Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips and M&Ms: A Perfect Sweet Treat

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When the craving for a delicious, chewy cookie hits, it’s hard to resist the allure of a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven peanut butter oatmeal cookie loaded with chocolate chips and M&Ms. These cookies combine everything you love about a sweet treat: the rich, creamy peanut butter flavor, the hearty texture of oats, and the delightful crunch and sweetness of M&Ms and chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cookie swap, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this peanut butter oatmeal cookie recipe is sure to become your go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips and M&Ms

If you’ve ever wondered why this particular cookie combination stands out, it’s because of the unique balance of flavors and textures. These peanut butter oatmeal cookies are the perfect union of sweetness and saltiness. The peanut butter adds a smooth, creamy base, while the oats lend a chewy texture that makes every bite satisfying. The mix of mini M&Ms and chocolate chips gives the cookies a fun pop of color, sweetness, and a little bit of crunch.

Not only do these cookies taste amazing, but they are versatile, too. You can add raisins or even swap out ingredients depending on what you have in your pantry. These cookies are great for all occasions, from casual family dinners to holiday parties or just a simple snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee or milk.

Key Ingredients for Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips and M&Ms

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need a few pantry staples that come together to create the perfect cookie dough. Let’s go over the key ingredients that will make your peanut butter oatmeal cookies irresistible.

Ingredient	Amount
Large Eggs	4 eggs
Creamy Peanut Butter	2 cups
Brown Sugar	1 ½ cups
Granulated Sugar	½ cup
Vanilla Extract	1 tablespoon
Old-Fashioned Oats	1 ½ cups
Baking Soda	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Mini M&Ms or Milk Chocolate Chips	1 cup
Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips	1 ¼ cups
Raisins (Optional)	½ cup

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in giving the cookies their signature texture and flavor. The peanut butter and sugars provide the dough’s richness, while the oats add substance. The chocolate chips and M&Ms give the cookies their sweet appeal, and the raisins (if added) bring a burst of tartness and chewiness that complements the sweetness.

How to Make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips and M&Ms

Baking these peanut butter oatmeal cookies is surprisingly simple, but the results are incredibly satisfying. Here’s how you can make a batch of these delicious cookies:

1. Mix Wet Ingredients

Start by beating together the eggs, peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. This mixture should be smooth and well-combined. The peanut butter provides a creamy base, while the sugars help create the perfect cookie dough consistency.

2. Add Dry Ingredients

Next, add the oats, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir everything together until the dough is evenly combined. You want to ensure that the oats are thoroughly mixed in to give the cookies their chewy texture. The baking soda will help the cookies rise, creating a soft yet slightly crisp texture around the edges.

3. Fold in Chocolate and M&Ms

Gently fold in the mini M&Ms, mini chocolate chips, and raisins (if you’re using them). The chips should be evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step adds the fun factor to the cookies, ensuring that every bite contains a little bit of sweetness and crunch.

4. Scoop the Dough onto a Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Space the dough balls at least 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly as they bake.

5. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 1-2 hours. Chilling the dough is crucial because it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and prevents them from spreading too much, which would make them thin and crispy instead of chewy.

6. Preheat Your Oven and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once your dough has chilled, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the cookies to stay soft and chewy.

7. Cool and Enjoy

After baking, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will give them a chance to set and firm up. Once they’re cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed.

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

To make sure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results:

Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough before baking is a must. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too thin while baking. If you skip this step, your cookies may turn out flatter and less chewy.

Don’t Overmix

While mixing your ingredients, be sure not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once everything is combined, stop mixing. The dough should be just right, with all ingredients incorporated evenly.

Adjust the Sweetness

If you’re someone who prefers less sweetness in your cookies, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar or omit the M&Ms. You can also play around with using dark chocolate chips for a less sweet option.

Use Old-Fashioned Oats

Make sure to use old-fashioned oats for the best texture. Quick oats or instant oats won’t give the cookies the same chewy consistency. The larger, heartier flakes of old-fashioned oats are what make these cookies so satisfying.

Nutritional Information

Before you dive into baking, it’s always a good idea to know what goes into your treats. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional value for one cookie (based on a serving size of 24 cookies):

• Calories: 200 calories per cookie
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18g

These cookies pack a decent amount of calories and sugar, so they’re best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack. However, with the protein and fiber from oats and peanut butter, they do provide a bit of nutritional value in addition to the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Can I Store Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll be ready whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet snack.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our https://miarecipes.com/baked-spinach-mushroom-quesadillas-3/

Can I Substitute Ingredients in This Recipe?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap the raisins with dried cranberries, use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free alternative, or even replace the M&Ms with mini marshmallows for a gooey twist. The possibilities are endless!

Can I Make These Cookies Without Oats?

Although oats are a key ingredient for texture, you could replace them with additional flour or ground nuts if you prefer. Keep in mind that doing so will change the cookie’s texture, so they may turn out less chewy and more crisp.

Can I Add More Chocolate?

Definitely! If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to add extra mini chocolate chips or even larger chunks of milk or dark chocolate to the dough. The more chocolate, the better!

Conclusion

These peanut butter oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips and M&Ms are a perfect blend of chewy, sweet, and slightly salty goodness. Whether you’re making them for a family treat, a cookie swap, or just because you love fresh-baked cookies, this recipe delivers on flavor and texture. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to whip up a batch that everyone will love.

Now that you have the recipe and tips to make these cookies, it’s time to head to the kitchen and bake up a batch. Don’t forget to share your results with friends and family, and let us know how they turned out!

Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the cookies!

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