There's something about the perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate that makes any cookie unforgettable. This Festive Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe brings that classic combo to life with a holiday twist, thanks to those cheerful red and green M&Ms. Trust me, these are the kind of cookies you'll want to bake again and again once you taste them.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Festive Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Festive Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Festive Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe countless times around the holidays, and every batch feels like a warm, delicious celebration. The mix of creamy peanut butter, chewy oats, melty chocolate, and colorful M&Ms isn’t just tasty—it’s a fun, kid-friendly twist on classic monster cookies that bring joy to any gathering.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with festive colors that make them irresistible at holiday parties.
- Easy to Make: With simple pantry staples and straightforward steps, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll ace these.
- Perfect Texture: Thanks to the rolled oats, these cookies get a wonderful chewiness that keeps you coming back for another bite.
- Customizable: You can swap chocolate chips or M&Ms based on what you have or your preferred sweetness level without losing the festive feel.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Festive Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe plays a role in crafting its signature taste and texture. Using creamy peanut butter brings that rich, smooth punch, while oats add chewiness and a hint of rustic charm. Don’t skimp on real butter and that warm vanilla extract—they make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter helps create that fluffy batter and buttery flavor without overwhelming the peanut butter.
- Brown Sugar and Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel note, while white sugar balances the sweetness and helps crisp the edges.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth texture blends nicely in the dough; natural peanut butter can work but affects consistency.
- Egg: Binds everything together and gives structure while keeping the cookie tender.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
- Rolled Oats: These add chew and a hearty texture that gives the cookie more personality than a plain chip cookie.
- Flour: Provides the necessary base, so your cookies hold their shape and structure.
- Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent to give the cookies that slight lift and softness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts the peanut butter flavor.
- Red and Green Holiday M&Ms: These give not just festive color but also a fun chocolate crunch in every bite.
- Chocolate Chips: Along with the M&Ms, these provide that classic melty chocolate goodness you’re after.
Make It Your Way
I love this recipe because it’s so adaptable. For instance, I sometimes swap the holiday M&Ms for peanut butter chips when I want an even richer peanut kick. You can add chopped nuts if you like crunch or even infuse some cinnamon to spice things up. Don’t be shy about making it your own—baking is more fun that way.
- Variation: One holiday season, I replaced the rolled oats with crushed Cheerios, and it still turned out delicious—great if you want a lighter texture.
- Dietary Modification: For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and flour blends—this recipe is very forgiving!
- Seasonal Changes: Swap out the red and green M&Ms for pastel colors for Easter or classic rainbow M&Ms for a year-round treat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy
Start by beating the softened butter with both brown and white sugar for about 4 minutes. I usually use a stand mixer for this and it helps incorporate air so the cookies come out light, not dense. You’ll know you’re done when the mixture looks pale and almost creamy—this is key for that soft, tender cookie texture.
Step 2: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The batter will look rich and glossy—you want to make sure the peanut butter is evenly incorporated for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Fold in the Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins
Combine oats, flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl before folding them gently into your wet mixture. Stir just until you don’t see dry streaks—overmixing can make cookies tough. Next, fold in the chocolate chips and most of the M&Ms, reserving a small handful to press on top after baking for that final festive touch.
Step 4: Chill, Scoop, and Bake
Chilling the dough is crucial—it helps prevent spreading so your cookies keep a nice thick shape. Wrap the dough tightly and chill for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 365°F (185°C) then scoop dough balls onto a light-colored baking sheet, leaving enough space for spreading. They bake in just 9-10 minutes; watch closely so they don’t overbake—edges should be set but centers still soft.
Step 5: Add M&Ms and Cool Down
Right after taking the cookies from the oven, gently press the reserved M&Ms on top. This makes them look extra festive and fresh, like a candy-coated crown. Let the cookies sit for 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief rest helps them finish setting without losing that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Top Tip
The first time I made these festive cookies, I skipped chilling the dough—and the cookies spread too thin and crisped up more than I liked. After that, I never skipped this step and the difference is night and day. Here are a few tips I've picked up along the way to get perfect cookies every time.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Soft but not melting ensures smoother creaming with sugars.
- Don’t Overmix the Flour: Stir just until combined to keep cookies tender and chewy.
- Reserve Some M&Ms for Garnish: Pressing them on top after baking keeps the colors bright and shiny.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers still look a bit soft for perfect chewiness.
How to Serve Festive Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love just adding extra holiday M&Ms on top as a garnish—it makes these cookies pop with color and instantly festive. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving for a delightful sweet-salty contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk—classic for a reason. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside coffee or even eggnog during Christmas brunches. If you’re feeling decadent, serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a fun dessert treat.
Creative Ways to Present
During holiday parties, I like to arrange these cookies on a festive platter lined with holly leaves or sprinkle edible gold glitter for an extra sparkle. Wrapping a few in a clear bag tied with a large red ribbon makes for perfect little gifts to share with neighbors and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay nice and soft for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can layer wax paper between to prevent sticking and moisture loss.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! I usually freeze baked cookies by placing them flat inside a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. They keep fresh for up to two months, so you can bake in advance and always have a festive treat ready to go.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen cookies, I thaw them at room temperature. For that fresh-baked warmth, popping them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes does the trick beautifully—just watch closely so the chocolate chips don’t melt away.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can, but natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and can change the dough consistency. If using natural peanut butter, you might need to chill the dough longer to prevent spreading.
Rolled oats give the best chewy texture, but quick oats can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind quick oats may make the cookie slightly softer and less textured.
Pressing M&Ms on warm cookies right after baking keeps their color vibrant and adds an inviting candy crunch on top, making the cookies look extra festive and appealing.
You can try replacing butter with vegan margarine and using a flax or chia egg instead of a chicken egg. Just note the texture and taste might vary slightly, but it still makes a delicious treat.
Final Thoughts
This Festive Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe feels like a warm hug in cookie form every time I bake it. It’s become my go-to for the holidays and a sure way to bring smiles to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, whether you’re gifting them or sneaking a batch for yourself. Happy baking and happy holidays!
Print
Festive Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Monster Cookies, packed with creamy peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and vibrant red and green holiday M&M's. Soft, chewy, and irresistibly colorful, these cookies are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (like Skippy's or Jif)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup red and green holiday M&M's (divided as ¾ cup for batter and ¼ cup for topping)
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and sugar for 4 minutes or until the mixture is light and fluffy to ensure a smooth cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture, beating for an additional 1 minute to blend everything thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Fold in the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt gently, stirring just until the dry ingredients are combined. Then, fold in the chocolate chips and ¾ cup of the holiday M&M's, reserving ¼ cup for decoration after baking.
- Chill Dough: Tightly wrap the cookie dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up the dough, which helps maintain shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 365 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a light-colored baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Scoop and Bake: Scoop the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies at least two inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes until the edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Add Remaining M&M's: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press the reserved ¼ cup of M&M's gently onto the tops to create colorful holiday accents.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute rolled oats with quick oats if desired for a different texture.
- Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips depending on your taste preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well; place them in a large gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
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