Peanut Butter Candy Cookies

Short Description

Peanut Butter Candy Cookies are the perfect treat for peanut butter lovers. These soft, chewy cookies are packed with peanut butter flavor and studded with colorful candy-coated chocolates for an extra sweet crunch. They are easy to make and great for holidays, bake sales, or everyday indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors
• Soft and chewy texture with a delightful crunch from candy pieces
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
• Great for parties, gifting, and holiday baking
• Customizable with different candies and mix-ins

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Candy-coated chocolates (such as M&M’s)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in candy: Gently stir in the candy-coated chocolates.
7. Shape the cookies: Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool and enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
• Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped peanuts or walnuts for extra texture.
• Festive Touch: Use holiday-themed candy-coated chocolates for seasonal baking.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Oatmeal Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup of rolled oats for a heartier cookie.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft texture.

FAQs

How do I keep these cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help retain moisture.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds a bit more texture to the cookies.

What kind of candy works best for these cookies?

M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, or chopped peanut butter cups work great.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, freeze pre-portioned dough balls and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute to the bake time.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling isn’t required but can help prevent spreading if your kitchen is warm.

Can I substitute butter with margarine?

Yes, but butter provides better flavor and texture.

How do I make these cookies dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and check that your candy is dairy-free.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute with granulated sugar, but the cookies may be slightly less chewy.

Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?

Yes, adjust the baking time accordingly—smaller cookies need less time, larger ones need more.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Candy Cookies are a fun and flavorful treat that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later, these cookies are a perfect blend of peanut butter goodness and sweet candy crunch. Try different variations to make them your own and share them with family and friends!

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