How to Make Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Fast

If you have a sudden sweet craving or just want to whip up a delicious treat in a flash, these Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are your new best friend. Combining rich, creamy peanut butter with colorful, crunchy M&M candies, this recipe serves up bites of pure joy. The best part? It’s incredibly fast and straightforward, perfect for beginners or anyone short on time. Whether you want to bake for a party or simply enjoy a cozy snack at home, these cookies hit every sweet spot with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: You can have these cookies ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making them ideal for last-minute treats.
• Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like peanut butter, sugar, and M&Ms means no complicated shopping list required.
• Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy with a slight crunch from the M&Ms, balancing every delicious bite.
• Kid-Friendly: Bright and colorful, these cookies are sure to delight children and adults alike.
• Customizable: Easily adapted to swap in different add-ins or dietary alternatives, fitting all preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Peanut Butter M&M Cookies recipe plays a key role, from building flavor to ensuring the right texture and look. The beauty is how straightforward these ingredients are, yet when combined they result in cookies that are irresistible.

• Peanut Butter: The star of the show, providing creaminess and a rich, nutty flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cookie perfectly; you can use granulated or adjust to taste.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, giving structure to your dough for chewy results.
• Baking Soda: A small amount helps the cookies rise slightly without losing their chewy nature.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
• M&M Candies: Brings a pop of color and a crunchy bite in every mouthful.

Variations for Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

Feel free to experiment with these cookies and make them your own! They’re flexible enough to suit dietary needs or just your mood in the moment.

• Allergy-Friendly: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different allergy-safe twist.
• Texture Swap: Add chopped nuts or replace M&Ms with chocolate chips for a richer bite.
• Healthier Option: Use natural peanut butter and swap white sugar for coconut sugar or honey.
• Holiday Themes: Use seasonal M&Ms or colored sprinkles to customize for holidays or parties.
• Double Chocolate: Mix cocoa powder into your dough for a chocolatey background that pairs amazingly with peanut butter.

How to Make Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir with a spoon or mix on low speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Stir in the Dry Ingredients

Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and mix well. The dough will thicken slightly, providing the perfect base for your candy additions.

Step 4: Fold in the M&Ms

Gently fold 1 cup of your favorite M&M candies into the dough, reserving a few to press onto the tops of the cookies for extra color.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few reserved M&Ms on top of each ball, then bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but centers remain soft.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up while keeping that chewy texture inside.

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures easier mixing and fluffier texture in the dough.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies as soon as edges look set to keep them soft and chewy.
• Press Extra M&Ms: Pushing a few M&Ms onto the top before baking gives a prettier and colorful finish.
• Chill Dough Briefly: For more uniform cookies, chill your dough for 15 minutes before baking to reduce spread.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewiness.

How to Serve Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on warm cookies for a delightful sweet and salty contrast that enhances peanut butter’s flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve your cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the indulgence and balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies on a colorful platter with extra M&Ms scattered around, or create cookie sandwiches by spreading a layer of chocolate or peanut butter frosting between two cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Peanut Butter M&M Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by layering them with parchment paper in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months, perfect for future sweet cravings.

Reheating

Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to restore that fresh-baked softness and enhance the melted peanut butter experience.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds an extra texture but may change the overall chewiness slightly, giving you a bit more crunch throughout the cookie.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no flour, which makes it a great option for those avoiding gluten.

Can I substitute the M&Ms with other candies?

Absolutely. Chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or chopped candies can be swapped in based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

How do I make these cookies vegan?

Use a flax egg or chia egg replacement and ensure the peanut butter and M&Ms are vegan-friendly to keep the recipe plant-based.

What’s the best way to keep cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a small piece of apple to maintain moisture and softness.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are the perfect quick-fix treat that brings comfort and color to any day. Simple, speedy, and irresistibly delicious, this recipe is a must-try for peanut butter fans and cookie lovers alike. Go ahead, give it a whirl and watch these colorful, chewy delights disappear in no time!

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