Peanut Butter M & M Cookies

By janedoiron

These yummy cookies have the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate. Don't let the M & Ms fool you. Adults love these just as much as kids!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 2 cups M & M candies

Details

Servings 30
Adapted from makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.blogspot.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a large sheet pan with parchment paper; set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening and peanut butter together. Add the sugar, brown sugar, egg, and milk; mix well.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture on low speed. Mix in the walnuts and M & Ms on low speed until combined or stir by hand.

4. Use a rounded tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll into a ball. Place the dough about 2 inches apart on the sheet pan. Bake for 12 minutes. The cookies will be soft in the center but will set up upon cooling. Cool for 3 - 5 minutes on the sheet pan. Then remove to a wire rack.

Freezing Directions for Uncooked Dough

Shape the dough into balls (as directed) and place them on a sheet pan in one layer. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 2 - 3 hours. Label your freezer bag. (Be sure to include the baking directions.) Place the frozen dough in the freezer bag, remove the excess air, and seal tightly. Freeze for 2 months. (I recommend using vacuum sealed bags.)

Thawing Out the Dough on Baking Day

Cover a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Place the frozen cookie dough on top about 2 inches apart. Let stand for 45 - 60 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 12 - 13 minutes.