Name: Peanut Butter M&M Cookie Recipe- Irresistible Treats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: About 16 cookies
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, for browning; ½ cup + 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup milk chocolate chips, plus extra for topping; ½ cup peanut butter M&Ms, plus extra for topping; 8 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (about 1 tablespoon per cookie); Extra milk chocolate chips for garnish; Extra peanut butter M&Ms for garnish; Pretzel pieces for garnish (optional)

Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a nostalgic explosion of childhood joy and comforting flavors. Who doesn’t adore the irresistible combination of rich, chewy peanut butter cookie dough studded with vibrant, melt-in-your-mouth M&Ms? These delightful cookies have a way of making any day feel a little brighter, whether they’re cooling on the rack after a bake session or being shared (or hoarded!) with friends and family. What truly sets these Peanut Butter M&M Cookies apart is the perfect balance: the slightly salty, nutty depth of the peanut butter anchors the sweetness, while the M&Ms add delightful pops of color and a satisfying crunch that keeps you reaching for just one more. Get ready to experience a cookie that’s guaranteed to become a permanent fixture in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, for browning
½ cup + 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1⅓ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
½ cup peanut butter M&Ms, plus extra for topping
8 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (about 1 tablespoon per cookie)
Extra milk chocolate chips for garnish
Extra peanut butter M&Ms for garnish
Pretzel pieces for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Dough

Step 1: Browning the Butter

The first step to achieving that irresistible depth of flavor in these Peanut Butter M&M Cookies is to brown the butter. This process transforms the regular butter into a rich, nutty liquid that adds a sophisticated layer to the cookie’s taste. Place your ½ cup of unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. As the butter melts, it will begin extract to foam. Keep a close eye on it, swirling the pan occasionally. You’ll notice small brown bits starting to form at the bottom of the pan and the butter will develop a warm, toasty aroma. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes. Once you see these golden-brown specks and smell that delicious nutty fragrance, immediately remove the pan from the heat and pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl, being careful to scrape in all those flavorful brown bits. Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes until it’s no longer piping hot but still liquid. This cooling period is important so you don’t scramble the egg in the next step.

Step 2: Creaming the Sugars and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled browned butter with the ½ cup + 2 tablespoons of packed light brown sugar and the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air into the dough, which is crucial for creating cookies with a tender crum extractb and good rise. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is evenly combined. The mixture should look pnon-alcoholic aler and have a significantly lighter texture than when you started.

Step 3: Adding Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to incorporate the wet ingredients. Add your large egg (make sure it’s at room temperature – this helps it emulsify better with the butter and sugar mixture) and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Continue mixing on medium speed until everything is thoroughly combined and the egg is fully incorporated into the dough. The mixture might look slightly curdled at this point, but don’t worry, it will come together once you add the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients and Incorporating Them

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1⅓ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisking the dry ingredients together ensures that the leavening agent (baking soda) and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing pockets of saltiness or uneven cookie spread. Gradually add this dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry flour.

Adding the Stars of the Show

Step 5: Folding in the Mix-Ins

Now for the fun part – adding the delicious components that make these cookies so special! Gently fold in the ½ cup of milk chocolate chips and the ½ cup of peanut butter M&Ms using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the dough. Reserve some extra chocolate chips and peanut butter M&Ms for topping the cookies before baking, as this adds a beautiful visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor and texture. If you’re using pretzels, you can crush them slightly and add them in now as well, or save some for garnish. The dough will be quite thick and rich.

Baking to Perfection

Step 6: Shaping and Topping the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. For each cookie, take about 1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter and gently flatten it into a small disc. Then, scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a peanut butter disc in the center of the dough and carefully wrap the dough around the peanut butter, sealing it completely to create a ball. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them to allow for spreading. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your palm. Now, press a few extra milk chocolate chips and peanut butter M&Ms into the tops of each cookie. If using pretzels, you can also add some crushed pretzel pieces on top for an extra salty crunch.

Step 7: Baking and Cooling

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and set, and the centers are still slightly soft. The exact baking time will depend on your oven. For a chewier cookie, err on the side of underbaking slightly; for a crispier cookie, bake a minute or two longer. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period is crucial as it allows the cookies to set up properly and prevents them from breaking. Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter M&M Cookies!

Conclusion:

There you have it! We’ve walked through crafting the ultimate Peanut Butter M&M Cookies, a delightful treat that’s sure to become a household favorite. The perfect balance of rich peanut butter and sweet, crunchy M&M’s creates a cookie that’s irresistible to both kids and adults. Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe; it’s wonderfully forgiving and encourages creativity.

For serving suggestions, these Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are fantastic on their own, paired with a cold glass of milk, or even crum extractbled over ice cream for a decadent dessert. They also make for excellent homemade gifts, packaged beautifully in a cookie tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. Remember, the joy is in the baking and sharing!

We’ve touched on some variations, but feel free to let your imagin extractation run wild! Consider adding a swirl of chocolate chips for extra indulgence, or perhaps a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the peanut butter flavor. The possibilities are endless with these versatile Peanut Butter M&M Cookies.

So go ahead, preheat your ovens, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of pure happiness. We’re confident you’ll love the results!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why are my Peanut Butter M&M Cookies spreading too much?

Spreading is often due to the butter being too soft or melted. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature, not melted. Also, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.

Can I use different types of M&M’s in this recipe?

Absolutely! While classic peanut butter M&M’s are a dream, feel free to substitute with any of your favorite M&M varieties, like peanut, caramel, or even seasonal flavors. Just be aware that different candy coatings might melt slightly differently.