Peanut Butter M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers—soft, thick, and chewy with just the right balance of peanut butter richness, melty chocolate chips, and bursts of color and crunch from M&M candies. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a nostalgic afternoon snack, these cookies are as fun as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bakery-style cookies deliver everything you love in a homemade treat: a soft center, crisp edges, and a comforting peanut butter-chocolate combo. The colorful M&Ms make them festive and visually appealing, while the mini chocolate chips ensure there’s melty chocolate in every bite. Easy to make with pantry staples, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter, softened
Creamy peanut butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar, packed
Large egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Mini chocolate chips
M&M candies (plus extra for topping)

directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips and M&M candies.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Gently press a few extra M&Ms onto the tops of each dough ball for a bakery-style finish.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just golden and the centers look barely set.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Calories: Approximately 210 kcal per cookie

Variations

Crunchy Texture: Add chopped peanuts or pretzel bits for an extra crunch.
Double Chocolate: Swap some all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate-peanut butter version.
Holiday Twist: Use seasonal M&M colors for Christmas, Easter, or Halloween-themed cookies.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Nut-Free Version: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for an allergy-friendly version.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months—thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave. Dough balls can also be frozen and baked directly from frozen (add 1–2 minutes to baking time).

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily, as it can affect the dough’s consistency.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required, but if your kitchen is warm, a 15-minute chill will help the cookies hold their shape.

Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips?

Yes, though mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough.

Why press M&Ms on top before baking?

It enhances their visual appeal and gives that signature bakery-style finish.

Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?

Yes, adjust the scoop size and baking time accordingly—smaller cookies may bake in 8–9 minutes, larger ones in 12–13 minutes.

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

They’re soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges—perfect cookie texture!

Can I add oats to this recipe?

You can replace ¼ cup of flour with rolled oats for added texture.

What’s the best way to store them?

In an airtight container at room temperature. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft.

Do M&Ms melt in the oven?

They hold their shape well but may develop small cracks—this is normal and adds to the look.

Can I use chunky peanut butter?

Yes, it will add bits of peanut throughout the cookies for extra texture.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are the kind of nostalgic, colorful treat that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a school event, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies offer the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, melty chocolate, and festive crunch. Easy, fun, and absolutely delicious, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite in your baking rotation.