A Dash of Cinema's M&M Cookies for Two
In a recent viewing of The Wedding Planner, my younger self circa 2001 was on Cloud Nine. I loved this movie then, and it’s just as sweet now as when I first watched it all those years ago. It’s fun. It’s entertaining. There’s beautiful shots of San Francisco and Los Angeles, stunning actors, movies in the park, dancing (when J.Lo really shines), love, stunning weddings, and most importantly, chocolate.
In this romantic comedy, highly successful wedding planner Mary Fiore (Jennifer Lopez) is saved by Steve Edison (Matthew McConaughey) when a runaway dumpster heads toward her on one of San Francisco’s very steep hills. Unbeknownst to her, Steve is the groom of the wedding she’s planning. When they meet at a movie in the park (swoon), he picks out all the blue, green, yellow, orange, and red M&Ms, leaving just the brown ones. When Mary asks what he’s doing, he simply says that he only eats the brown ones because he figures they have less artificial coloring. Because, you know, chocolate’s already brown. (Readers, all M&Ms have food dye coloring, even the brown ones.)
Despite the erroneous nutritional information Steve provides, it’s still a sweet and memorable scene, and one that comes back at the very end when Mary sits alone at the park picking out all the non-brown M&Ms. Naturally, these M&M Cookies for Two are inspired by Steve’s quirky habit.
Small batch cookies are great for those moments when your cookie cravings are very real but you don’t want to spend a lot of time making a dozen cookies. This recipe is quick and easy so you can enjoy your movie night without any of the hassle (and get to the swoon-worthy moments faster). Enjoy!
M&M Cookies for Two
10 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons butter, melted
6 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon water
½ large egg (about 2 tablespoons)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup brown M&Ms
Makes: 2 Cookies
Tools: Sheet tray, aluminum foil, two mixing bowls, measuring spoons and measuring cups, spatula, spoon (to scoop dough)
Method
1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a baking sheet (a small one if you have it) lined with aluminum foil (aids in creating a nice crisp to the bottom).
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a second bowl, mix the melted butter and sugars until smooth.
4. Add the egg and vanilla to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until combined.
5. Fold the flour mixture into the butter and sugar and stir until just combined and no dry spots are left. Don’t overmix.
6. Add the M&Ms and mix.
7. Form the dough into two large balls and place on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes. Remove them from the oven and drop the tray against the oven rack to flatten the cookies. Bake for 4-5 more minutes until the cookies are golden brown.
9. Enjoy with The Wedding Planner (or a rom-com of your choice)!