Are you craving a sweet treat that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This Peanut Butter M&M Cookie recipe is the perfect answer for those busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert desires. These cookies are a delightful blend of creamy peanut butter, chewy chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of M&Ms – a perfect combination for any chocolate lover. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet incredibly delicious homemade recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk chocolate M&Ms
- 1/2 cup peanut butter M&Ms (optional, for extra peanut butter flavor!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best here, but you can also do this by hand if you're feeling strong!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
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Stir in M&Ms: Gently fold in both the milk chocolate and peanut butter M&Ms.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary!
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter M&M Cookies:
- Chill the Dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking them at 9 minutes.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your cookies will taste. Look for good quality peanut butter and chocolate.
- Get Creative with M&Ms: Feel free to experiment with different colors and types of M&Ms, or even add other candies!
Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Omit the M&Ms and add 1/2 cup of chopped chocolate instead.
- Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: Add mini peanut butter cups to the dough for an extra layer of peanut buttery goodness.
- White Chocolate M&M Cookies: Substitute white chocolate M&Ms for the milk chocolate ones.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-4g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy recipe makes a delicious and satisfying treat, perfect for any occasion. These cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults. Enjoy baking and the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!