M&M Peanut Butter Cookies

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Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in cookie heaven, and when you throw colorful M&M candies into the mix? You get a festive treat that’s irresistible any time of the year. I’ve been making these M&M Peanut Butter Cookies every holiday season, and they never last more than a day or two. They’re soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and bursting with melty chocolate chips and crunchy peanut butter goodness.

What I especially love about these cookies is how nostalgic they feel. Every bite takes me back to Christmas baking sessions as a kid—sneaking dough from the bowl, pressing M&Ms on top of freshly scooped cookies, and watching them puff up perfectly in the oven. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, a cozy movie night, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, these cookies deliver big on flavor and fun.

Why You’ll Love This M&M Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

• Soft, chewy centers with just the right amount of crisp on the outside
• Loaded with creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate chunks
• Bright, colorful M&Ms make them perfect for holidays and parties
• One bowl, no chill time, and ready in under 30 minutes
• Crowd-pleasing flavor that’s kid- and adult-approved

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What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

Creamy peanut butter works best in this recipe for smooth texture and even mixing. I usually go with a classic brand like Jif or Skippy—not the natural kind with oil separation. If you do want to use natural peanut butter, make sure it’s well-stirred and thick in consistency, or the dough may become too oily or crumbly.

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Options for Substitutions

• Nut Butter: Swap peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for allergy-friendly or flavor variations.
• M&Ms: Use holiday-themed M&Ms, mini M&Ms, or even peanut M&Ms if you want extra crunch.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but a 1:1 gluten-free blend works well, too.
• Sugar: You can replace light brown sugar with dark brown for a richer molasses taste.
• Add-ins: Want more texture? Add chopped peanuts, toffee bits, or even pretzel pieces.

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Ingredients for this M&M Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

• Peanut Butter – The creamy base of the cookie, giving it that classic nutty flavor and chewy texture.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Brown Sugar – Provides moisture and a deeper caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
• Granulated Sugar – Balances the sweetness and gives a slight crispiness to the edges.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile with a warm, aromatic touch.
• All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of the dough, giving it shape and body.
• Baking Soda – Leavening agent to help the cookies rise just the right amount.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• Chocolate Chips – Melted pools of chocolate in every bite.
• M&M Candies – For colorful crunch and a fun, festive look.

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and promotes even baking.

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Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter, unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.

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Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated evenly.

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Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain. Don’t overmix.

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Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the chocolate chips and about two-thirds of the M&Ms. Save the rest to press on top of the cookies before baking.

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Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out equal portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them a couple inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly press the reserved M&Ms into the tops of each dough ball.

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Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This ensures a soft, chewy center after cooling.

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Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set without becoming too hard.

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How Long to Prepare the M&M Peanut Butter Cookies

Prep Time: The preparation takes about 15 minutes, including measuring out ingredients, mixing the dough, and shaping the cookies. Because this recipe doesn’t require chilling, you can move straight from mixing to baking without any delay.

Bake Time: Each batch bakes for 9 to 11 minutes. With cooling time included, the total time from start to finish is about 30 minutes. If you’re making a larger batch, allow a bit more time for baking in multiple rounds.

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Tips for Perfect M&M Peanut Butter Cookies

• Use room temperature butter and egg for smoother mixing.
• Don’t overbake. The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out.
• Press a few extra M&Ms on top of the dough balls before baking for a bakery-style appearance.
• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.
• For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop for even sizing.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using natural peanut butter with oil separation can lead to greasy, spread-out cookies.
• Overmixing the dough can make cookies dense and tough.
• Not measuring flour properly can result in dry cookies. Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping.
• Skipping salt might leave the flavor flat—even sweet cookies need balance.
• Crowding the baking sheet can lead to uneven baking or cookies merging together.

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What to Serve With M&M Peanut Butter Cookies?

1. Cold Glass of Milk

A timeless classic pairing—cold milk enhances the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.

2. Hot Cocoa

Especially during the holidays, rich hot chocolate and warm cookies are a cozy match.

3. Ice Cream

Turn your cookies into ice cream sandwiches for a fun dessert twist.

4. Coffee or Espresso

The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

5. Fresh Fruit Platter

A light and refreshing contrast to the rich, chewy cookies.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to help keep them soft.

Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container. Let them come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls and bake directly from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

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Estimated Nutrition (per cookie, based on a batch of 24)

• Calories: ~215
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sugar: 17g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 140mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead and store it in the fridge, or freeze it for longer storage.

Can I use chunky peanut butter?

You can, but it will change the texture. The cookies will have more bite and less smoothness.

How do I make them gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. The texture may vary slightly but it works well.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?

Too-warm butter or not enough flour can cause spreading. Make sure to measure correctly and use room temperature butter, not melted.

Can I add other candies or mix-ins?

Absolutely. Chopped peanuts, white chocolate chips, or toffee bits work great with the base recipe.

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Conclusion

These M&M Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—rich, chewy, colorful, and easy to make. They’re perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a comforting treat any day of the week. With minimal prep time, a no-chill dough, and ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this is a go-to cookie recipe that delivers joy in every bite.

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