Peanut Butter M&M Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Loaded with Candy! 🍪😍

Hi friend! Let’s talk about one of my all-time favorite cookies—peanut butter M&M cookies. There’s just something magical about the way creamy peanut butter and colorful M&Ms come together in a soft, chewy cookie. They’re the kind of treat that makes you feel like a kid again, especially when you spot those little pops of color baked right into the dough. I love baking these when I need a quick dessert that’s guaranteed to make everyone smile. They’re fun, festive, and seriously addictive!

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

If you’re a cookie lover like me, you’ll appreciate that these hit all the right notes—chewy centers, slightly crisp edges, and bursts of chocolate in every bite. Plus, they’re simple to make with pantry staples, and the M&Ms make them look party-ready without any extra effort. They’re perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just when you want a sweet little pick-me-up.

Nutritional Benefits (Yes, Cookies Can Have Some!)

Now, I won’t try to convince you these cookies are health food, but they do have a couple of perks. Peanut butter brings protein and healthy fats that make these cookies a bit more satisfying than your average sweet. And if you choose natural peanut butter, you’ll be skipping some of the added sugar and oils. Moderation is key, and that’s why I love baking a batch—you can enjoy one (or two!) and save the rest for later.

Tasty Variations You Can Try

• Different Candies: Swap M&Ms for Reese’s Pieces for an extra peanut butter punch.
• Double Chocolate: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate-peanut butter version.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend so everyone can enjoy.
• Holiday Vibes: Use seasonal M&M colors—red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, orange and brown for Halloween—to make them festive.

The Recipe: Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup M&Ms (plus a few extra for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
5. Fold in the M&Ms gently with a spatula.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each cookie for a pretty finish.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly soft—that’s the secret to chewy cookies!
9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Don’t Overbake: The cookies will firm up as they cool. Take them out when they still look a little soft in the center.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temp for the best texture.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
• Chewier Cookies: Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar for even more chewiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes! It will add a nice crunch and texture to the cookies.
2. Do I need to chill the dough? Not for this recipe, but if your dough feels too soft, a quick 20-minute chill helps prevent spreading.
3. Can I use natural peanut butter? Absolutely, just make sure to stir it well so the oil is evenly distributed.
4. What if I don’t have M&Ms? Chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, or even peanut butter chips work just as well.

Final Thoughts

These peanut butter M&M cookies are soft, chewy, colorful, and full of nostalgic flavor. They’re the kind of cookie that brightens up any day and makes people smile the second they see them. I hope you’ll give them a try—they’re super easy, and trust me, they’ll disappear fast once they hit the table. Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can bake them anytime a cookie craving strikes. Happy baking, my friend! 🍪😍