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!