Description
Soft, chewy red, white, and blue peanut butter cookies perfect for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day, summer cookouts, and patriotic dessert trays.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 shareable-size bag peanut butter M&M’s, using red, white, and blue candies if available or sorting patriotic colors by hand
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour in the milk and stir until the dough comes together.
- Fold in the peanut butter M&M’s.
- Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 1/2 tablespoons each, and place them on the prepared baking sheets a few inches apart.
- Press a few extra M&M’s on top of each cookie and flatten slightly with your hand.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and, if desired, use a round cookie cutter or mason jar lid to gently swirl each cookie into a uniform shape for a bakery-style look.
- Return the cookies to the oven and bake for 2 more minutes.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added or the cookies may turn out less tender.
- Pressing extra candies into the tops before baking makes them look prettier for parties and dessert tables.
- If you can’t find patriotic-colored peanut butter M&M’s, you can sort through a regular bag and use the colors that fit your theme best.
- These cookies are great for Memorial Day desserts, 4th of July cookie trays, Labor Day cookouts, and summer bake sales.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: american