Ever had one of those cookies that makes everyone pause mid-bite and go, “Oh wow, what is this?” That’s exactly the reaction you get with these Peanut Butter M&Ms Cookies. They strike the perfect balance of chewy, soft, and bursting with creamy peanut butter flavor. And just when you think it couldn’t get better, in comes the colorful crunch of M&Ms, adding texture, charm, and that unmistakable candy-coated magic.

Whether you’re baking for a kids’ party, prepping for a cookie exchange, or just want something to brighten up your week, this cookie recipe delivers on every front. Simple pantry staples meet a crowd-favorite candy in a treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get these cookies just right, having the proper tools on hand makes all the difference.

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls—one for wet ingredients, and one for dry. Using separate bowls ensures even mixing and prevents overworking the dough.
Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Creaming together the butter, peanut butter, and sugars properly is key to that fluffy texture. A mixer saves time and achieves better results than mixing by hand.
Rubber Spatula: A spatula helps you fold in the M&Ms gently, so they don’t break or bleed their colors.
Cookie Scoop (Optional but Helpful): For uniform cookies that bake evenly, a scoop makes portioning dough fast and fuss-free.
Baking Sheets + Parchment Paper: A heavy-duty baking sheet lined with parchment prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
Cooling Rack: Essential for letting your cookies firm up without getting soggy bottoms from resting on the pan.

Every ingredient here has a role to play in creating cookies that are soft, rich, and full of flavor.

Unsalted Butter: Gives the cookie base its richness. Using unsalted lets you control the salt level.
Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show. It lends that nutty, creamy depth and moist texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor while helping the cookies stay soft.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the moisture from the brown sugar and helps with that slightly crisp edge.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the peanut butter flavor and adds warmth.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and balance to the chewy texture.
Baking Soda: Gives the cookies their lift.
Salt: Just a pinch makes the sweetness pop.
M&Ms (Peanut or Regular): Adds crunch, color, and a pop of chocolate with every bite.

Step 1: Cream the Base

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies are soft and well-aerated.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 3: Dry Mix Time

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix—that can make the cookies tough.

Step 4: Fold in the M&Ms

Gently fold in your M&Ms using a spatula. Save a small handful to press into the tops of the dough balls before baking for that classic bakery-style look.

Step 5: Scoop and Chill

Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and keeps them thick and chewy.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Space cookies out on a baking sheet and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers look just set.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. They’ll continue to set up perfectly as they cool.

How to Serve and Store These Cookies

These cookies shine when served slightly warm with the M&Ms still gooey. They’re ideal for birthday parties, lunchbox treats, or pairing with a cold glass of milk.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temp or pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to relive the fresh-baked joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of peanut butter works best?

Stick to regular creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and won’t yield the same chewy texture.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes! If you like extra crunch and texture in your cookies, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter.

Should I chill the dough?

Absolutely. Chilling prevents cookies from over-spreading and gives you a thicker, bakery-style cookie.

Can I use mini M&Ms instead of regular?

Totally! Mini M&Ms work great and distribute even more color and chocolate in each bite.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes. Pre-scoop the dough into balls and freeze. When ready to bake, add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time—no thawing required.

You might also like the Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies if you love peanut butter-forward desserts without the candy crunch.

If you’re leaning into chocolate, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars are another decadent option that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee.

Try the Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies for a fun textural twist. Or check out the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes if you’re planning a dessert platter with variety.

For classic comfort, the No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are always a hit.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you bake it, I’d genuinely love to hear about it. Did you swap in different candies? Add a swirl of Nutella? Let me know in the comments. And for more recipe inspiration, check out my daily baking pins on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

Peanut Butter M&Ms Cookie Recipe

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 25 minutes (+30 minutes chilling)
Yield: 18 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Peanut Butter M&Ms Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich peanut butter flavor and colorful candy-coated crunch. Perfect for holidays, parties, or cozy weekends, this easy cookie recipe turns pantry staples into a nostalgic treat that’s both kid-friendly and adult-approved.