These crispy cookies are sprinkled throughout with crushed M&M's® Peanut for a chocolaty, nutty treat that is both sweet and salty.
There's a saying that guilty pleasures are the most pleasurable of all, and that to revel in such guilt is the greatest of joys. That's how I tend to approach dessert. Dessert, by its very nature, is not meant to be virtuous. A dessert that is suffered through, or that is merely 'sufficient,' or that requires 'effort' to enjoy, is not a dessert at all. On the contrary, dessert is decadence in culinary form. It exists purely as a means to enjoyment, both visually and to one's palette, with no other redeeming features. That is the beauty of it.
However, let's be honest, more often than not the best time to eat a dessert is rarely at the end of a meal. Does anything really taste better than savoring a bar of chocolate at precisely the 'wrong time of day?' Or sneaking that midnight slice of cake?
It is precisely those moments of 'delightful guilt' where desserts, or sweets in general, taste the best. That was what I had in mind when preparing today's recipe - Easy Peanut M&M Cookies. After all, I can attest from personal experience that few things ease stressful moments at the desk as well as a simple cookie. Add in a coffee or tea, and you're set to recharge and destress.
These are a deliberately lighthearted, fun twist on more conventional cookie recipes, with the bright colors and distinct crunch of the M&Ms imparting a bit of seasonal flare to the familiar recipe. The addition of instant coffee and brown sugar add a bit of rustic 'grounding' to the sweetness, creating a flavor profile that will please even the most discerning of palettes.
Peanut M&M’s® Cookies
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 dozen 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tbs. instant coffee
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 cup Peanut M&M’s® Peanut, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl combine the sugars, butter and egg; mix with an electric mixer on medium until smooth.
- Add the flour, baking soda and instant coffee and chopped Peanut M & M’s: mix on low speed until a cookie dough is formed.
- Place dough by a rounded teaspoonful on un-greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake 12 – 15 minutes or until golden.
- Let the cookies cool for a minute or two before removing to a cooling rack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
While I'll certainly be eating a few of those after dinner, I'll be honest and say that the large majority of these cookies will be consumed at my desk during those overlong hours.
What are some of your favorite recipes for unwinding? We would love to hear from you.
Enjoy with Love!
Liz says
The crushed M&M's and the touch of coffee push these cookies over the top! I'd love a couple with my evening tea!!!
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
These cookies look so delicious!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
I love these beautiful cookies Catherine. Such a treat. I'd love mine with a glass of milk please. XOXO
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
Mmmm I love the sweet and salty combo. And yes, eating dessert at the "wrong" time of the day is always a good feeling! 🙂
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says
Peanut m & m's are my favorite! Love then in cookies!
Marye says
Peanut M&M's are my favorite! I need to try these cookies!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Well I can see that I'm going to have to go shopping. Love the sound of your cookies, now I need the M&M's.
Chiara says
these look delicious with M&M! Warm hugs
Dottie Sauchelli-Balin says
Dear Catherine,
Love peanut mm's and of course cookies..so this is a great combination. They look so yummy and very colorful. They must taste suburb! Thanks fr sharing these little cookies with a big pinch of goodness.. Have a good rest of the week my friend.. (I wish I had one or maybe two of these cookies right now)
Hugs Dottie 🙂
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
These cookies look fantastic with MM peanuts.