If there’s one treat that absolutely steals the show during the holidays, it’s Santa’s Favorite Peanut Butter M&M Cookies. These cookies are everything you want in a festive dessert: thick, chewy, irresistibly peanut-buttery, and bursting with colorful holiday M&Ms. The playful crunch from the candies combines with melty chocolate chips and a hint of salt for an unforgettable bite. Whether you’re baking for Santa or sharing with family and friends, this recipe guarantees smiles (and maybe a couple of extra cookies for yourself, too!).

Santa’s Favorite Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Santa’s Favorite Peanut Butter M&M Cookies is all about simple, classic ingredients coming together in just the right way. Each element brings its own personality to the mix—think creamy peanut butter for richness, brown sugar for deep sweetness, and of course, those iconic holiday M&Ms for a festive pop of color and crunch.

Unsalted Butter: Gives the cookies a buttery, tender base; make sure it’s at room temperature for perfect creaming.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds that signature nutty flavor and keeps the cookies moist and chewy.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a hint of warmth—use a good-quality vanilla for best results.
Dark Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor and helps the cookies stay soft; packing it tightly ensures the right amount.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps the cookies spread beautifully.
Large Eggs and Egg Yolk: Create a rich, smooth dough and help with the chewy texture. Don’t skip the extra yolk—it’s a game changer!
All-Purpose Flour: The main structure builder; measure carefully so your cookies are thick and not dry.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These work together to give your cookies a gentle lift and just the right crumb.
Salt: Balances out all the sweetness and amplifies the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
Holiday M&Ms: Brings a festive pop of color and chocolatey crunch to every bite—plus, who can resist those reds and greens?
Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate Chips: Melt into glorious pockets of chocolate throughout the cookie; feel free to use your favorite.
Granulated Sugar (for sprinkling): Gives a delightful sparkle and tiny crunch on top just before serving.

How to Make Santa’s Favorite Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter

Start by beating the butter in a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer if that’s what you have) until it’s totally smooth and creamy. Then add the peanut butter and beat again. This duo lays the foundation for that soft, moist texture that’s at the heart of Santa’s Favorite Peanut Butter M&M Cookies.

Step 2: Add the Sugars

Next, blend in the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until everything is light and fluffy. Don’t rush this step—creaming the sugars really impacts the final cookie, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs and extra egg yolk one at a time, mixing well after each addition so your dough gets super rich. Pour in the vanilla extract and blend again to evenly distribute that cozy, aromatic flavor.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Measure out the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, and gently whisk them together before adding to the mixer. Toss them all in, turn your mixer to low, and mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Be careful not to overmix—you want the cookies soft, not tough.

Step 5: Stir in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

With the basics combined, it’s time for the fun part! Fold in your holiday M&Ms and chocolate chips. Stir gently so every scoop of dough is loaded up with colorful chocolate bursts and you don’t crush the candies.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment. Use a large cookie scoop to portion the dough into generous 3-tablespoon mounds, spacing them apart for even baking. Gently press down on each ball—this will help them spread perfectly in the oven.

Step 7: Bake and Decorate

Bake the cookies for 12 to 13 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers are just set. As soon as they come out, press a few extra M&Ms and chocolate chips right on top (for both looks and bonus gooeyness), then sprinkle with a bit of sugar for sparkle. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a rack to finish cooling—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Santa’s Favorite Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

Garnishes

Santa’s Favorite Peanut Butter M&M Cookies are already stunning, but a few extra holiday M&Ms and chocolate chips pressed on top while they’re warm take them right over the top. A pinch of flaked sea salt is also lovely if you like a sweet-and-salty combo, and a dusting of sparkling sugar gives a joyful, wintry touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect with a chilly glass of milk (Santa’s classic style!), a mug of hot cocoa with whipped cream, or even alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert platter. If you’re entertaining, set out a variety of holiday cookies so everyone can sample a little of everything, but don’t be surprised if these go first!

Creative Ways to Present

Package Santa’s Favorite Peanut Butter M&M Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, stack them in a festive tin, or arrange them in a holiday cookie box. They also make amazing cookie sandwiches—just spread a little marshmallow fluff or chocolate ganache between two cookies for a decadent twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Santa’s Favorite Peanut Butter M&M Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly soft and delicious for several days, making them ideal for prepping ahead or packing into holiday goodie bags.

Freezing

Both the dough and the baked cookies freeze beautifully. For dough, scoop into balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months. When ready to bake, simply add an extra minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen (once cooled) and thawed at room temperature as needed.

Reheating

If you love a just-baked cookie, warm your leftovers in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings the chocolate chips back to melty perfection and revives that irresistible, fresh-from-the-oven texture. Santa would definitely approve!

FAQs

Why do I need both baking soda and baking powder in this recipe?

Using both leaveners ensures the cookies get just the right lift and softness—baking soda adds spread while baking powder gives a light, chewy interior.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and a bit of nutty bite, but keep in mind your cookies may spread a little differently and the texture will be slightly chunkier.

What’s the secret to getting those bakery-style cookie tops?

Easy! Press a few extra M&Ms and chocolate chips on top of the cookies right after baking. This not only makes them look gorgeous but guarantees chocolate and candy in every bite.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is required for Santa’s Favorite Peanut Butter M&M Cookies, making these quick and easy for spontaneous baking sessions. If you want extra thick cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes, but it’s not necessary.

Can I make these with gluten-free flour?

Yes! Substitute a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The cookies will be just as delicious—no one will even know the difference.

Final Thoughts

Baking Santa’s Favorite Peanut Butter M&M Cookies is more than just a holiday tradition—it’s an invitation to add a little extra joy and color to your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or sneaking in a midnight snack, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Give it a try, and watch these become the most requested treat of the season!