Are you craving a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This Peanut Butter M&M Cookies recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a homemade treat. Forget complicated baking techniques – this easy recipe is designed for everyone, from beginner bakers to seasoned pros. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and colorful M&Ms in every bite! This quick dinner idea is also a healthy meal option if you watch your portions.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 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 your 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 for this step.
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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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Combine Wet & Dry: 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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Add the M&Ms: Gently fold in the milk chocolate M&Ms and peanut butter M&Ms (if using).
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space 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 – ovens 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 cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your cookies will be enhanced by using good quality peanut butter and chocolate.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around 9 minutes.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Swirl: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips along with the M&Ms for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Different M&Ms: Experiment with different colors and types of M&Ms, such as peanut M&Ms, crispy M&Ms, or even mini M&Ms.
- Nutty Additions: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200 (depending on size and ingredients)
- Fat: Around 8-10g
- Sugar: Around 15-20g
This delicious recipe for Peanut Butter M&M cookies is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and homemade cooking options. Enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen and the satisfaction of creating these delightful treats from scratch. These cookies are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth and are a great addition to any gathering, potluck, or just a quiet night at home. Remember, these are best enjoyed fresh, but they will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.