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Santa's Favorite Peanut Butter M and M Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat when you want a thick chewy cookie that makes everyone smile. This recipe is loaded with gooey chocolate chips and bright festive candies which means every bite is a joyful burst of color and flavor. Whether you are baking for a crowd or just for family movie night you will find these cookies disappear fast.
I made these the first time for a December cookie swap and even my pickiest eater asked for more the next day. Now they are a staple in our holiday baking lineup and everyone looks forward to them.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: room temperature for ultimate creaminess and structure in your cookies
- Creamy peanut butter: choose a no-stir variety for smooth dough
- Pure vanilla extract: adds depth to the flavor try to pick real vanilla if possible
- Dark brown sugar: packed for a soft chewy center and a rich color
- Granulated sugar: not only for sweetness but structure and crisp edges
- Large eggs: room temperature for even mixing and a tender crumb
- All-purpose flour: look for unbleached high-quality flour to keep them tender
- Baking soda and baking powder: both work together for a great rise and spread
- Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors
- Holiday M and Ms: pick bright fresh candies for color and crunch
- Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips: choose a good brand for melty chocolaty pockets
- Granulated sugar: a little to sprinkle on top for extra sparkle
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter:
- Beat the room-temperature butter until smooth using your mixer on medium speed then add the peanut butter and beat together until the mixture looks fluffy and well combined
- Mix in the Sugars:
- Add dark brown sugar and granulated sugar to the mixture Beat on medium until it is light and airy for about two minutes stopping to scrape down the sides
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add eggs and the extra yolk one at a time Mix well after each addition Add the vanilla and mix until just combined You want the mixture smooth but not overbeaten
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- Add flour baking soda baking powder and salt Whisk those into the bowl gently before turning the mixer on low and mixing until just combined Do not overmix to keep the cookies soft
- Fold in M and Ms and Chocolate Chips:
- With a spatula fold in holiday M and Ms and chocolate chips Mix only until the candies are evenly spread through the dough
- Prep the Baking Sheets and Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Line baking sheets with parchment for easy cleanup Use a large cookie scoop to portion out dough into balls and place with plenty of space in between Press down lightly for even baking
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for about 12 minutes until the edges look golden and the centers look just set Immediately after baking press in extra M and Ms and chocolate chips for that bakery look and sprinkle with sugar
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes which helps them set Then move to a wire rack to finish cooling before serving
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One of my favorite things is adding extra M and Ms on top while the cookies are hot My youngest always insists on helping with this part and it has become a little holiday tradition for us
Storage Tips
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and they will stay soft and fresh for up to four days If you want to freeze them place the baked cooled cookies in zip bags with parchment between layers They freeze beautifully for up to three months
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a nutty bite or swap in different kinds of chocolate chips like white chocolate or even peanut butter chips If you do not have dark brown sugar use light brown and add a tablespoon of molasses for extra depth
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on a holiday dessert tray paired with hot cocoa or coffee I also love tucking them into lunchboxes as a festive surprise They are great for bake sales and as gifts in pretty cookie tins
Bit of Cookie History
Classic peanut butter cookies have been a favorite in American kitchens since the early 1900s The addition of colorful M and Ms started showing up in home recipes as candies became holiday staples making these cookies a fun twist on an old favorite
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Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep these cookies soft and chewy?
Creaming the butter and peanut butter thoroughly, and careful mixing of dry ingredients, ensures a soft, tender texture. Avoid overbaking for best results.
- → Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Creamy peanut butter gives a smooth texture, but crunchy adds extra peanut pieces and texture. Both work well, depending on your preference.
- → Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls. Thaw cookies at room temperature, or bake dough straight from the freezer with extra minutes added.
- → Can I use other candies instead of M&Ms?
Absolutely! Swap M&Ms for chocolate chunks, peanut butter chips, or any favorite candy pieces for a personalized touch.
- → Why sprinkle sugar on top after baking?
A light sugar sprinkle adds sparkle and a delicate crunch to the cookie tops, enhancing both appearance and texture.
- → Is it necessary to chill the dough?
This dough holds its shape well, but if you prefer thicker cookies, chilling the dough briefly before baking can help prevent spreading.