Peanut Butter M&Ms Cookies Recipe: A Sweet and Nutty Delight
When it comes to comfort food, few things can beat a warm, chewy cookie straight out of the oven. Now imagine that cookie infused with rich, creamy peanut butter, studded with colorful, crunchy M&Ms, and optionally sprinkled with gooey mini chocolate chips. Yes, we’re talking about Peanut Butter M&Ms Cookies—a heavenly treat that satisfies sweet cravings while delivering that nostalgic home-baked flavor.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful baking tips, variations, and storage advice so you can create the perfect batch every time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and always yields delicious results.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter M&Ms Cookies
Before diving into the baking process, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need.
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
These ingredients provide the base and flavor. The combination of butter and peanut butter ensures a soft, chewy texture, while the sugars offer a nice balance of sweetness and moisture.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
These help the cookies hold their structure and give them just the right amount of rise.
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup M&Ms (peanut or regular)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
The M&Ms add color and crunch, while mini chocolate chips enhance the overall chocolatey flavor. You can also mix and match types of M&Ms or other candies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the cookie-making process into manageable steps. Follow these directions closely for cookies that are chewy, soft in the center, and crisp around the edges.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Mix for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This aerates the dough and helps create a tender texture.
Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until the ingredients are fully incorporated. This step enhances flavor and helps bind everything together.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined—avoid overmixing, as that can make your cookies tough.
Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the M&Ms and optional mini chocolate chips. You want the candies to be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten the tops of each dough ball using your fingers or the back of a spoon—this helps them spread evenly while baking.
Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Don’t overbake! They will continue to cook as they cool on the sheet.
Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps set their shape and texture.
Baking Tips for the Best Peanut Butter M&Ms Cookies
To elevate your cookies from good to great, keep these expert tips in mind.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start mixing. This allows for better emulsification and a smoother dough.
Measure Flour Accurately
Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method—spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
Chill the Dough (Optional)
If your dough feels too soft or you want thicker cookies, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking.
Reserve Some M&Ms
Set aside a handful of M&Ms to press onto the tops of the dough balls right before baking. This makes your cookies look extra colorful and bakery-style.
Adjust for Your Oven
Every oven runs slightly differently. Start checking your cookies at the 9-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
While the original recipe is already fantastic, you can customize these cookies in many fun ways.
Switch Up the M&Ms
- Peanut M&Ms: Add extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Mini M&Ms: For more even distribution and pops of color.
- Seasonal M&Ms: Use red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange and brown for Halloween.
Mix in Nuts
Add chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
Go Gluten-Free
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Add Oats
Add 1/2 cup of quick oats to the dough for a chewy, oatmeal cookie twist.
Double the Chocolate
Add white chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Cookies this good deserve to be savored over time. Here’s how to store them for maximum freshness.
Storing at Room Temperature
Place completely cooled cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Freezing the Dough
To freeze unbaked cookie dough, roll it into balls and place on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake an extra 1-2 minutes.
Freezing Baked Cookies
Cool cookies completely, then place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Perfect Occasions to Serve These Cookies
Peanut Butter M&Ms Cookies are versatile treats that shine on many occasions:
- Birthday parties
- Holiday cookie exchanges
- Lunchbox treats
- Picnics and potlucks
- Bake sales
- Movie nights at home
They’re loved by kids and adults alike and are always a crowd-pleaser.
Nutrition Information (per cookie)
While the exact values may vary, here’s an approximate breakdown per cookie if you make 24:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 3g
FAQs About Peanut Butter M&Ms Cookies
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter is not recommended unless it’s well-stirred and not too oily or dry. Traditional creamy peanut butter provides a more stable texture.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture. Just make sure it’s not too dry or the cookies might be crumbly.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a bag or container. Bake straight from frozen with just a minute or two added to the bake time.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a few marshmallows. This keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Possible reasons include overly soft butter, not enough flour, or a hot baking sheet. Try chilling the dough and double-checking measurements.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
With substitutions like plant-based butter, a flax egg, and vegan M&Ms or chocolate chips, it’s possible—though texture and flavor may slightly differ.
With their perfect balance of salty peanut butter, sweet candies, and chewy centers, these Peanut Butter M&Ms Cookies are a fun and festive treat that’s sure to brighten any day. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Happy baking! 🍪🥜