Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up a batch of these delightful salted peanut M&M cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 1 cup peanut M&M’s
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of salted peanut M&M cookies:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to cream the ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the two large eggs and the vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This will help to evenly distribute the baking soda throughout the flour, ensuring a consistent rise in your cookies.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should come together without any dry flour remaining.
6. Fold in the Goodies
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the salted peanuts and peanut M&M’s. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for the best flavor and texture in every bite.
7. Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
8. Sprinkle with Coarse Sea Salt
Before placing the cookies in the oven, sprinkle a small pinch of coarse sea salt on top of each dough ball. This will enhance the flavor and give the cookies that delightful sweet-and-salty combination.
9. Bake Your Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
10. Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your salted peanut M&M cookies warm, or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment!
Tips for the Best Cookies
To ensure that your salted peanut M&M cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them incorporate better into the dough.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid dense cookies. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, or even other types of nuts to the dough.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This can help prevent spreading.
Serving Suggestions
These salted peanut M&M cookies are perfect for various occasions. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:
- As a Snack: Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delicious afternoon treat.
- At Parties: Set out a platter of these cookies at your next gathering or party. They’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!
- In Gift Baskets: Package them in a decorative box or tin to give as a homemade gift during the holidays or special occasions.
- For Lunchboxes: Include a couple of cookies in lunchboxes for a sweet treat that kids will love.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftover cookies (though they’re likely to disappear quickly), here’s how to store them to keep them fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Conclusion
Salted peanut M&M cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors, making them a favorite for cookie lovers of all ages. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can bake a batch in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a fun dessert to share, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a batch of these irresistible cookies!
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Variations of Salted Peanut M&M Cookies
While the classic salted peanut M&M cookies are delicious on their own, you can easily modify the recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to inspire your baking:
- Nut Butter Swirl: Add a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter (like almond or cashew) to the dough for an extra nutty flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap out some of the M&Ms for dark chocolate chips to enhance the richness of the cookies.
- Oatmeal Addition: Mix in a cup of rolled oats for a chewy texture and added fiber.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Seasonal Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice during the fall to give the cookies a seasonal twist.
Pairing Ideas
Enhance your cookie experience by pairing your salted peanut M&M cookies with complementary flavors. Here are some delightful pairings to consider:
- Iced Coffee: The rich flavor of iced coffee pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, making for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
- Chocolate Milk: For a nostalgic treat, serve these cookies with a glass of chocolate milk, a favorite among kids and adults alike.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Crumble a cookie over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert sundae.
- Fresh Fruit: Pair the cookies with fresh fruit, such as apple slices or strawberries, for a refreshing contrast.
Cookie-Baking Essentials
To make your cookie-baking experience smoother, consider investing in a few essential tools:
- Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls in various sizes will help you prepare your ingredients with ease.
- Silicone Baking Mat: Using a silicone baking mat on your baking sheet can prevent cookies from sticking and make for easier cleanup.
- Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes, which helps them bake evenly.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows air to circulate around your cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking, so invest in a good set of measuring cups and spoons.
Final Thoughts
With their delightful crunch and sweet, salty flavor, salted peanut M&M cookies are a joy to make and an even bigger joy to eat. Whether you choose to follow the classic recipe or experiment with fun variations, these cookies are bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, share some love in the kitchen, and enjoy the delicious results of your efforts!
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Storing Your Cookies
To keep your salted peanut M&M cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Here are some tips to ensure they stay tasty:
- Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and chewy for up to a week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Layering: If you’re stacking cookies in a container, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Creative Uses for Leftover Cookies
If you find yourself with leftover salted peanut M&M cookies, don’t let them go to waste! Here are some creative ways to use them:
- Cookie Crust: Crumble the cookies and use them as a crust for cheesecakes or desserts.
- Milkshake Delight: Blend a couple of cookies into a milkshake for added flavor and texture.
- Trifle Layer: Layer crumbled cookies in a trifle with whipped cream, pudding, and fruit for a delicious dessert.
Conclusion
Salted peanut M&M cookies are not only a quick and tasty treat but also versatile in their ingredients and pairings. With a few simple modifications and creative storage tips, you can enjoy these cookies fresh and delicious for days to come. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own, and remember to share the joy of baking with friends and family!
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