1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in the M&M’s: Gently fold in the M&M’s using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Shape the Cookies
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart, as the cookies will spread slightly during baking.
- Optional Topping: If you like, press a few extra M&M’s onto the tops of each dough ball for a colorful finish.
4. Bake the Cookies
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve: Once cooled, enjoy these Peanut Butter M&M’s Cookies with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter M&M’s Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients combine more easily and evenly.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Variations
- Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra chocolatey twist, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough along with the M&M’s.
- Use Different M&M’s: Try using different flavors of M&M’s, such as crispy, pretzel, or even seasonal varieties, to change up the flavor profile.
These Peanut Butter M&M’s Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the rich flavor of peanut butter and the colorful fun of M&M’s. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a special treat, or just because, they’re sure to be a hit!