As I watched my little ones race through the kitchen, their laughter mixing with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies, it hit me: dessert is where the magic happens. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies—an easy treat that’s perfect for satisfying those cookie cravings! These delightful bites offer a wholesome twist on a classic with a protein-packed punch from the creamy peanut butter and vibrant pops of color from the M&M’s. Not only are they a fantastic crowd-pleaser, but the best part is how adaptable they are—whether you need a nut-free version or want to indulge in a rich chocolatey variation, I’ve got you covered! What’s your favorite cookie memory? Let’s dive into the deliciousness! Why are these cookies irresistible? Softness and Chewiness: The unique texture of these cookies, soft on the inside with a slight crispness on the outside, makes them a delightful treat for all ages. Nutritious Indulgence: With protein-packed peanut butter, indulging in a sweet treat can feel rewarding without guilt. Endless Variations: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs—whether you’re craving a nut-free option or a vegan twist. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for family gatherings or school lunches, these cookies are bound to disappear in no time! Consider serving them alongside Honey Butter Chicken for a delightful family feast. Experience the joy of homemade goodness with every bite! Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies • Dive into the delightful world of baking these irresistible treats! For the Cookies Creamy Peanut Butter – Provides rich flavor and moisture; use natural for a unique twist. Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed) – Adds sweetness and essential chewiness; this plays a vital role! Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup) – Sweetens the mix and enhances the texture; feel free to reduce for a lighter touch. Large Egg (1) – Binds the ingredients beautifully; swap with a flax egg for a vegan version. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Deepens the flavors; it’s essential for that cookie magic! Baking Soda (1 tsp) – Acts as a leavening agent; no substitutes needed, just pure cookie charm. Salt (1/4 tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; an essential addition to every sweet treat. M&M’s (1 cup, or as desired) – Adds colorful crunch and sweetness; can be swapped with chocolate chips or dried fruits for a twist. Dive into this simple yet delightful adventure of baking these Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies, and bring an extra smile to your loved ones! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it’s ready for your delicious Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked treats, so give it about 10 minutes to heat up! Step 2: Cream the Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream these ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take around 2-3 minutes. The creamy texture is crucial for your cookies’ final softness. Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Next, crack 1 large egg into the mixing bowl and pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat them into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated. This step not only binds the ingredients together but also enhances the flavor, creating the perfect foundation for your Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies. Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of baking soda and ¼ teaspoon of salt into the bowl. Gently mix until the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the chewy texture of your cookies. You want the batter to remain tender and fluffy, ready for those delightful M&M’s! Step 5: Fold in the M&M’s Carefully fold in 1 cup of M&M’s, leaving a few aside for later. Use a spatula to gently incorporate them into the dough, ensuring an even distribution without compromising its texture. This step isn’t just about flavor! The vibrant colors of the M&M’s will make your Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies visually appealing as well. Step 6: Shape the Cookies With a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm and add a few reserved M&M’s on top for that extra pop of color. This will help create the perfect shape and presentation for your cookies! Step 7: Bake to Perfection Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should look set, while the centers may appear slightly underbaked. This underbaking will contribute to the soft and chewy texture that makes these cookies so irresistible. Step 8: Cool and Enjoy Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows the cookies to firm up while retaining their delicious chewiness. Now, they’re ready to be devoured—your Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are sure to be a hit! How to Store and Freeze Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This ensures they stay soft and delicious! Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months! Reheating: To enjoy a warm cookie, microwave for about 10-15 seconds straight from the freezer or fridge. This will bring back their soft and chewy texture. Thawing: If frozen, let the Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. What to Serve with Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies These cookies are not just a treat; they can transform any meal into a delightful feast! Glass of Cold Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the cookies’ richness, creating that beloved combination of sweet and creamy. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla for an indulgent dessert that will melt in your mouth. Fruit Salad: The freshness of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies, adding a light and fruity touch. Chocolate Milkshake: A luxurious drink that echoes the chocolate in the M&M’s, satisfying all chocolate cravings! Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy evening treat that brings back childhood memories. Imagine sitting by the fire, cookie in one hand, and a marshmallow-topped drink in the other—pure bliss! Peanut Butter Dip: For the ultimate peanut butter lover experience, pair them with a creamy peanut butter dip for an extra indulgent snack. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the cookies before serving for an added layer of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate. Homemade Hot Chocolate: Rich and cozy, this warm drink makes for a comforting companion on chilly days spent by the fireplace. Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Variations Dive into a delightful world of customization, where each variation brings a new twist to your beloved treats! Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a safe and delicious alternative. Your kids won’t even notice the difference! Vegan: Swap the large egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) to make these cookies vegan-friendly. You’ll still achieve that scrumptious cookie goodness! Chocolate Lovers: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips along with M&M’s for an extra chocolaty treat that’s pure bliss in every bite. Because who doesn’t love more chocolate? Fruity Twist: Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins to add a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the peanut butter perfectly. Experience a delightful blend of flavors that’ll surprise your taste buds! Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon (about 1/2 teaspoon) for a warm, comforting flavor that merges beautifully with peanut butter. It’s like a cozy hug in cookie form! Crunch Factor: For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts of your choice (walnuts or pecans) into the dough or use crunchy peanut butter instead. This adds a satisfying crunch alongside the soft and chewy center. Salted Caramel: Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the warm cookies after they come out of the oven for a luscious salted caramel treat. It’s a decadent way to elevate these cookies into something truly special! Lavender Infusion: For a unique twist, add a touch of culinary lavender (about 1 tsp) into the dough for an aromatic experience. It may sound unusual, but the fragrance is heavenly! Feel inspired to play with these variations and make the Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies your own! Consider enjoying them alongside Worcestershire Butter Roast for a complete meal experience that brings family and friends together. Make Ahead Options These Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are a wonderful choice for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—just scoop the dough balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and cover tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Alternatively, you can freeze the formed dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply transfer them straight from the fridge or freezer to a preheated oven, adding an extra minute or so to the baking time if frozen. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh, warm cookies with that delightful homemade touch whenever the craving strikes! Expert Tips for Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Quality Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture; natural styles can make your cookies drier or crumbly. Watch the Baking Time: Avoid overbaking; the cookies should look soft and slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven. Cooling Matters: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet helps maintain that perfect chewy texture while they firm up. Storing Secrets: Keep your Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for long-term storage. Customizing Flavors: Feel free to swap M&M’s with chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits for varying tastes and textures! Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I select the best peanut butter for these cookies? Absolutely! For the best results, choose creamy peanut butter that’s free from added sugars or oils. Natural peanut butter can alter your cookies’ texture due to its oil separation, leading to drier cookies. I often recommend brands that have only peanuts and salt for a rich flavor and ideal consistency. What’s the best way to store these cookies? Very! Store your Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For optimal freshness and softness, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; it will help maintain moisture and keep them chewy! Can I freeze the cookies, and if so, how? Absolutely! To freeze, first, let your baked cookies cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they’re firm—about 1-2 hours. Transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag, ensuring to label it with the date. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months! To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds. What if my cookies aren’t chewy enough? If you find your cookies aren’t as chewy as you’d like, the most common reason might be overbaking. Ensure you remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the center looks slightly underbaked. Also, try adding a touch more brown sugar next time; it enhances the chewiness. Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies? Definitely! You can easily make a nut-free variation by substituting the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. Just keep in mind that different nut alternatives might yield slightly different flavors and textures, but they’ll remain delicious regardless! Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies That Will Melt Hearts Try these Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies for a protein-packed, colorful treat that satisfies cookie cravings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookies1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter Use natural for a unique twist1 cup Brown Sugar Packed, adds sweetness and chewiness1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Feel free to reduce for a lighter touch1 large Egg Can swap with a flax egg for a vegan version1 tsp Vanilla Extract Essential for flavor1 tsp Baking Soda Acts as a leavening agent1/4 tsp Salt Balances sweetness1 cup M&M’s Can substitute with chocolate chips or dried fruits Equipment Mixing BowlElectric mixerBaking sheetParchment PaperCookie scoop Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Combine peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Cream until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated.Mix in baking soda and salt gently until just combined.Fold in M&M's, leaving some aside for later.Drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Flatten slightly and add reserved M&M's on top.Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gCalcium: 1mgIron: 2mg NotesFeel free to customize flavors by substituting M&M's with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
