Newfoundland Smartie Cookies: A Fun and Colorful Twist on a Classic Treat
Let’s add a little color and cheer to your day with these Newfoundland Smartie Cookies! This recipe is a joyful twist on the traditional cookie, using vibrant, candy-coated Smarties to create a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Soft and chewy with a buttery base, these cookies will brighten any gathering, coffee break, or cozy evening at home.
This recipe is easy to follow, perfect for beginner bakers, and great for whipping up with kids. The result? Irresistibly fun cookies that spark nostalgia with every bite. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients Overview: Understanding the Magic Behind the Cookies
1. Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened)
Butter is the soul of these cookies. Its creaminess gives them their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Be sure to let it soften at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
2. Brown Sugar (1 cup)
This brings a depth of flavor with caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
3. Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup)
For a perfect balance of sweetness and just the right amount of crisp edges.
4. Eggs (2)
Eggs bind everything together and contribute to that irresistibly soft cookie texture.
5. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor profile, tying all the ingredients together beautifully.
6. All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups)
The structure-builder! Flour forms the base of the dough, giving these cookies their shape and substance.
7. Baking Soda (1 tsp)
This helps the cookies rise and gives them a slightly airy texture.
8. Salt (1/2 tsp)
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
9. Smarties Candies (1 1/2 cups)
The star ingredient! These colorful, candy-coated chocolates add bursts of sweetness and make every cookie extra special. Feel free to use your favorite colors or themed Smarties for holidays.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving soft cookies, so take your time—2-3 minutes of mixing should do it.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The mixture should now be smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
Step 5: Fold in Smarties
Using a spatula, gently fold in the Smarties candies until they’re evenly distributed. This ensures every cookie has plenty of colorful, chocolatey goodness.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon for even baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll set as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, if you’re like me, enjoy one warm and gooey—no judgment here!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Freezing Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes.
Reheating:
- Microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
20 Secrets to Culinary Perfection
1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing and optimal texture.
2. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough for 30-60 minutes prevents cookies from spreading too much, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
3. Weigh Your Ingredients
For consistent results, use a kitchen scale instead of relying solely on measuring cups.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar Properly
Spend at least 2-3 minutes creaming butter and sugar. This step aerates the mixture, leading to soft, fluffy cookies.
5. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
6. Add Extra Smarties on Top
Press a few additional Smarties on each dough ball before baking for a bakery-style look.
7. Bake One Tray at a Time
Baking one tray at a time in the center rack ensures even heat distribution.
8. Use a Cookie Scoop
A cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
9. Experiment with Salted Butter
If you like a sweet-salty combo, try using salted butter and omit the added salt.
10. Underbake for Softness
Remove cookies from the oven when the centers are slightly underbaked; they’ll finish setting as they cool.
11. Rotate the Baking Sheet
Halfway through baking, rotate the baking sheet for even cooking.
12. Use High-Quality Vanilla
A rich, aromatic vanilla extract elevates the flavor of your cookies.
13. Sift Dry Ingredients
Sifting flour, baking soda, and salt together ensures no clumps and creates a lighter dough.
14. Use Fresh Ingredients
Check the expiration date on your baking soda—it can lose effectiveness over time.
15. Freeze Dough for Future Use
Freeze individual dough balls so you can bake fresh cookies anytime.
16. Add a Flavor Twist
Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder for an extra layer of flavor.
17. Experiment with Mix-Ins
Add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even white chocolate chips to customize your cookies.
18. Rest on the Baking Sheet
Let cookies cool for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breaking.
19. Invest in Parchment Paper
Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
20. Use Light-Colored Baking Sheets
Dark baking sheets absorb more heat and may overbrown your cookies. Light-colored sheets are ideal for even baking.
20 Frequently Asked Questions About Newfoundland Smartie Cookies
1. Can I use M&Ms instead of Smarties?
Yes, M&Ms are a great substitute if Smarties aren’t available.
2. What makes Newfoundland Smartie Cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?
Smarties add a colorful, crunchy exterior with creamy chocolate inside, giving a unique twist to the classic cookie.
3. Why do my cookies spread too much?
Warm dough or too much butter can cause spreading. Chill your dough for 30-60 minutes before baking.
4. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen.
5. Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Yes, baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.
6. Do I need to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level, but salted butter works in a pinch—just reduce added salt.
7. What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?
Cut butter into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may melt unevenly.
8. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the cookies may have a slightly different flavor and texture.
9. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden brown, but the centers will look slightly underbaked. They’ll set as they cool.
10. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water.
11. Why are my cookies too dry?
Overbaking or too much flour can result in dry cookies. Ensure you measure ingredients correctly.
12. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Just ensure you have enough mixing space!
13. Can I add other candies or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped chocolate bars, nuts, or dried fruits work wonderfully as additional mix-ins.
14. Why is my dough too sticky?
Sticky dough could be due to warm butter or high humidity. Chill the dough to make it easier to handle.
15. Can I use this recipe to make cookie bars?
Yes, press the dough into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
16. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, substitute butter with plant-based margarine, eggs with flax eggs, and ensure your Smarties are vegan-friendly.
17. Can I use self-rising flour?
Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, which may throw off the recipe’s balance. Stick to all-purpose flour for best results.
18. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but the texture may change. Try reducing each sugar by 1/4 cup and see how you like the results.
19. Can I bake multiple trays at once?
You can, but rotate the trays halfway through for even baking.
20. How do I make my cookies extra soft?
Chill the dough, use more brown sugar than white, and underbake slightly for ultra-soft cookies.
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