Peanut Butter M&M’s Cookies: A Colorful, Chewy Delight 🍪🥜🌈
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Introduction:
What’s better than a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie? One that’s packed with colorful, crunchy M&M’s! Peanut Butter M&M’s Cookies bring together the creamy richness of peanut butter with the fun and vibrant burst of chocolate-coated candy. These cookies are not only visually irresistible, but they also deliver a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will satisfy both kids and adults alike.
Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The recipe is straightforward, and the result is a batch of thick, chewy cookies that strike the perfect balance between salty peanut butter and sweet, crunchy M&M’s. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Burst of Color: These cookies are fun, festive, and filled with colorful M&M’s, making them perfect for celebrations.
- Soft & Chewy: Every bite is soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter goodness, making these cookies hard to resist.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients here—just pantry staples come together to make these delightful treats.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
5. Fold in the M&M’s
Gently fold in the M&M’s. You can save a handful to press on top of the cookies for extra color.
6. Shape the Cookies
Scoop out about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll them into balls. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Press down lightly to flatten the tops and press a few extra M&M’s on each cookie for that picture-perfect look.
7. Bake & Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy Fresh: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the centers are still gooey and the M&M’s are slightly melted.
- With Milk: A cold glass of milk is the perfect pairing for these rich, peanut buttery cookies.
- Holiday Twist: Switch up the colors of M&M’s for different holidays—red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter, or red and pink for Valentine’s Day.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter M&M’s Cookies:
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best when they’re slightly underbaked in the center. The residual heat will finish cooking them, giving you that soft and chewy texture.
- Creamy Peanut Butter is Key: For the smoothest cookie dough, stick with creamy peanut butter. Chunky peanut butter can alter the texture.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, puffier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
FAQs:
Can I use natural peanut butter?
While you can use natural peanut butter, it may affect the texture of the cookies. Natural peanut butter tends to be more oily, so the cookies may spread more. If you do use it, make sure it’s well-stirred.
How should I store these cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer them warm and gooey, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds before eating.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Customization Ideas:
- Add Chocolate Chips: For even more chocolatey goodness, add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips along with the M&M’s.
- Swap the M&M’s: Try peanut M&M’s or mini M&M’s for a different texture and flavor.
- Make Them Chunky: If you like a more textured cookie, add in chopped peanuts or swap creamy peanut butter for chunky.
Why These Peanut Butter M&M’s Cookies Are a Must-Try:
These Peanut Butter M&M’s Cookies are the ultimate treat when you’re craving something sweet, salty, and colorful. The contrast between the creamy peanut butter and the crunch of the M&M’s creates a perfect balance in each bite. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a bake sale, or just because you want a little pick-me-up, these cookies will hit the spot every single time.