Ultimate Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe
Ingredients (Serves ~24 Cookies):
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature for easy creaming)
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy works best for smooth texture; chunky adds a bit of crunch if preferred)
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz; provides extra softness and flavor)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (for deep, caramel-like sweetness)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (balances the richness of brown sugar)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature for better incorporation)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional but enhances flavor)
- Pinch of salt (balances sweetness)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, not packed)
- 1 tsp baking soda (leavening agent for a slightly puffy texture)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional but adds extra chocolatey goodness)
- 1 cup Peanut Butter M&Ms (plus extra for topping, for vibrant color and crunch)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Creaming Butter & Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and peanut butter together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla pudding mix. Beat again until fully combined and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Adding Eggs
- Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
Step 4: Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Mix-Ins
- Gently fold in mini chocolate chips and 1 cup of Peanut Butter M&Ms using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Step 6: Form Cookies
- Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls (about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie) and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press a few extra M&Ms into the top of each dough ball for decoration and extra color.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures the dough mixes smoothly and cookies bake evenly.
- Don’t Overbake: For soft, chewy cookies, remove them from the oven when the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake consistently.
- Chilling Option: If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping.
Creative Variations:
- Holiday Twist: Use seasonal Peanut Butter M&Ms (red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter, etc.).
- Double the Chocolate: Replace mini chocolate chips with white chocolate or dark chocolate chunks.
- Peanut Butter Overload: Drizzle melted peanut butter over cooled cookies.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
Common Questions & Answers:
Q: Why use instant pudding mix?
A: The pudding mix adds moisture, a soft texture, and a hint of vanilla flavor that complements the peanut butter.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes! Roll dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A: Yes, but the cookies will have a chunkier texture. If you prefer smooth cookies, stick to creamy peanut butter.
Q: How do I store these cookies?
A: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Benefits of These Cookies:
- Versatility: Customizable with different mix-ins and flavors.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to make with kids who enjoy rolling dough and adding colorful M&Ms.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for bake sales, parties, or gifting.
- Balanced Flavor: Combines the rich nuttiness of peanut butter with the sweetness of M&Ms.
Fun Facts About Peanut Butter Cookies:
- Peanut butter cookies were first introduced in the U.S. in the early 1900s after peanut butter became widely available.
- The crisscross fork pattern often seen on classic peanut butter cookies was originally created to help them bake evenly.
- Adding M&Ms to cookies became popular after the candy was introduced in 1941.