M&M Peanut Butter Cookies

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If your sweet tooth loves a little crunch, a hit of salt, and a blast of chocolate all in one bite, these M&M Peanut Butter Cookies might just become your next baking obsession. These cookies are soft in the center with a lightly crisp edge, and every bite is packed with colorful M&Ms and the cozy richness of peanut butter. They’re the kind of cookie that disappears quickly from the cooling rack—kids adore them, adults sneak extras, and guests always ask for the recipe.

The combination of peanut butter and M&Ms is a nostalgic one, reminding us of childhood treats and holiday cookie trays. But don’t mistake them for just a classic cookie. With the right balance of textures and flavors, these cookies go beyond what you’d expect. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, prepping a lunchbox treat, or just craving a batch of something happy and homemade, this is the recipe that delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This M&M Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

These cookies have the ideal mix of salty and sweet, with a rich peanut butter base that doesn’t overpower the star—those crunchy, melty M&Ms. They come together quickly, require no chilling time, and bake in under 12 minutes. The dough is soft and forgiving, which makes this a perfect choice even for beginner bakers. And let’s be honest: their colorful appearance makes them irresistible on any cookie platter.

Can I Use Any Kind of M&Ms for These Cookies?

Yes! While regular milk chocolate M&Ms are a crowd-pleaser, you can get creative with peanut, mini, or even seasonal M&Ms for a fun twist. Mini M&Ms are great for a more even distribution, while peanut M&Ms add extra crunch and nuttiness. Just make sure to slightly press the larger ones into the dough before baking so they stay nestled on top.

Ingredients for the M&M Peanut Butter Cookies

The beauty of these cookies is that they use pantry staples to create something that feels totally special. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Peanut Butter
• Unsalted Butter
• Brown Sugar
• Granulated Sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla Extract
• All-Purpose Flour
• Baking Soda
• Salt
• M&Ms

Peanut butter brings that signature nutty richness, while butter adds the perfect amount of moisture and flavor. A mix of brown and white sugar helps balance chewiness with light crisp edges. The flour, baking soda, and salt round out the dry ingredients, giving the cookies structure and balance. And finally, the M&Ms—well, they’re the fun part. Fold them into the dough and press a few extra on top before baking for maximum visual appeal.

How To Make the M&M Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by creaming together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This adds moisture and depth to the cookie dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in the M&Ms

Gently fold most of the M&Ms into the dough. Reserve a few to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking for that bakery-style finish.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press a few extra M&Ms on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are golden.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy them slightly warm, when the M&Ms are melty and magical.

How to Serve and Store These Cookies

This batch makes around 24 cookies, depending on size, which makes it perfect for sharing or storing. Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk or pile them into a cookie jar for an after-school snack. If you’re planning ahead, these cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

You can also freeze the dough balls and bake straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. Or freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. A quick warm-up in the microwave brings them right back to life.

What to Serve With M&M Peanut Butter Cookies?

Hot Chocolate

A rich, creamy mug of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with the sweetness and saltiness of the cookies.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Use these cookies to sandwich a scoop of ice cream for an instant dessert everyone will love.

Cold Brew Coffee

For a grown-up treat, enjoy a cookie or two alongside a glass of chilled cold brew.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Stick with the theme and pair with a smoothie that complements the nutty flavors.

Fresh Strawberries

Juicy and tart, fresh strawberries bring a light contrast to the dense, chewy cookies.

Salted Pretzels

Mix it up on the snack tray with a salty crunch that contrasts the sweet cookies.

Yogurt Parfait

Crumble a cookie over yogurt with berries and granola for a playful twist on breakfast.

Chocolate Milk

Sometimes, simplicity is best. A classic chocolate milk pairing always hits the spot.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these M&M Peanut Butter Cookies, don’t stop here. Check out some of our most popular cookie creations:

• Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for a deeper caramel crunch.
• Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving tangy meets warm spice.
• Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with a soft ganache center.
• Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies if you prefer classic nostalgia.
• Brown Sugar Maple Cookies with cozy fall flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add chopped peanuts? Swap in dark chocolate M&Ms? Try a gluten-free version?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

M&M Peanut Butter Cookies bring together the best of both cookie worlds—a little sweet, a little salty, and a whole lot of fun. They’re colorful, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or treating yourself on an ordinary day. Keep this recipe close, because once you bake them, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?