Name: Festive Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (like Skippy's or Jif); 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3/4 cup rolled oats; 1 cup flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup red and green holiday M&M's (divided as 3/4 cup for batter and 1/4 cup for topping); 3/4 cup chocolate chips

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.

Six round cookies are placed on a gold cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a light brown dough base with red and green candy-coated chocolates scattered on top and partially embedded, making the surface colorful and textured. Some candies have a small white

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.

There are eight round cookies placed on a golden wire cooling rack over a white marbled texture. Each cookie is light brown with a rough surface and is decorated with red and green candy pieces scattered on top, some of the candies showing a small white

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.

Flat lay of a small pile of softened unsalted butter, a mound of brown sugar, a mound of white sugar, a dollop of creamy peanut butter, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract, a small pile of rolled oats, a small pile of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl with baking soda powder, a small white bowl with salt, a scattering of red and green holiday M&M's, and a scattering of semi-sweet chocolate chips, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

peanut butter chocolate chip cookies - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

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.

Are rolled oats necessary or can I use quick oats?

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.

Why do you press M&Ms on top after baking?

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.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

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!