Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the absolute joy of biting into a chunky peanut butter cookie loaded with M&M’s! The moment that rich, nutty flavor meets the creamy sweetness of chocolate is pure bliss. I can still remember the first time I baked these gems; the smell wafting through my kitchen was enough to make my mouth water! I had a few friends over, and when they took that first bite, their eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. Trust me, these cookies disappear faster than you can say “chunky peanut butter!”

The texture is where the real magic happens. You get that lovely crunch from the chunky peanut butter, paired with the delightful pops of color and sweetness from the M&M’s. It’s like a party in every bite! Plus, they’re so easy to whip up that you’ll want to make them again and again. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends, these cookies are always a hit! So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the recipe that’ll have everyone begging for more!

Ingredients List

These chunky peanut butter cookies with M&M’s come together with just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup chunky peanut butter: Make sure to use the good stuff for that rich flavor and texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This will give your cookies that delightful sweetness.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed: For a deeper, molasses-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter.
• 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together and create that lovely chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla makes everything taste even better!
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie dough; it’s what gives your cookies structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This will help your cookies rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those delicious flavors!
• 1 cup M&M’s: The colorful stars of the show! Feel free to add a few more if you’re feeling adventurous.

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to baking up a batch of these irresistible cookies!

How to Prepare Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies with M&M’s

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. You don’t want to throw your dough into a cold oven and end up with unevenly cooked cookies. So, give it a few minutes to warm up while you prepare the dough!

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of chunky peanut butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Now, here’s the key: mix until it’s beautifully smooth! I like to use an electric mixer for this step because it helps achieve that perfect creamy consistency. You want to make sure the sugars and peanut butter are well combined, with no lumps. It’s like a dreamy mixture ready to be transformed into cookies!

Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in your 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend everything together until it’s fully incorporated. This step is super important because the eggs not only bind the ingredients but also contribute to that lovely chewy texture. You’ll see the mixture become even creamier and more inviting. Just a quick tip—don’t overmix at this stage; we want to keep that lovely, thick consistency!

Combine Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s tackle the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisking helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour, which is essential for consistent baking. This way, every bite of your cookie will be perfectly flavored!

Form the Cookie Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. You want to form a cohesive dough without overworking it. Once you see no flour streaks, it’s time to fold in those colorful M&M’s. This is where the fun happens! Gently fold them into the dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout. You want those pops of color in every bite!

Shape and Bake

Now comes the shaping! Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread a little while baking. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they look slightly puffed and the edges are set while the centers might still look a bit soft.

Cool and Store

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And here’s a little storage tip: keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. But honestly, they probably won’t last that long! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Tips for Success

To ensure your chunky peanut butter cookies with M&M’s turn out absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:

• Use dark brown sugar: If you want a deeper, richer flavor in your cookies, swap out regular brown sugar for dark brown sugar. The molasses content adds a wonderful complexity that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter.
• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and peanut butter are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures everything combines evenly.
• Don’t overmix: When you’re combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy!
• Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Try adding different types of chocolate candies, like mini peanut butter cups or crushed chocolate bars, to give your cookies a fun twist.
• Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
• Let them rest: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set properly and prevents breakage.

With these handy tips, you’ll be a cookie-baking superstar in no time! Happy baking!

Variations to Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your chunky peanut butter cookies with M&M’s! Here are a few variations that I absolutely love:

• Chocolate Chunk Delight: Swap out the M&M’s for large chunks of chocolate or a mix of milk and dark chocolate. The melting chocolate creates a gooey center that’s just divine!
• Nutty Addition: Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
• Oreo Crumble: For a cookies-and-cream twist, fold in crushed Oreo cookies along with the M&M’s. This gives you that delightful contrast of flavors and textures!
• Peanut Butter Cup Surprise: Instead of M&M’s, chop up mini peanut butter cups and fold them into the dough. You’ll get pockets of creamy peanut butter inside your cookies—pure magic!
• Rainbow Sprinkles: For a festive touch, add colorful sprinkles instead of M&M’s. They’ll give your cookies a cheerful pop and are perfect for celebrations.
• White Chocolate and Macadamia: Switch it up with white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts for a tropical vibe that’s totally irresistible!
• Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the dough. It might sound strange, but the warmth beautifully contrasts with the sweetness!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas! The beauty of these chunky peanut butter cookies is their versatility, so get creative and make them your own. You really can’t go wrong!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying your chunky peanut butter cookies with M&M’s, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie:

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 4g

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, such as the type of peanut butter or the brand of M&M’s. So, feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs! Enjoy your delightful cookies while keeping these numbers in mind for a balanced treat!

FAQ About Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies with M&M’s

Got questions about these delicious chunky peanut butter cookies with M&M’s? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I’ve encountered, along with my trusty answers:

Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of chunky?
Absolutely! While chunky peanut butter gives those delicious bits of peanut throughout the cookies, smooth peanut butter will still work perfectly. Just keep in mind that the texture will be a bit different, but they’ll still be tasty!

How should I store these cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to two months!

Can I substitute the M&M’s for something else?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out M&M’s for chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit. The beauty of these cookies is their versatility, so get creative and use whatever you have on hand!

What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels a bit too sticky to handle, just chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up, making it easier to scoop and shape into cookies.

How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges to be golden brown and set, while the centers might still appear a bit soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so don’t worry if they seem slightly underbaked when you take them out!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and then refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking, as it might be a bit firm from the cold.

What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps a lot! Also, make sure you’re using the right amount of flour. Too little can cause excessive spreading. If you find your dough is still spreading too much, try adding a couple of extra tablespoons of flour.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need tips while baking these delightful chunky peanut butter cookies with M&M’s. Happy baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time!
• Deliciously Nutty: The combination of chunky peanut butter and sweet M&M’s creates a flavor explosion that’s utterly irresistible.
• Perfect Texture: You get that delightful crunch from the chunky peanut butter, paired with the chewy goodness of the cookie.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with add-ins and variations to make each batch uniquely yours!
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in—everyone loves them!
• Kid-Friendly: Kids adore helping out in the kitchen, and they’ll love enjoying these colorful, tasty treats!
• Great for Gifting: Package them up in a cute box, and you’ve got a delightful homemade gift for friends and family.
• Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared in advance, making it a breeze to have fresh cookies whenever you crave them!

Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies with M&M’s: A Sweet Joy

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

Chunky peanut butter cookies with M&M’s are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate candies.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup chunky peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup M&M’s

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the chunky peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Blend until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
6. Fold in the M&M’s, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate candies in place of M&M’s.
• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: chunky peanut butter cookies, M&M's cookies, peanut butter dessert, American cookies