Irresistible Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe

Indulge your sweet tooth with these delightful Peanut Butter M&M Cookies that are sure to become a fast favorite in your home. This recipe is a delightful blend of brown butter richness, creamy peanut butter, and the colorful crunch of M&M candies, creating a cookie that is both comforting and extraordinary. Perfect for when you want to whip up a small batch of something special, these cookies have a way of bringing people together and making every moment a little sweeter.

I remember the first time I made these Peanut Butter M&M Cookies – the aroma wafting through my kitchen was so inviting that even my neighbor couldn’t resist popping in for a taste. These cookies have a magical quality that captivates everyone who tries them, from friends lingering over coffee to teenagers looking for a satisfying snack. With a gooey peanut butter center and a generous scattering of chocolate chips and M&Ms, each bite is a delightful surprise that never fails to impress.

Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven, paired with a cold glass of milk, or as a special treat sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are versatile and utterly delicious. Get creative with the recipe by trying different nut butters, swapping out M&M flavors, or adding your favorite toppings for a unique twist. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these cookies are bound to bring joy and smiles to all who taste them.

Quick Benefits

• Indulgent yet manageable recipe for satisfying cravings without making a large batch
• Delightful combination of brown butter, gooey peanut butter center, and candy-coated chocolates
• Simple recipe that consistently impresses guests and garners enthusiastic reactions
• Versatile with options for different nut butters, candy fillings, toppings, and mix-ins to create unique flavor variations

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The blend of brown butter, gooey peanut butter, and candy-coated chocolate creates a cookie that is both familiar and special, offering a delightful flavor experience.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen with these cookies that are easy to make but leave a lasting impact.
• Memorable Reactions: Witness the joy and satisfaction on people’s faces as they savor these cookies – from closing eyes in delight to requesting the recipe and asking for more.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these cookies warm with milk, with ice cream for a decadent treat, or paired with salty snacks like pretzels for a perfect sweet-salty balance.
• Kid-Approved: Perfect for after-school snacks, bake sales, or satisfying the cravings of teenage friends, these cookies are a hit with kids and teens alike.
• Creative Variations: Experiment with different nut butters, candy fillings, and toppings to create unique variations that cater to different tastes and preferences.
• Texture and Flavor Enhancements: Elevate the cookies by adding chopped nuts for extra crunch, a sprinkle of sea salt for enhanced flavors, or other creative additions that make each bite more exciting.
• Great for All Occasions: Whether it’s a casual snack, a dessert for guests, or a treat for a bake sale, these cookies are versatile and always deliver in terms of taste and satisfaction.

Ingredients for Irresistible Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe

Cookie Dough

• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• ½ cup unsalted butter, for browning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ cup milk chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup peanut butter M&Ms, plus extra for topping

Filling & Toppings

• Extra chocolate chips for garnish
• Extra peanut butter M&Ms for garnish
• 8 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (1 tablespoon per cookie)
• Pretzels for garnish (optional)

How to Make Irresistible Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Peanut Butter Centers

Place 8 tablespoon-sized scoops of peanut butter onto a plate lined with parchment paper. Freeze until needed.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Cut butter into cubes and melt in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and transfer to a heat-safe bowl to cool.

Step 3: Prepare Oven

After the butter has cooled, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Combine cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Whisk until well blended. Add egg and vanilla, whisk until smooth.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Combine sifted flour, baking soda, and salt with wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Add Mix-ins

Gently mix in chocolate chips and M&Ms until well incorporated into the dough.

Step 7: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Portion out ¼ cup of dough and flatten. Add a frozen peanut butter dollop in the center, fold the dough around it, and seal. Gently press down the cookie ball ¾ of the way to promote spreading during baking.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Gently press a few extra chocolate chips and M&Ms onto the surface of each cookie.

Step 9: Bake

Bake 6 cookies at a time for 10 minutes, until edges are set and bottoms are golden brown, but centers may appear slightly underdone.

Step 10: Shape and Finish

While the cookies are warm, reshape them using a large round cookie cutter or measuring cup if desired. Press extra M&Ms, chocolate chips, and optional pretzels onto the warm cookies.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool on baking sheet until set. Enjoy once cooled or store in an airtight container.

Storage Tips

Once the peanut butter M&M cookies are baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To maintain their freshness and texture, you can also place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies to help keep them soft. If you intend to store them for longer, consider freezing the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat.

To prevent the cookies from sticking together during storage, you can layer them with parchment paper or wax paper. If you plan to stack the cookies, make sure they are completely cooled to avoid any melting of chocolate chips or M&Ms. Enjoy these delightful peanut butter M&M cookies as a quick snack, a sweet treat with a cup of coffee, or a special dessert for gatherings – they are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them!

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with plant-based butter or margarine. This swap will work well for browning the butter and still provide richness to the cookies. Alternatively, you could use coconut oil for a different flavor profile.

If you don’t have peanut butter M&Ms on hand, you can easily swap them out for regular M&Ms or any other candy-coated chocolates you prefer. This change will give the cookies a different visual appeal and flavor, making them just as delightful. Additionally, you could experiment with other mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or toffee bits for added texture and flavor complexity.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider making ice cream cookie sandwiches with these Peanut Butter M&M Cookies. Simply sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two warm cookies for a delicious and indulgent treat. The combination of the warm, gooey cookie and cold, creamy ice cream creates a perfect contrast in textures and temperatures that will impress your guests and satisfy any sweet tooth craving.

Another fun idea is to create a cookie platter featuring a variety of cookie flavors, including these Peanut Butter M&M Cookies. Add a selection of different nut butter-filled cookies, such as almond butter or cookie butter variations, for a unique and tasty cookie spread. Garnish the platter with extra chocolate chips, peanut butter M&Ms, and pretzels for a visually appealing display that offers a range of flavors and textures to please all cookie enthusiasts.

FAQs for Irresistible Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use salted butter in this recipe, but you may want to adjust the amount of added salt to balance the overall saltiness of the cookies. You can reduce or omit the additional salt called for in the recipe if using salted butter.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time and store them for later?

Absolutely! These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Can I substitute the peanut butter M&Ms with regular M&Ms?

Yes, you can substitute the peanut butter M&Ms with regular M&Ms if you prefer. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the cookies will still turn out delicious with the classic chocolatey crunch of M&Ms.

How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, make sure your butter is at the right consistency (softened but not melted) and avoid overmixing the dough. Additionally, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better in the oven.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter M&M Cookies have truly become a staple in my home, loved by neighbors, friends, and family alike. The warm, nostalgic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate never fail to bring smiles and requests for more. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk as an indulgent treat or sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert to remember, these cookies have a way of creating unforgettable moments one delicious bite at a time.

I encourage you to try out different variations of these Peanut Butter M&M Cookies – play with different nut butters, surprise fillings, or added toppings to make them your own. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to special gatherings. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these delightful cookies and watch them disappear before your eyes, spreading joy and delight with each crumb. Peanut Butter M&M Cookies for the win!