Name: Peanut Butter M&M Cookies: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Delight!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Salted Butter (Can substitute with unsalted butter, adding 1/4 teaspoon salt.); 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (Brands like Jif or Skippy recommended.); 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (Using vanilla bean paste offers intense aroma.); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Light or dark brown sugar can be used.); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (Utilized for balanced sweetness.); 2 large Eggs (Ensure they're at room temperature.); 1 large Egg Yolk (Added for moisture.); 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Spoon and level when measuring.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1 cup Mini Peanut Butter M&Ms (Enhances peanut butter flavor.); 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (Adds chocolatey bursts.); to taste Flaky Sea Salt (Sprinkle on top before baking.)

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As I rummaged through my pantry, I stumbled upon a forgotten jar of peanut butter and a bag of colorful M&Ms, instantly sparking an idea for a delightful baking adventure. Enter my Jumbo Peanut Butter M&M Cookies, a treat that captures the essence of comfort and joy in every chewy bite. With only 30 minutes from mixing to mouth, these cookies are the perfect solution for those cozy evenings when you’re craving something sweet without the fuss of complicated recipes. The blend of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and vibrant M&Ms makes them an absolute crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting friends or simply indulging in a blissful moment at home. Ready to experience the magic of these delicious cookies? Let’s get baking!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Quick and Easy: These Peanut Butter M&M Cookies come together in just 30 minutes, making them a go-to for spontaneous baking sessions.

Joyful Colors: The vibrant mini peanut butter M&Ms add a pop of color, making these treats visually appealing and a hit at parties.

Deep Flavor: Rich peanut butter and chocolate combine for a decadently chewy texture that delights cookie lovers of all ages.

Perfect for Sharing: Whether for school lunches or holiday cookie platters, these cookies are sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.

Versatile Options: Experiment with variations by adding rainbow sprinkles or even creating dipped cookies for special occasions, just like my Cowboy Butter Chicken offers fun flavor combinations!

No Chill Required: Say goodbye to cumbersome waiting times; just mix, scoop, and bake for delicious results!

Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Ingredients

• For the Batter

Salted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; can substitute with unsalted butter, adding 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Creamy Peanut Butter – Provides the signature flavor; use brands like Jif or Skippy for the best results.
Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; using vanilla bean paste offers an even more intense aroma.
Brown Sugar – Contributes to moisture and chewiness; you can use either light or dark brown sugar.
Granulated Sugar – Balances out sweetness; this recipe utilizes 1/2 cup for optimal flavor.
Large Eggs (2) and Egg Yolk (1) – These ingredients help bind the mixture and add moisture; ensure they’re at room temperature.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to your cookies; be sure to spoon and level when measuring.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Essential leavening agents add the perfect texture to your cookies.
Mini Peanut Butter M&Ms & Mini Chocolate Chips – The delightful mix-ins that enhance the peanut butter flavor, adding chocolatey bursts.

• Optional Topping

Flaky Sea Salt – A lovely finishing touch that balances sweetness and enhances flavor; sprinkle on top before baking for an extra treat.

These Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are not just mouthwatering treats; they’re also quickly prepared, making them an ideal choice for any baking occasion!

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring they are ready for your delightful Peanut Butter M&M Cookies. This preparation step helps create a non-stick surface, making it easy to transfer the cookies after baking.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of salted butter with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the mixture together on medium speed for about 2-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth and airy base for your cookies.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 2 large eggs, along with 1 extra egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Blend until fully combined and silky, ensuring that the creamy peanut butter integrates perfectly with the fluffy butter and sugars, creating a rich, flavorful batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents, ensuring your Peanut Butter M&M Cookies rise properly as they bake, resulting in that delicious chewy texture.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until a thick dough forms, ensuring that no dry flour remains. This dough will be your foundation for the scrumptious cookies filled with classic peanut butter goodness.

Step 6: Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips
Once your dough is ready, fold in 1 cup of mini peanut butter M&Ms and 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips. Stir carefully to distribute the colorful M&Ms and chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough, adding bursts of sweetness and texture to your delightful Peanut Butter M&M Cookies.

Step 7: Scoop and Arrange Dough on Baking Sheets
Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out approximately 3 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them to allow for spreading. This spacing is essential for achieving that perfect jumbo cookie size as they bake.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-13 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn lightly golden while the centers remain slightly soft. This balance of doneness will give you perfect, chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies that are irresistible in every bite.

Step 9: Cool and Transfer to Racks
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This step helps them firm up slightly, ensuring they remain soft in the center while developing a delightful texture. Let them cool completely before indulging!

What to Serve with Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

The perfect companions will elevate your homemade cookies into a memorable meal or gathering experience.

Cold Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk complements the sweetness and texture of the cookies, creating a comforting treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert sundae.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad brings a burst of freshness and balances the rich flavors of the cookies.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For an indulgent twist, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the cookies for added decadence.

Imagine the delightful crunch of fresh fruit with the soft, chewy cookies or the sweet, creamy richness of vanilla ice cream melting together. Each bite is bound to bring a smile!

Nutty Coffee: A cup of coffee with nutty undertones harmonizes beautifully with the peanut butter flavor, enhancing your cookie experience.
Chocolate Milkshake: Blend together chocolate ice cream and milk for a thick shake—perfect for dipping those delicious cookies!
Slivered Almonds: Sprinkle some toasted slivered almonds on top for added texture and a nutty contrast to the sweetness.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream makes a lovely contrast to the rich cookies, especially when served alongside ice cream.

These pairing ideas will not only satisfy your cravings but also add a festive flair to your cookie enjoyment!

How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This helps maintain their soft and chewy texture, perfect for grabbing a quick treat.

Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh for a little longer, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, just be sure they’re sealed to prevent drying out.

Freezer: Freeze unused cookies for up to three months. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!

Reheating: For a warm and gooey experience, reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will refresh that delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality you love in Peanut Butter M&M Cookies!

Expert Tips for Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

Perfectly Rounded Cookies: Use a large cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes, promoting even baking and delightful presentation.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and peanut butter to reach room temperature for better blending and a smoother batter.

Dough Storage: If you want to bake later, refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 3 days. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready!

Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined to prevent tough cookies. Enjoy that chewy texture!

Finishing Touch: Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a balance of sweet and savory that enhances the peanut butter flavor.

Pair with Milk: These Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are irresistible on their own, but pairing them with a glass of milk makes for a delightful treat experience!

Make Ahead Options

These Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing everything together and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. By doing this, the flavors will meld beautifully while the dough stays fresh. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop out the dough and place it on baking sheets, allowing for a brief rest at room temperature if needed. With this make-ahead strategy, you can whip up freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes, all with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment!

Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delightful cookies to match your taste preferences!

Smaller Cookies: Use a mini scoop to create bite-sized treats and bake for a shorter time of around 9-11 minutes. Perfect for a sweet snack anytime!
Dipped Cookies: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate for an added layer of indulgence. This brings a rich chocolate flavor that complements the peanut butter delightfully.
No M&Ms: If you prefer classic peanut butter cookies, simply omit the M&Ms and chocolate chips. You can even crisscross the dough with a fork for that nostalgic, old-fashioned texture.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch. This definitely brings a wonderful texture that pairs beautifully with the soft, chewy cookie base.
Seasonal Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles for festive occasions! Rainbow sprinkles can elevate your cookies visually, perfect for birthdays or holiday celebrations.
Peanut Flour Swap: For a peanut-forward flavor, replace half of the all-purpose flour with peanut flour. This will intensify the peanut flavor and add a unique twist to the texture.
Spicy Peanut Butter: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the batter for a spicy twist that surprises and delights with each bite!
Peanut Butter Swirl: For a fun variation, swirl in some extra peanut butter into the dough just before baking – a creamy burst awaits!

Explore these variations and see which ones you love the most! While you’re at it, why not try out my Butter Chicken Comfort for a hearty meal that pairs seamlessly with your sweet treats?

Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ingredients for Peanut Butter M&M Cookies?
Absolutely! For best results, ensure your eggs are at room temperature so they incorporate smoothly into the batter. When selecting your peanut butter, choose a creamy variety like Jif or Skippy for consistency. Avoid natural peanut butters that separate, as they may yield drier cookies.

How should I store leftover cookies?
Store your Peanut Butter M&M Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This helps maintain their delightful chewy texture, perfect for a quick indulgence. If you happen to live in a more humid environment, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks to keep them fresh. Just remember to seal them properly!

Can I freeze Peanut Butter M&M Cookies?
Very! To freeze your cookies, first ensure they are completely cool. Then, place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You’ll be pleased to know they can be stored for up to three months! When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie, just thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.

What should I do if my cookies come out too hard?
If you find your Peanut Butter M&M Cookies have turned out harder than desired, here’s a handy tip! The dough may have been overmixed or baked for too long. Next time, try mixing the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined, and keep an eye on them while baking to ensure they’re lightly golden around the edges and still soft in the middle. Remember, you want that chewy texture!

Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
When baking Peanut Butter M&M Cookies, keep in mind if any guests or family members have nut allergies, as the peanut butter is a key ingredient. For a nut-free version, simply omit the peanut butter and replace it with a nut-free alternative, such as sunbutter (sunflower seed butter). Additionally, be cautious if serving these cookies to pets, as chocolate is toxic to dogs. Always keep those two themes in mind!

Can I use different mix-ins instead of M&Ms?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. You can substitute the mini peanut butter M&Ms and chocolate chips with other fun options like chopped nuts, different flavored chips (like butterscotch or white chocolate), or even dried fruit for a unique spin on your Peanut Butter M&M Cookies. The more the merrier when it comes to customizing your baked goods!