Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a cookie that delivers the perfect balance of rich peanut butter flavor, colorful pops of sweetness, and a delightful chewy texture, this Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Every bite bursts with nostalgic candy-coated M&Ms and melting peanut butter chips, creating a cookie experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies bring joy to every occasion and never fail to disappear quickly from the cookie jar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. With pantry staples and a few special additions, you can create cookies bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays its part in making these cookies so irresistible—from the creamy peanut butter adding moisture and richness, to the mini M&Ms providing cheerful speckles and bursts of candy crunch.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps your cookies tender and flavorful.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and promotes slight crisping at the edges.
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth to the dough.
• 1/4 cup peanut butter: The star ingredient that infuses every bite with that classic nutty goodness.
• 1 egg: Binds everything together and helps create that perfect chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a warm aromatic note.
• 1 1/4 cup unbleached flour: The foundation that steers the dough structure just right—soft but sturdy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives your cookies a gentle lift without too much puffiness.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies those savory peanut butter notes.
• 1 1/2 cup mini M&Ms (divided): The colorful, crunchy candies that make the cookies truly pop with fun.
• 1 cup peanut butter baking chips: Adds pockets of melty peanut butter goodness throughout the cookie.
• Sea salt to garnish (optional): Just a sprinkle on top gives a gourmet finish that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cookie.

How to Make Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Divide Your M&Ms

Start by sorting your colorful mini M&Ms into three bowls—about ¾ cup, ½ cup, and ¼ cup. This step is easy but super important because you’ll be mixing some into the dough and saving the rest for rolling the dough balls and decorating the tops later. No need to be exact, just have fun with it!

Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This little prep sets the stage for baking perfection.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air for a soft cookie texture while blending the flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

Stir in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is combined into a smooth, luscious dough. The peanut butter really starts to shine here, enriching the base of your cookies with that unmistakable nutty aroma.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Next, fold in the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt gently but thoroughly. The dough will start to come together and thicken, getting ready to hold all those M&M surprises inside.

Step 6: Fold in M&Ms and Peanut Butter Chips

Gently fold about ¾ cup of your mini M&Ms into the dough along with the peanut butter baking chips. This is when the dough begins to look gorgeous, studded with tiny colorful candies and creamy chips that promise delectable little pockets of flavor.

Step 7: Shape and Roll the Dough Balls

Using a two-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough balls, then roll the top half of each ball in the reserved ½ cup of M&Ms. Feel free to add extra M&Ms as needed to coat the dough evenly—it’s all about that perfect candy crunch and the joyful look they give.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls about 2 ½ inches apart on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 8 to 9 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges will firm up while the centers stay soft and luscious, ensuring the perfect balance of chewy and slightly crisp.

Step 9: Garnish While Warm

Right after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and a few remaining M&Ms on top. This finishing touch adds a beautiful salty-sweet contrast and enhances the look with vibrant color.

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 8 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This resting time lets them firm up just enough while remaining chewy and satisfying.

How to Serve Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt after baking not only enhances the taste but also adds a gourmet flair. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet contrast or drizzle a little melted peanut butter on top for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with classic cold milk, whether dairy or plant-based, for a nostalgic treat. For an adult twist, accompany them with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy hot chocolate to balance the sweetness and enrich the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, stack these colorful cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a rustic ribbon. You can also create a cookie platter with a few bowls of peanut butter frosting or melted chocolate for dipping, turning your Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe into an interactive treat everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to five days, making it easy to enjoy a sweet snack whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies in advance, shape the dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them straight from frozen, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, so they taste freshly baked whenever you want.

Reheating

To bring back that warm, melty fresh-baked cookie feeling, pop one or two cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or briefly warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This little trick revives the melty chips and soft texture perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will introduce little bits of texture in your cookies, adding an extra nutty crunch that some people love. Just be aware it might change the overall chew slightly.

Do I have to use mini M&Ms or can I use regular-sized ones?

Mini M&Ms are ideal because they disperse evenly throughout the dough and look lovely on top. Using regular-sized M&Ms might cause the cookies to spread differently, but it’s still a fun option if you prefer larger chunks of candy.

Can I substitute the peanut butter baking chips with regular chocolate chips?

You can, though swapping for regular chocolate chips will alter the flavor a bit. The peanut butter chips echo and amplify the peanut butter flavor—without them, the cookies will taste more like classic peanut butter and chocolate but less peanutty.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and chill your dough for about 20 minutes before scooping if your kitchen is warm. Using parchment paper and spacing cookies well apart also helps maintain their shape.

Is this recipe allergen-friendly?

This recipe contains peanut butter and eggs, which are common allergens. If you need a nut-free or vegan version, significant ingredient substitutions would be necessary, but this classic recipe is designed to highlight the wonderful peanut butter flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making this Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe is like creating a little batch of happiness—rich peanut butter, colorful candy, and melty chips all wrapped in a chewy, satisfying cookie. It’s a treat that’s sure to brighten your day and become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Go ahead and try it out; these cookies have a way of disappearing fast, and you’ll want to make them again and again.

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