The question of whether you can bake M&Ms is a surprisingly common one, often arising when home bakers are looking to add a touch of color and chocolatey goodness to their cookies, brownies, or other baked treats. The short answer is yes, you can put M&Ms in the oven, but there are nuances to consider to ensure they don’t melt into a colorful, undesirable mess. This article will delve into the specifics of baking with M&Ms, exploring how different types of M&Ms react to heat, offering tips and tricks for successful baking, and discussing creative alternatives if baking with M&Ms isn’t quite right for your recipe.
Understanding M&Ms and Heat
M&Ms are essentially chocolate candies coated in a hard candy shell. This shell is the key to their survival in the oven, as it provides a degree of protection against direct heat. However, this protection isn’t foolproof, and the chocolate inside can still melt if exposed to high temperatures for extended periods.
The Composition of M&Ms
To understand how M&Ms behave in the oven, it’s important to break down their composition. At the core is milk chocolate, which has a relatively low melting point. This means it softens and melts easily when heated. Surrounding the chocolate is a thin layer of sugar and then the colorful candy shell, which is primarily made of sugar, cornstarch, and food coloring. The shell acts as a barrier, slowing down the melting process of the chocolate inside.
The Melting Point of Chocolate
Milk chocolate typically starts to soften around 86°F (30°C) and melts completely around 90-95°F (32-35°C). This relatively low melting point is why chocolate can melt in your hand or in a warm environment. The oven’s temperature is significantly higher than this, typically ranging from 300°F to 400°F (150°C to 200°C) for most baking recipes, posing a challenge when baking with M&Ms.
How the Candy Shell Reacts to Heat
The candy shell of an M&M provides a crucial layer of defense against the oven’s heat. While the shell itself will soften slightly, it won’t melt completely at typical baking temperatures. This softening can lead to the colors bleeding slightly, especially if the M&Ms are placed on a wet surface or are subjected to prolonged heat. The shell’s ability to hold its shape, even when softened, prevents the chocolate from spreading uncontrollably.
Baking with Different Types of M&Ms
Not all M&Ms are created equal when it comes to baking. Different varieties have different fillings and coatings that affect their heat resistance.
Milk Chocolate M&Ms
Classic milk chocolate M&Ms are the most common and arguably the most challenging to bake with due to their lower melting point. They are more prone to melting and color bleeding compared to other varieties. However, they are also the most readily available and beloved for their classic chocolate flavor.
Peanut M&Ms
Peanut M&Ms contain a peanut in the center, surrounded by chocolate and then the candy shell. The peanut provides an extra layer of insulation, helping to prevent the chocolate from melting too quickly. Peanut M&Ms tend to hold their shape better than milk chocolate M&Ms when baked.
Peanut Butter M&Ms
Peanut butter M&Ms have a peanut butter filling surrounded by chocolate and the candy shell. The peanut butter filling can become quite soft and gooey when heated, which can lead to the M&Ms losing their shape. They require careful handling and are best used in recipes where they won’t be exposed to high heat for too long.
Dark Chocolate M&Ms
Dark chocolate M&Ms have a slightly higher melting point than milk chocolate M&Ms due to the higher cocoa content. This makes them a bit more stable in the oven and less likely to melt excessively. They offer a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
Other Varieties (Pretzel, Crispy, etc.)
Other M&M varieties, such as pretzel or crispy M&Ms, also tend to hold their shape relatively well in the oven due to the inclusions providing additional structure and insulation. However, they should still be used with caution and monitored during baking.
Tips and Tricks for Baking with M&Ms
Baking with M&Ms requires a few strategic approaches to minimize melting and color bleeding.
Timing is Everything: Adding M&Ms at the Right Moment
The most important factor in successfully baking with M&Ms is adding them at the right time. Ideally, you should add M&Ms towards the end of the baking process, usually in the last 2-3 minutes. This minimizes their exposure to the oven’s heat, reducing the chances of melting. Gently pressing the M&Ms into the baked goods as soon as they come out of the oven ensures they adhere without melting too much. This works particularly well for cookies.
Temperature Control: Lowering the Oven Temperature
Consider slightly lowering the oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit. This reduces the intensity of the heat and can help prevent the M&Ms from melting too quickly. Keep a close eye on your baked goods and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Chill Out: Refrigerating M&Ms Before Baking
Refrigerating or even freezing M&Ms for at least 30 minutes before baking can help them retain their shape better in the oven. The cold temperature helps to solidify the chocolate and provides a buffer against the heat.
Placement Matters: Strategic Placement on Baked Goods
The placement of M&Ms on your baked goods also plays a role. If you’re making cookies, avoid placing M&Ms directly on the baking sheet, as this exposes them to direct heat. Instead, press them gently into the dough. For brownies or cakes, consider adding a layer of batter before placing the M&Ms to provide some insulation.
Using Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat can help to distribute heat more evenly and prevent the M&Ms from sticking to the pan. This also makes cleanup easier.
Experimenting with Different Types of M&Ms for Different Effects
Different types of M&Ms will produce different visual and textural effects when baked. For example, peanut M&Ms might retain their shape better, while milk chocolate M&Ms might melt slightly, creating a marbled effect. Experiment to find the type that works best for your recipe and desired outcome.
Testing a Small Batch First
Before baking an entire batch, consider testing a small sample with a few M&Ms to see how they react to your oven and recipe. This allows you to make adjustments to the baking time, temperature, or placement as needed.
Creative Alternatives to Baking with M&Ms
If you’re concerned about M&Ms melting or if you simply want to explore other options, there are several creative alternatives you can use to achieve a similar effect.
Adding M&Ms After Baking
One of the simplest alternatives is to add M&Ms after the baked goods have cooled slightly. For cookies, you can gently press M&Ms into the surface while they are still warm and pliable. For brownies or cakes, you can sprinkle M&Ms on top after frosting. This ensures the M&Ms retain their shape and color without melting.
Using M&M-Inspired Sprinkles or Candies
There are many M&M-inspired sprinkles and candies available that are designed to hold their shape better in the oven. These are often made with a more heat-resistant coating or a different type of chocolate.
Chopped Chocolate and Other Candy Pieces
Chopped chocolate, chocolate chips, or other candy pieces can be used to add chocolate flavor and visual appeal to your baked goods. These alternatives might not have the same vibrant colors as M&Ms, but they offer a similar textural and flavor experience.
Creating a No-Bake M&M Dessert
Consider making a no-bake dessert that incorporates M&Ms, such as a no-bake cheesecake, a rice crispy treat, or a chocolate bark. This allows you to enjoy the flavor and appearance of M&Ms without having to worry about them melting in the oven.
Recipes That Shine with M&Ms
While the tips above can help, some recipes are naturally more conducive to baking with M&Ms than others.
M&M Cookies
Classic M&M cookies are a perennial favorite. The key is to use a sturdy cookie dough that can hold its shape and prevent the M&Ms from sinking to the bottom. Adding the M&Ms in the last few minutes of baking and chilling the dough beforehand will help them retain their form.
M&M Brownies
M&M brownies offer a delightful combination of fudgy chocolate and colorful candy. Incorporating the M&Ms into the batter rather than placing them on top will help them adhere better and prevent them from burning.
M&M Blondies
Blondies, similar to brownies but without the chocolate, provide a blank canvas for M&Ms to shine. The lighter color of the blondie batter allows the colors of the M&Ms to pop.
M&M Cupcakes
M&M cupcakes can be decorated with M&Ms on top of the frosting or incorporated into the cupcake batter itself. For the latter, use mini M&Ms to ensure they distribute evenly.
Conclusion: Baking with M&Ms – A Balancing Act
Baking with M&Ms is a balancing act. While it’s entirely possible to achieve delicious and visually appealing results, it requires careful attention to detail and a willingness to experiment. By understanding the properties of M&Ms, following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, and choosing the right recipes, you can confidently incorporate these colorful candies into your baking adventures. Remember to add them at the end, control the temperature, and consider alternatives if you are not getting the desired results. Happy baking! The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating delicious treats. And remember, even if your M&Ms melt a little, they’ll still taste great!
Can I bake M&Ms directly in cookies?
For best results, consider adding some M&Ms to the cookie dough during the mixing process, and then pressing additional M&Ms on top of the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven. This ensures a vibrant and visually appealing presentation, and prevents the top M&Ms from becoming overly baked.
What oven temperature is best for baking cookies with M&Ms?
Higher temperatures can lead to the M&Ms melting and spreading, or the colors bleeding. If your recipe calls for a higher temperature, consider reducing the baking time slightly or adding the M&Ms later in the baking process to minimize potential issues.
Will the colors of the M&Ms run when baked?
To minimize color bleeding, avoid overcrowding the cookies on the baking sheet, which can trap moisture and exacerbate the issue. Furthermore, allowing the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack can help set the colors and prevent further running.
Can I use different types of M&Ms in baked goods?
Consider the overall flavor profile you’re aiming for when selecting your M&Ms. For example, peanut butter M&Ms pair well with chocolate chip cookies, while pretzel M&Ms add a salty crunch to blondies. Experiment and discover your favorite combinations!
How do I prevent M&Ms from sinking to the bottom of my cookies?
Another helpful tip is to press the M&Ms firmly into the cookie dough. This provides them with a better grip and reduces the likelihood of them falling to the bottom during baking. As mentioned before, you can also add more M&Ms on top after baking for a perfect look.
Can I bake giant M&M cookies?
Keep a close eye on the edges of the cookies; they should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. You may also want to rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking process to ensure even cooking. Adding a few extra M&Ms on top before baking will make for a more visually appealing giant cookie.
How should I store cookies with baked M&Ms?
Store the cookies at room temperature. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can dry them out. Properly stored cookies with baked M&Ms can typically last for several days, retaining their flavor and texture. You can also freeze them for longer storage.