Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

Imagine that perfect blend of nutty, sweet, and chocolatey goodness melting in your mouth. Our Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are a vibrant, irresistible twist on a classic, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy every craving. Get ready to bake up some pure joy!

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

These delightful cookies are more than just a treat; they are an experience! Here’s why they’ll quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire:

• Irresistibly Soft & Chewy: Each bite delivers a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply divine.
• Explosion of Flavor: The rich, creamy peanut butter perfectly complements the sweet, crunchy M&M candies.
• Visually Stunning: Those colorful M&Ms make every cookie a feast for the eyes, perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results.
• Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone adores these fun and flavorful cookies.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for dessert, snack time, or a delightful addition to any celebration spread.
• Ready in Under 30 Minutes: From start to delicious finish, these cookies bake up surprisingly fast.

Ingredients Needed

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie bliss! We’re using pantry staples to create something truly special. For the best texture, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature.

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened: Use good quality butter for superior flavor.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Provides classic sweetness and helps with browning.
• 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a lovely caramel note.
• 2 large eggs: Essential for binding and structure.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract: Elevates all the sweet flavors.
• 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter: Opt for a classic, creamy variety for the best cookie texture.
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour: The foundation of our chewy cookies.
• 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect softness.
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• 1 cup (175g) M&M candies: The star of the show for color and crunch!

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies – A delightful mashup of two beloved treats, combining rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in every swirl.

Essential Equipment

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You won’t need a gourmet kitchen for these cookies, but a few key tools will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

• Large mixing bowls: Crucial for combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Electric mixer (stand or hand-held): For effortlessly creaming butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the bowl and gently folding in the M&Ms.
• Baking sheets: Essential for baking your cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Highly recommended to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows air to circulate, cooling your cookies perfectly.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 30 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

1. 1. Prepare Your WorkspacePreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, line your baking sheets with parchment paper; this step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

   2. Cream Wet IngredientsIn a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together with an electric mixer until the mixture is beautifully light and fluffy. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and creamy peanut butter until everything is wonderfully smooth and well combined.

   3. Combine Dry IngredientsIn a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dry mix.

      
      

1. Bring it All TogetherGradually add the dry ingredients to your wet ingredients. Mix on low speed, or by hand, until the flour mixture is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

2. Add the M&MsGently fold in the M&M candies using your rubber spatula. You want them evenly distributed, but avoid crushing them too much.

3. Bake to PerfectionDrop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges appear lightly golden. Remember, cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool. If your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking.

4. Cool and EnjoyAllow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This firming-up period prevents them from breaking when you move them. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

   
   

CHECK OUT: Peanut Butter Blossoms with the Softest, Chewiest Bite – Classic peanut butter cookies crowned with a chocolate kiss, delivering pure nostalgic joy.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, evenly mixed dough. This helps create that ideal light and fluffy texture.
• Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies.
• Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For thicker, chewier cookies and less spreading, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking, promotes even baking, and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Avoid Overbaking: Cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.

Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to customize your Peanut Butter M&M Cookies! For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Dairy-free butter substitutes can be used for a dairy-free version. Mix in other chocolate candies, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor kick.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert, or alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make an excellent addition to any dessert platter or cookie exchange.

Health Benefits

While undoubtedly a treat, these Peanut Butter M&M Cookies offer some nutritional benefits. Peanut butter provides a good source of protein and healthy fats, contributing to satiety. The cookies also contain some dietary fiber from the flour and peanuts. Enjoy them mindfully as part of a balanced diet.

Storage & Reheating

Store cooled Peanut Butter M&M Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel. You can also freeze the raw cookie dough for future cravings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

What kind of peanut butter works best?

Creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) generally works best for consistent texture. Natural peanut butter can be used, but you might need to adjust the flour slightly if it’s very oily.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture, which can be a delightful twist.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This often happens if your butter is too warm, the dough isn’t chilled, or you’re using too much baking soda. Chilling the dough helps firm up the fat, preventing excessive spreading.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Yes! Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, other candies, or even sprinkles would be fantastic additions.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the centers might still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

More Delicious Dishes

Craving more sweet treats and comforting bakes? Explore these other fantastic recipes:

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies Recipe – The best of both worlds in one decadent dessert.
• Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies – A classic for a reason, pure peanut butter bliss.
• Edible Cookie Dough, an easy no-bake dessert – Satisfy your cravings safely with this no-bake delight.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are truly a delightful experience, blending beloved flavors into one irresistible bite. Whether for a family treat, a festive gathering, or just because, they are sure to become a cherished recipe. Happy baking! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.

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