Why do M&M or Smarties crack in the oven and how can I stop it?+
Cracking happens from rapid heat and pressure inside the candy shell so you will still sometimes see cracks after baking. The most reliable way to avoid visible cracking is to mix most of the candies into the dough and press a few reserved candies on top after baking or in the last minute so they do not sit in the hot oven the whole time.
How do I keep the candies looking bright and in place like the photo?+
Chill your shaped dough first so it spreads less, bake until edges are set but centers are still soft, then immediately press reserved candies and candy eyes onto the warm cookie so they sit on the surface and stick without melting away. Using a silicone mat or parchment and spacing the cookies gives them room to keep their shape and candy placement.
How much mint should I add so it is subtle and not overpowering?+
Start small for mint because it is strong: use about one quarter to one half teaspoon peppermint extract for a normal sized batch or just one to two drops of concentrated mint oil and adjust next time if you want more; add it to the wet ingredients so it disperses evenly.
Will Smarties work differently to M&M's in baking?+
Smarties and M&M are similar but Smarties are often slightly larger and flatter which can change how they sit in the cookie, so test one batch first to see how they handle your oven and recipe; both will hold colour better if you reserve some for pressing on top after baking.
Why do my cookies spread too much and lose shape?+
Cookies spread when the butter or tray is too warm or the dough has too little structure; chilling the dough, using a silicone mat or cold tray, and measuring flour correctly will stop excessive spread and help the candies stay where you put them.
Can I prepare the dough ahead or freeze the cookies with candy in them?+
You can shape and chill or freeze the dough balls for up to a couple months, but if you want perfect candy decorations keep most candies off until after baking and add them right after the cookies come out so they look fresh; fully baked cookies with pressed candy can still be frozen but the candies may crack or dull in colour.
Any tips to make it look like the photo with candy eyes and colourful Smarties?+
Use a slightly underbaked centre with set edges so the cookie surface is soft enough to accept candy eyes when warm, reserve and press extra Smarties and eyes on right away, and choose a mix of red, yellow and brown candies spaced three to four per cookie for the same playful pattern. A dark serving surface and black napkins will finish the look.
