Your Mom’s bread was OUTSTANDING and I’m looking forward to baking your peanut butter cookies this afternoon.
Thank you so much Phyllis! :) I do plan on sharing some of my family’s classic recipes in the future!
Love your blog. Like espcially your Milk Bar Mondays. I would like to see more collaborations like that.
Thanks Stacey! Expect a big Milk Bar cake on Monday!! :)
hmm sorry if this posts twice, computer being wonky. Anyway, congratulations on your 2 years! you are inspiring because i’ve been hemming and hawing about starting a baking blog, which i so want to do…but often feel like I dont know enough (websites, photography, etc!) and you are making me want to take the plunge! I love all your recipes… but would love to see more bread making adventures and always love hearing life updates/pictures as well! :)
Go for it Melissa! I knew nothing about blogging when I started- you’ll find your way! :)
Yay, congratulations! This is inspiring because i’ve been hemming and hawing about starting a baking blog and i keep feeling like I dont know enough about so many things (websites, photography, etc!) to do it…but you make me want to take the plunge! i love ALL your recipes…but would love to see more breads as i’m trying to get into dough making more! and always love the life updates/pictures too! :)
Love the blog – have followed it for about a year and a half now. I love the balance of food and personal life posts!
Thank you so much for following along Rachel! I’ll try to keep a good balance of things! :)
Happy Blogiversary, Audra! Thats a lot of beautiful posts :) I am so glad that I was lucky enough to receive your cookies through the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap. They remain a favorite cookie recipe. Those cookies also introduced me to your blog from which I have cooked and enjoyed numerous additional recipes. Just keep writing about what feels right to you. It certainly has worked well so far!
Aw that is so sweet Wendy. I feel very lucky to have been paired up with you as well! xoxo
as always, this recipe looks delicious and ill be trying soon! Happy 2 years, youre recipes are always delicious and im always anxiously awaiting new ones!!
Thank you so much Betsy! I have some good stuff coming your way! :)
Congratulations!! I love when you get all sprinkle-y :)
Thanks love. You’re my sprinkle inspiration! xoxo
Happy Blog-aversary!!! Not to sound like a cheeseball but you’re one of the many blogs I follow religiously, whose recipes I’ve made a dozen times, and who inspired me to start my own blog. Keep up the wonderful work and congratulations!!!!
Aw that is so sweet Annie. It’s very strange to me to think that I inspired someone to start a blog- I really feel like I was just the one doing that! :) I really appreciate you reading. xoxo
Everything you make looks delicous and flawless. I don’t care what else you put on here, I’ll still read your blog every day :)
Oh, and I plan on making these cookies sometime in the future. They look dang good!
Aw thank you so much Becca. I am really lucky to have you as such a devoted reader! xoxo
Let’s be honest, everything you make sounds delicious and LOOKS gorgeous. I mean I can only aspire to your talent and beauty. If I could request something new I would say maybe a savory baked treat that is low in fat or calories. I am on a perpetual diet so I would love to try something I could really eat and not feel guilty.
XOXO and HAPPY Blog-aversary!! – M
Aw you are so sweet Melissa. I will definitely try to add some “Skinny” baked goods to the site. :)
Happy Blogaversary!! While I want to stuff my face with everything you make, I am also loving your DIYs!
Thank Taylor! I will definitely be adding more crafty-projects. I really appreciate you reading! :)
Congrats! Love the blog as is. My favorite posts are recipes and I do like some DIY crafts, too. The occasional update on your life is interesting to those of us who read regularly. I like having some savory recipes besides just sweets – makes it more balanced. Keep up the great work! Thanks for offering the giveaway.
Thank you so much for reading Mary! I appreciate the feedback and will definitely be posting more about my life as well as some savory recipes. :)
Yum, these cookies look delicious! I think you should definitely try to post more DIY things. Since the one’s you’ve already posted are super cute and interesting, I don’t believe there is a problem with your taste in adorable, easy crafts! Also, maybe some more posts containing out-of-the-norm recipes. For example, the home-made pop tarts were such a great idea and something I haven’t seen anywhere else. Even though I love all of the cookies/cakes/slices recipes that you post, your unique, uncommon recipes are also fantastic.
Thanks Sophie! I agree- as much as I love cookies and cupcakes, it’s fun to add some challenging recipes. And there will be more DIY for sure! :)
Congratulations! Your recipes are excellent! Seeing as cookies are my favourite things, I think I will make these ones for my birthday on Sunday.
Thank you for reading Erica! Don’t you worry- there will never be a shortage of cookie recipes on here! (One coming tomorrow!)
New-ish to your blog and love the balance!
Welcome Heather and thanks for stopping by! :)
Happy Anniversary! I admire the clean look of your site. Your design sense is clear! I think you currently have a great balance of food, crafts, life… I appreciate the occasion stretch in using ingredients that I might not have in my cupboard…I enjoy the challenge of stepping out of my routine! The cookbook looks amazing and I have a dear friend who is passionate about aprons. The one you displayed is beautiful!
Thank you so much Terri! I can thank my wonderful designer for creating such a nice space for me :)
I really appreciate the feedback and will keep trying to have well-balanced mix of things on here!
I actually really love your site the way it is :) I love that your focus is on sweets with a few savory items, crafts, and once in a while updates on your life! I feel like it is a great balance!!
Thanks so much Carley! Glad to know that it’s working. So grateful to have you as a reader! xo
Yum! These cookies sound great. Congrats on 2 years
Thanks so much Kelly! :)
I’d like to hear more about your personal life!
I know I need to get better about posting life stuff. I figure a good start will be to documenting my upcoming Europe trip and sharing that with you all! :)
Awesome! I’d love to hear the logistics of planning your trip as well, it’s something I’ve wanted to do as well.
Congrats! I always love recipes that involve things you most likely already have in the pantry because I love being able to make things right away.
Thanks Stephanie! Yeah- most of my recipes use the basics- I rarely have time for the fancy stuff! xo
Wow, time sure flies! I would enjoy a few more videos every now and then. Fun to see the Baker Chick in action!
I know- I would like to do that too- it’s a goal for sure. Miss you Lady! xoxo
Congrats on the two year anniversary!! You really have such a pretty blog and I love reading your posts. I think your blog has a great balance, but always love more cookie recipes.
Thanks Megan! You can count on lots more cookie recipes coming your way!
I would love to see more cupcake posts. Buuut that’s just cuz I’m cupcake obsessed. *fingers crossed* that I win. I love Momofuku milk bar. Our contractor’s daughter is the chef in the one in NYC.
Don’t worry- I’m cupcake obsessed too! I promise there will be lots of those to come :)
I would like to see more recipe posts for baked goods, especially cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and any type of breads.
Keep the cookie recipes and your fun stories coming! Congrats on 2 years!
Congratulations on your blogaversary! I’ve been following you for about a year, and I feel like I’m opening a present everytime you post. I can’t say that there’s much of anything I’d like to see more of in your blog – I think you have a great balance of recipes and personal stuff. I like that your recipes are accessible and don’t use exotic ingredients and mixes, etc. Case in point – my daughter came home from school today and said she needs treats for Valentine’s Day and your blog is the first one I went to, knowing that I’d find a recipe that would be pretty and with on-hand ingredients. I currently have your sugar cookie bars in the oven. I know they will be great!
Oh you are so sweet Carolyn! I ‘m so glad you found the sugar cookie bars to make for your daughter’s party. Happy Valentine’s Day!
I love watching you work your way through the Milk Bar cookbook! Those posts are definitely my favorites. Happy Birthday to your lovely blog.
Thanks Teri! I’m still on the Milk Bar project so you can bet you’ll be seeing more of us baking through that :)
Happy Blogoversary Audra!! :-D I would be happy to read more personal posts and also on some very basic 101 posts like how to do icing, and other basic baking stuffs :-) I LOVE your fruit-y recipes :-) And please more pies and tips and tricks, would love to read more about these. And this past year I became addicted to pies, so I think there can never be too many pie recipes :-D
You got in Stella! Thanks for being such a sweet and devoted reader! And yes- I agree about pies- I need to make more soon!
M&Ms in cookies always remind me of my elementary school days.
Love feeling like a kid again.
Happy blog-aversary!
Thanks Colette! These made me feel nostalgic too. xoxo
I really loved the soy candles! Gorgeous and do-able! More crafts in between cookies, please! :)
Thanks so much Heather! I definitely am planning on adding more crafts in here and there!
Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday Dear Baker Chick, happy birthday to you!
Thanks Cristina! :)
Love your blog! More cakes and DIY crafts :) keep up the delish recipes
Thank you so much Julia! You’re right- I need more cakes for sure!
I love to see all your dessert recipes ! They always look to die for !
Thanks so much Corisa! There will be no shortage of dessert recipes in the coming weeks :)
I love all the sweet recipes, but it would also be great to see some savoury recipes. And a personal life post about your work as an actress would be interesting too! But other than that, your blog is amazing and such a fun read. :)
Jessica- Thanks so much! You’re right- I should definitely share more savory recipes and I plan to do so in the future! I really appreciate you reading :)
Anything with chocolate!!! Love your blog and more DIY!!
Thanks Jennifer! You can bet you’ll see lots of chocolate in the future- and some more crafty projects! :)
Happy blog-aversary! I’ve been following your blog for about a year now and I love all of your recipes, including these, they look yummy! :)
Thanks Annie! I really appreciate you reading my blog! :)
Congratulations on your anniversary! I can’t believe I haven’t been following you for the full two years :) but I’m glad I found ya! I love to see recipes to use as inspiration, but I could use some inspiration in the crafty area too… non-food stuff. My waistline would like that. :)
Aw thanks for sticking with me Carrie! I’m glad you found me too. You got it- more crafty stuff is a must! :)
I think “the-baker-chick” is awesome just the way it is! If you were to change anything, I would love to see some vegan recipes.
Thanks Christina! I don’t know much about vegan baking but I’ll definitely try to include some more! :)
Yay, congrats!!! I’d love to see more cakes!
Thanks Jordan! More cakes it is!
I’m always hunting ideas for dinner, so anything you have that can be on the table in 30 minutes is always appreciated. Happy anniversary!
Thanks Suzanne! I haven’t posted dinners yet- but if I come up with some fast ones I’ll start! :)
Happy Blogaversary! I read your blog everyday and enjoy each and every post. I would love to see more pie and, potentially, more frosting tips! Thanks for a great read!
Thank you so much Allison. I’m really lucky to have you as a reader! Yes- a frosting tutorial is overdue. and pie for sure!
I have to agree with many others, I love your blog just as it is!! Happy Blogaversary
You are too sweet Denise. Thank you so much!
Happy Blog Anniversary!! I love reading your recipes, you are such a great writer and everything always looks delicious!!
I love these cookies, they are way better than lovey colored cookies!
Without sounding creepy, I would love to hear more about your life! I love when you give little tidbits before the recipes. Also, when you cook stuff for dinner! It’s fun to see what else you eat.
Thanks so much Tara! I’m lucky to have you as a reader :)
Ok ok- I need to post more about my life. I promise to get on that!
Happy anniversary! I don’t think you need to change anything–this is my favorite entry in my blog feed! I really appreciate that you make so many “normal” recipes that everyday (busy) people can make with ingrediants already on hand. It’s not as much fun to bake if you have to go to three different grocery stores to find exotic ingrediants. Congratulations and keep up the great work!!
Oh Krista you are so sweet. I usually never have time for more than the basics- so I’m glad that works for you! xoxo
Happy 2 years!!! I’d love to see more coffee cakes or breakfast breads.
Thanks Patty! You’re right- I don’t post many of those- I’ll work on that! :)
I love everything on here thus far! I guess it’s always nice to add some personal stuff, so we can get to know the voice behind the blog :) Hoping I win!
Thanks so much Mimi! I’m making an effort to post more about my life- I’ve gotten lots of requests for that! :)
Congratulations Audra! I love your blog. I agree with others- more of the same please. I know that’s not too helpful, but you always share wonderful recipes! I just started a blog on Friday. I have no idea where I’m going with it, but I’m excited and having fun with it. I hope I’ll draw a following outside of my family and friends too one day :)
Congrats on starting your own blog! Don’t worry- I was a lost puppy at first! Keep posting and try to reach out to other bloggers- developing a community was a huge thing for me! :)
If it ain’t broke…keep doing what you are doing! Happy Blogaversary!
Thanks Arlene! I will! :D
These look so good! I love me some brown buttah! Hmm, I’d have to say pie. I adore pie. Happy blog-aversary; I love your site!
Thanks Jennie! Yes- I think there’s a general consensus of more pie! I’ll get on that! :)
Happy blogiversary! Definitely more DIY craft projects.
Thanks Deauna! I am planning some good crafty projects for the future!
I love your site and am so glad that I found it. Your recipes are wonderful. Love your buttermilk cake and the variations you have for it. I am addicted to anything sweet so more dessert postings would be wonderful, but mixing it up with some DIY is always inspiring. Thanks again for your wonderful blog!
Thank you so much Tiffany! I love that buttermilk cake too! And yes- lots more dessert recipes to come!
Hello. Congratulations for turning TWO :)
in this 2 years you just made some of my desserts turn more beautiful and tasty.
I would love to see more cheesecake recipes (my favourites), and not so much about nuts or pecans :)
And I would love to recieve this giveaway, now that I’m turning a fanatic for the momofuku milk bar recipes (just great) and that apron… oh my!! so lovely!
Thank you & keep the good work!
Thanks Ana! I will be making more cheesecake in the future for sure!
Happy blog-anniversary! I love your blog and your recipes, I’m really into scones lately if every you feel like exploring more scone recipes, I’ll be happy! And DYI crafts could be fun as well! But the most important thing is for you to be happy with what you post!
Thanks Caroline! Yes- I love scones too but sometimes forget about them! I’ll be making some before Easter for sure! :)
Happy blog-aversary! I love visiting your blog and all of the cookie recipes you post… I always think it’s fun to learn more about bloggers day-to-day life and can never go wrong w/ more DIY crafts.
:)
Thanks so much Jenn! I’m gonna really try to post more about my life! :)
Happy Bloaversary! I am so excited that you are still going strong after so many life changes for you! LOVE THIS BLOG! Can’t wait to try these cookies!
Thank you so much Paige! I really appreciate you reading and following along :) xoxo
Happy blog anniversary! I love all of your recipes, but maybe you could throw in some skinnier desserts as well!
Thanks Shelly! You got it- gonna work on some skinny recipes for the future!
Happy Blogaversary! I’d love to see more cookie recipes!! Can’t have too many of those on hand! :)
Thanks Betsy!! Don’t worry- lots of cookie recipes to come!
Hoorayyyy, happy blog anniversary!! Love what you’re doing already, but more DIY craft posts would be awesome!
Thanks Georgia! I’m really lucky to have you as a bloggie friend!! And yes- more DiY posts for sure!
These cookies look soooo good, Audra, love them! And happy 2 years! Cheers to many more!!
Thanks Cassie!!! :)
Oops, hit publish before answering the question – I say keep doing what you’re doing, I like the mix of posts you’ve been sharing!
Your site is one of my favorites. Congrats on two years. Love your photos and updates on your life. It’s fun to follow.
Thank you so much for following along! I promise more life updates in the future! :)
Happy Blogaversary!!!! I think all your recipes are amazing, so more of the same!! :)
Thank you so much Kayle! I really appreciate you reading! :)
Congratulations on two years Audra!! So glad to have met you through this wonderful blog :) And these cookies look aaaaamazing!! That CI recipe is one of my faves so I know I’d love them.
Thanks Tracey! I’m so glad we’ve become blog friends as I’ve loved yours for so long! I can’t believe I may get to meet you at FBF! Yay!
I love your site! I would love to see some Greek receipes but other than that – you are awesome!
Thanks so much Lisa! You know since I’m Middle Eastern, I’ve been planning to do a good Baklava recipe! Close enough right? :)
YES!!!!