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These soft and chewy peanut butter M&M cookies have become a treasured family recipe. The rich brown butter base paired with a melty peanut butter center creates an irresistible treat that's both nostalgic and special. Perfect for when you want something indulgent without making dozens of cookies.
The aroma of these cookies baking draws everyone to the kitchen. The combination of browned butter, melted peanut butter, and chocolate creates an inviting scent that fills the house. One bite reveals the delightful surprise center that makes these cookies truly special.
Key Ingredients
- Browned butter: Creates a rich, nutty base that enhances the cookie flavor
- Creamy peanut butter: Forms the gooey center when frozen and baked
- Peanut Butter M&Ms: Provides texture, color and extra peanut butter taste
- Fresh eggs: Must be room temperature for proper mixing
- Premium chocolate chips: Choose high-quality for best results
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Essential Techniques
- Freezing the Centers
- Properly frozen peanut butter centers are crucial for perfect cookies. Freeze the portioned peanut butter for at least 30 minutes until firm. This prevents the filling from leaking during assembly and ensures that gooey center when baked.
- Browning the Butter
- Keep a close watch as the butter browns over medium-low heat. Look for golden brown flecks and a nutty aroma. Scrape all the browned bits into your mixing bowl for maximum flavor.
- Cooling Process
- Allow browned butter to cool until just warm before mixing with other ingredients. Hot butter will cook the eggs and ruin the dough texture.
- Mixing Method
- Use gentle folding motions when combining ingredients. Overmixing leads to tough cookies. The dough should be slightly thick but workable.
- Cookie Assembly
- Flatten dough portions, place frozen peanut butter in center, then carefully wrap and seal. Press gently to proper thickness, ensuring no gaps where filling could escape.
- Baking Guidelines
- Watch carefully during baking - cookies should be golden on bottom but slightly soft on top. They'll continue setting as they cool.
These cookies consistently receive enthusiastic responses from both kids and adults. Their unique combination of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable treat that people remember long after the last crumb is gone.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy warm with cold milk for classic comfort. Transform into decadent ice cream sandwiches using vanilla ice cream. Serve alongside salty snacks for entertaining. Pair with hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
Recipe Variations
Experiment with different fillings like almond butter or cookie butter. Try caramel M&Ms with a caramel center. Top with flaky sea salt before baking. Add chopped nuts to dough for extra crunch and flavor depth.
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These peanut butter M&M cookies showcase how simple ingredients combined thoughtfully create something extraordinary. The brown butter base and surprise peanut butter center elevate them beyond typical cookies, making them perfect for any occasion requiring something special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What happens if I keep the dough in the fridge?
- Brown butter hardens as it cools, which makes the dough tough and stops the cookies from spreading properly. Bake it as soon as it's ready for the best results.
- → How can I tell if the butter is browned perfectly?
- You'll notice that the butter darkens to a golden brown and starts smelling nutty. Keep stirring while you cook and take it off the heat when bits of brown form at the bottom.
- → Is crunchy peanut butter okay to use here?
- Yes, absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds a nice crunch to the filling. Just be sure it's soft enough that you can easily scoop it.
- → Why do my cookies look a bit raw in the middle?
- They’re supposed to! Your cookies will finish cooking as they cool on the baking sheet, so take them out while they still look soft.
- → Can I swap peanut butter M&Ms for another type?
- Of course. Regular M&Ms or any other kind will work fine. Peanut butter M&Ms just give it an extra peanutty flavor.