Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking to bring pure joy to any gathering or sweeten up an ordinary afternoon, these Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are your ticket to happiness. Imagine chewy edges, a soft peanut butter center, and colorful pockets of peanut butter M&Ms in every bite—this recipe is a celebration for peanut butter lovers and candy fans alike! Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a bake sale, family treat, or just because, everyone will clamor for another. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and trust me, you won’t be able to stop at one!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient for Peanut Butter M&M Cookies plays a starring role in their irresistible texture and rich, peanutty flavor. Here’s why each element matters and how it elevates the cookie to pure magic.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and just enough tenderness to prevent the cookies from becoming too dense.
- Baking soda: Ensures each bite has a light, chewy lift while helping with the even spread during baking.
- Baking powder: Offers that extra boost for a slightly thicker, fluffier cookie.
- Sea salt: Balances out the sweetness and highlights the peanut butter flavor beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds essential richness and moisture, while allowing you to control the saltiness perfectly.
- Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps the cookies crisp up around the edges.
- Brown sugar (packed): Contributes a caramel-like depth and keeps everything extra soft and chewy.
- Peanut butter: The star ingredient for big, bold peanut buttery flavor and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large egg: Binds all the ingredients, creating a soft, cohesive dough that bakes up just right.
- Peanut Butter M&Ms: The ultimate surprise—crunchy, candy-coated nuggets that bring pops of color and even more peanutty goodness with every bite!
How to Make Peanut Butter M&M Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with either a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and encourages that picture-perfect golden underside on your cookies—plus, it makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. This small bit of prep guarantees that your leaveners get evenly distributed, and the salt can work its magic throughout each cookie.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Add softened unsalted butter, sugar, and packed brown sugar to a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, cream the mixture for about two minutes. It should be light and fluffy—this aeration gives your Peanut Butter M&M Cookies their irresistible soft centers and delicate crumb.
Step 4: Mix in Peanut Butter and Egg
Blend in the peanut butter and large egg until everything is well combined. The peanut butter adds a rich nuttiness and keeps the dough from drying out, while the egg binds everything together for that perfect chewy bite.
Step 5: Bring Together the Wet and Dry
Gently add your bowl of dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Mix just until you see the last streaks of flour disappear—overworking can toughen the dough, and we want ultra-tender cookies every time.
Step 6: Add the Peanut Butter M&Ms
Pour in the Peanut Butter M&Ms and gently fold them in with a spatula. This way those beautiful, candy-coated gems don’t get crushed, and you end up with pebbles of deliciousness throughout each cookie.
Step 7: Scoop and Space Out
Using a large cookie scoop, portion mounds of dough onto your lined sheet, keeping at least 2 inches between each. This spacing allows the cookies to spread perfectly without fusing into one giant (tempting, but less practical) treat.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes. Look for edges that are set and just starting to brown, while the centers should be soft—they’ll firm up as they cool, ensuring chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies every time. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and let the anticipation build before diving in.
How to Serve Peanut Butter M&M Cookies
Garnishes
For a burst of extra color and crunch, press a few extra Peanut Butter M&Ms onto each cookie right as they come out of the oven. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt also elevates the peanut butter flavor and keeps everyone reaching for “just one more.”
Side Dishes
The classic pairing is a cold glass of milk for dunking, but these cookies also shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries. For a festive dessert platter, pair with chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies for a playful mix of flavors and colors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching ice cream between two Peanut Butter M&M Cookies for irresistible ice cream sandwiches, or package them up in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for party favors. Stack them on a cake stand or in a big jar as a vibrant centerpiece—guests won’t be able to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Peanut Butter M&M Cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Line the bottom with parchment if you’re stacking—this prevents sticking and keeps those colorful candies looking perfect for up to five days.
Freezing
The beauty of this recipe is that the cookies and dough both freeze wonderfully! Scoop out the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. You can bake straight from frozen, simply adding a minute or two to the baking time, or freeze the baked cookies and thaw whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm and gooey, just pop a Peanut Butter M&M Cookie in the microwave for 7–10 seconds. This refreshes their texture and revives that melty chocolate center—like tasting them fresh from the oven!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will lend little bits of peanut texture throughout, which is a fun twist. Just make sure to use the same amount, and note that the cookies might spread a bit less.
Do I have to use Peanut Butter M&Ms, or can I substitute with another type?
Peanut Butter M&Ms deliver an extra burst of flavor, but regular M&Ms, peanut M&Ms, or even chocolate chunks can work in a pinch. The unique peanut butter centers in the original, though, make these cookies truly special.
My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
If your dough was too warm or you didn’t measure your flour accurately, cookies can spread too much. Try chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking, and weigh your flour for best results.
How do I get my cookies to look as colorful as bakery ones?
After scooping the dough, gently press a few more Peanut Butter M&Ms onto the tops. This ensures the classic, bakery-style appearance and that extra pop of color everyone loves.
Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
Definitely! Peanut Butter M&M Cookie dough can be covered and chilled in the fridge for up to three days, or frozen as scooped dough balls. Bake directly from chilled or frozen for fresh cookies anytime.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making these Peanut Butter M&M Cookies before, you’re in for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just indulging your own cravings, these cookies always bring smiles. Go ahead, give them a spot in your recipe rotation—they’re bound to become a new favorite!
Print
Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie recipe. Packed with peanut butter flavor and studded with colorful M&Ms, these cookies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour ((6.25 ounces by weight))
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 large egg
Additional:
- 2 cups peanut butter M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars: Place the butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl and cream them together with a hand mixer for approximately two minutes, until the mixture looks fluffy.
- Add peanut butter and egg: Mix in the peanut butter and egg until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until the flour is almost incorporated.
- Add M&Ms: Gently stir in the peanut butter M&Ms using a spatula.
- Portion and bake: Use a large cookie scoop to portion out mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are slightly browned.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
Notes
- You can use crunchy or creamy peanut butter, depending on your preference.
- Feel free to mix in additional chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Peanut Butter M&M Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies, M&M Cookies, Homemade Cookies
