Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies With M&M’s

Is there anything quite as comforting as the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen? When you combine chunky peanut butter with vibrant M&M’s, you’re not just making a treat; you’re creating a moment of indulgence. These cookies are a quick fix for those sweet cravings, but the real question lies in their versatility—how can you elevate this classic recipe? Stick around to explore the layers of flavor and texture that make these cookies a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies recipe because it’s incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal effort and just a few basic ingredients. You start by mixing your wet ingredients together, then add the dry ones, and finally fold in the M&Ms. It’s that simple! You can have delicious cookies ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick treat.

These cookies are soft, chewy, and buttery, with a delightful crunch from the M&Ms. Their festive appearance makes them great for parties or cookie exchanges. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to prepare for future events, they freeze well too. Each cookie contains approximately 215 calories due to the peanut butter and sugars used in the recipe.

You can also customize the recipe to suit your needs. If you prefer a healthier option, use gluten-free oats and reduce the sugar. The peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, giving you a nutritious treat.

Feel free to swap in different mix-ins like nuts or dark chocolate chips. With this recipe, you’ll have cookies that aren’t only easy to make but also versatile and satisfying.

History

Since their inception, M&M’s have played a significant role in the evolution of candy, particularly in their combination with peanut butter. M&M’s were first introduced in 1941, created to provide soldiers in WWII with a treat that wouldn’t melt easily. The original candies were packaged in cardboard tubes, but by 1948, they switched to brown paper wrappers.

As M&M’s gained popularity, they stamped an “m” on each candy to help distinguish them from imitators. In 1954, M&M’s Peanut Chocolate Candies made their debut, expanding the brand’s offerings. By 1989, M&M’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies hit the shelves in the U.S., combining the rich taste of peanut butter with the beloved candy shell. In a testament to their enduring appeal, M&Ms Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies have delighted consumers for decades.

Over the years, M&M’s continued to innovate, introducing new flavors and even taking candy to space in 1981. The brand’s commitment to creativity and variety has made it a household name.

With options like M&M’s Colorworks and customized candies available today, the legacy of M&M’s continues, paving the way for delicious combinations like chunky peanut butter cookies with these colorful treats.

Recipe

Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked peanut butter cookies wafting through your kitchen. This recipe combines the rich, nutty flavor of creamy peanut butter with the delightful crunch of M&M’s and chocolate chips, creating a cookie that’s both satisfying and indulgent. These cookies have received a high rating of 4.96 from 25 votes, indicating their popularity among bakers.

With a soft and chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them with a glass of milk or packing them as a snack for later. To get started, gather your ingredients and prepare your baking space. Preheating your oven and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper will set you up for success.

This recipe is straightforward and fun—perfect for baking with family or friends. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s jump into this delicious treat!

Ingredients:
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup M&M’s (regular or peanut butter)
– ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Gently fold in the M&M’s and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Using a large cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. For a slightly flatter cookie, gently press down on each dough ball.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.

For the best results, be mindful not to overbake your cookies; they should be soft in the center even after cooling. Using creamy peanut butter is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture.

If you’re looking for an extra touch, consider chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking, which can enhance the flavors and improve the cookie’s structure. Enjoy your delicious chunky peanut butter cookies!

Final Thoughts

Baking chunky peanut butter cookies isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to your kitchen. To achieve that perfect cookie, you want a soft and thick texture with a crispy outside and chewy center. The right balance of brown sugar and melted butter creates the ideal puffiness. A high ratio of brown sugar to white sugar contributes significantly to the cookie’s overall texture.

Bake at 350°F for 12-13 minutes, watching for slightly browned edges and soft centers, which indicate they’re ready. When it comes to appearance, slightly pressing M&M’s into the tops before baking adds color and makes them visually appealing. After baking, allow the cookies to rest on the pan for about three minutes. This step helps maintain their chewiness.

For storage, keep them in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze them for longer-lasting freshness. Feel free to customize your cookies! Using peanut butter M&M’s or adding chocolate chips can enhance flavor. Experimenting with different types of sugar or even additional ingredients like nuts can lead to delightful variations.

Ultimately, enjoy the process, and remember that baking is about finding what works best for you and your taste!

FAQ

Got questions about chunky peanut butter cookies? You’re not alone! One common query is what makes these cookies unique. The delightful mix of creamy peanut butter and colorful M&Ms creates a treat that’s hard to resist.

You might wonder how long your cookies last. If you store them in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for 5-7 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Additionally, these cookies highlight the versatility of peanut butter in baking.

Can you freeze the dough? Absolutely! You can freeze it in log form or as dough balls for about three months too.

To achieve those chewy centers that everyone loves, make sure to use more brown sugar than white sugar and avoid overbaking.

For baking, set your oven to 350°F. Bake standard-sized cookies for 7-9 minutes, aiming for soft, chewy centers. If you want a puffy cookie, try melting the butter and peanut butter before mixing.

Lastly, feel free to customize! Use crunchy or smooth peanut butter, or even toss in some chocolate chips. With these tips, you’ll bake perfect chunky peanut butter cookies every time!