Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies with M&M’s: The Ultimate Chewy & Sweet Treat Recipe
Indulge in the pure comfort of our irresistible Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies, generously studded with crunchy peanuts and vibrant M&M’s. These aren’t just any peanut butter cookies; they are a delightful symphony of soft, thick texture and a perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and chocolatey flavors. Whether you’re seeking a moment of sweet solace on a challenging day or simply craving a classic cookie with an exciting twist, this recipe promises to deliver a truly satisfying experience that will leave you reaching for just one more. Prepare to fall in love with their decadent chewiness and the joyous burst of color and chocolate in every bite.
Every great recipe often has a story, and these chunky peanut butter cookies are no exception – they truly are a happy accident, much like many wonderful things in life! The journey to this perfect cookie began with a simple mistake: I inadvertently purchased a large bag of plain, unsalted peanuts instead of the usual salted variety my family enjoys as a snack. Unsurprisingly, my boys, being creatures of habit, wouldn’t touch them. They sat unused in the pantry, destined for obscurity. Then, a few days later, another revelation: my secret M&M stash, typically reserved for moments of pure indulgence, had been raided, leaving only a scattering of colorful candies at the bottom of the share-size bag. Instead of despair, a spark of culinary inspiration ignited. Why not combine these two ‘leftover’ ingredients into something extraordinary? I decided to elevate my go-to peanut butter cookie recipe by incorporating these misfit peanuts and precious few M&M’s. The result? A revelation! What started as an attempt to use up neglected ingredients quickly transformed into a household favorite. Now, this unique combination is undoubtedly my preferred way to bake peanut butter cookies, a testament to how accidental innovations can sometimes lead to the most beloved creations.
What makes these Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies so exceptionally delicious? It’s all about the texture and the generous additions. This recipe proudly boasts over a full cup of creamy peanut butter, ensuring a rich, profound peanut flavor that permeates every crumb. But we don’t stop there. We amplify that nutty goodness with a hearty half-cup of coarsely chopped peanuts, adding a delightful crunch and an extra layer of texture that sets these cookies apart from their smoother counterparts. If you’re a fan of my Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats, with their intense peanut flavor and satisfying chew, then these cookies are absolutely going to be your next obsession. The philosophy here is simple: more peanut butter always equals a better, more flavorful cookie. The M&M’s, of course, contribute not only a burst of milk chocolate sweetness but also a fun pop of color, making these cookies as visually appealing as they are delicious. Each bite is an experience – soft, chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey – a true celebration of all things peanut butter.
Achieving the perfect Chunky Peanut Butter Cookie is straightforward, but a few key tips will ensure your batch turns out just right every time.
- The Fork Mark Tradition: Traditionally, peanut butter cookies are adorned with a cross-hatch pattern made by a fork. While I adore this classic look, it’s entirely optional for this recipe. These cookies are inherently thick and don’t spread much during baking. If you choose to skip the fork marks, I highly recommend gently flattening each cookie ball a bit with the bottom of a floured glass or your palm before baking. This helps them achieve a uniform shape and ensures even cooking. Without some flattening, they might remain too round and take longer to bake through.
- Don’t Overbake: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for soft, chewy cookies. Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies do not brown significantly on top. Resist the urge to wait for a deep golden hue, as this is a common pitfall that leads to dry, crumbly cookies. Instead, look for edges that are just beginning to set and a center that still looks slightly soft. They will continue to cook and firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. A minute or two too long in the oven can transform them from wonderfully soft to disappointingly hard.
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure your salted butter is properly softened – not melted, but pliable enough to cream easily with the sugars. This creates a light and airy base for the cookie dough, contributing to the final soft texture. Cold butter won’t cream correctly, and melted butter can lead to a greasy, dense cookie.
- Coarsely Chopped Peanuts: The specific instruction for ‘coarsely chopped’ peanuts is deliberate. Finer chopped nuts might get lost in the dough, while whole nuts can be too dominant. Coarse pieces provide distinct bursts of crunch and flavor, enhancing the ‘chunky’ appeal without overwhelming the cookie. If you only have whole plain peanuts, a quick pulse in a food processor or a rough chop with a knife will do the trick.
Making the Dough: A Simple Process
Creating these delightful cookies is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This preparation ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter with both brown sugar and granulated sugar. Cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and visibly well-combined. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture. Next, incorporate the rich peanut butter, the large egg, an additional egg yolk (the yolk adds extra richness and chewiness!), and the fragrant vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until all wet ingredients are smoothly integrated, creating a luscious, aromatic base.
Then, gradually add the unbleached all-purpose flour and baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Stop as soon as the flour streaks disappear and everything is just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tougher cookies. Finally, with a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the coarsely chopped plain peanuts and the colorful M&M candies by hand. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough without being crushed by the mixer.
Shaping and Baking for Optimal Results
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape your cookies. For consistent size and baking, I recommend using a small cookie scoop (approximately 1 ¼ inch in diameter). If you don’t have a scoop, simply roll the dough into uniform 1 ¼ inch balls. Place these dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each for slight expansion.
Now, for the signature touch: gently press the tines of a fork onto the top of each cookie dough ball, creating a classic cross-hatch design. This not only gives them that traditional peanut butter cookie appearance but also helps to slightly flatten them, promoting even baking. Alternatively, if you prefer a smoother top or a different shape, you can dip the bottom of a glass in flour and use it to flatten each cookie to about 1 centimeter (approximately 0.4 inches) tall. This flattening step is important because, as mentioned, these cookies are designed to be thick and don’t spread significantly on their own.
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 13 minutes. Remember, they won’t turn a deep golden brown, so rely on the edges beginning to set and the centers appearing just slightly soft. Once baked, remove the pans from the oven but resist the urge to move the cookies immediately. Allow them to rest on the hot baking sheets for a crucial 3 minutes. This resting period allows them to continue setting and firm up without breaking. After 3 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack ensures air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and completing the setting process.
Cooling and Storage Tips
Proper cooling and storage are essential for maintaining the delicious texture and freshness of your Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies. Once transferred to a wire rack, ensure they cool completely before storing. Storing warm cookies can trap moisture, leading to a chewy-turned-soggy texture.
Once cooled, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. To keep them extra fresh, you can even place a slice of bread in the container; the bread will absorb any excess moisture, keeping the cookies soft. If you wish to store them for longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a sweet treat.
Variations & Customization: Get Creative!
While this recipe is perfect as is, it also serves as an excellent foundation for customization! Don’t hesitate to get creative with your mix-ins:
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap out the M&M’s for an equal amount of chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark), chocolate chunks, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Nutty Alternatives: Experiment with other chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a different crunch. Just be sure to use unsalted varieties if you’re replacing the plain peanuts.
- Salty-Sweet Twist: For an irresistible salty-sweet combination, consider adding some crushed pretzels along with or instead of some of the peanuts.
- Holiday Fun: Use seasonal M&M’s for holiday-themed cookies – red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
- Extra Indulgence: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies, or sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of peanut butter frosting for an ultra-decadent treat.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to personalize this recipe to suit your taste and whatever ingredients you have on hand!
Serving Suggestions
These Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies with M&M’s are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with certain accompaniments. A tall, cold glass of milk is the quintessential partner, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the cookie. For an adult indulgence, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing herbal tea can be a wonderful match. Feeling extra decadent? Crumble a warm cookie over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an instant dessert upgrade, or make an ice cream sandwich with two cookies and your favorite ice cream flavor. They’re also perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon snacks, or as a comforting dessert after a family meal. Share them with friends, bring them to a potluck, or simply enjoy them during a quiet moment of self-care – they’re guaranteed to bring a smile.
Wait, don’t go without checking out these other delicious cookie recipes too!
- Smore’s Cookies
- Chewy French Toast Cookies
- Key Lime Pie Shortbread Cookies
- Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies with M&M’s
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Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons salted butter (Softened)
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup plain peanuts (coarsely chopped)
- 1/2 cup M&M candies
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and prepare two baking sheets with either parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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In a medium sized mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the peanut butter, large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing well until thoroughly combined. Add the flour and baking powder, mixing just until the dry ingredients are completely incorporated and no streaks of flour remain. Stir in the coarsely chopped peanuts and M&M’s by hand to ensure even distribution without crushing them.
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Use a small cookie scoop or roll the dough into uniform 1 1/4 inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between cookies.
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Gently press each cookie with the tines of a fork into a cross-hatch design, or use the bottom of a glass dipped in flour to flatten each cookie to about 1 cm (0.4 inches) tall. This helps with even baking.
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Bake at 350 degrees F (175 C) for 12-13 minutes. Remember, these cookies don’t brown much, so look for set edges and slightly soft centers. After removing the pans from the oven, let the cookies rest for 3 minutes on the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Cookie Awaits!
These Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies with M&M’s are more than just a dessert; they’re a little piece of edible happiness. From their accidental origin to their current status as a beloved treat, they embody the joy of simple, satisfying flavors. Packed with rich peanut butter, delightful crunch from coarsely chopped peanuts, and the playful sweetness of M&M’s, they offer a textural and flavor experience that’s hard to beat. Easy to make and even easier to devour, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to bake a batch of cookies that are destined to become a staple in your home. Go ahead, make your day a little brighter with these utterly delicious, chunky, and chewy delights!