A Sweet Memory in Every Bite

There’s something magical about the scent of freshly baked peanut butter cookies wafting through the kitchen. It instantly brings back childhood memories—of after-school treats, holiday baking with family, and the simple joy of dunking a warm, chewy cookie into a glass of cold milk.

For me, these Peanut Butter Bliss Cookies hold a special place in my heart. They remind me of weekends spent in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where the counters were always dusted with flour, and the air was filled with the rich aroma of vanilla and roasted peanuts. She would let me press fork marks onto the cookie dough before sliding the tray into the oven, a small but significant responsibility that made me feel like a real baker.

As I grew older, I began experimenting with her recipe, adding my own twist with buttercream frosting and peanut butter M&Ms for a fun and festive touch. What started as a simple family recipe has now become a signature treat I make for every occasion—birthdays, holidays, bake sales, or just a cozy night at home.

If you’re a peanut butter lover, these cookies will become your new favorite indulgence. Soft and chewy with a creamy frosting and a pop of crunch from the M&Ms, they’re everything you could want in a dessert. Whether you’re baking them for a celebration or just treating yourself, one thing is certain—these cookies are made to be shared and savored.

Why These Peanut Butter Cookies Stand Out

1. Soft, Chewy, and Packed with Flavor

Some peanut butter cookies tend to be dry or crumbly, but these stay incredibly soft and moist, thanks to a combination of shortening, creamy peanut butter, and milk. The balance of white and brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor.

2. A Perfect Canvas for Frosting and Toppings

Unlike classic peanut butter cookies that are left plain, these cookies take indulgence to the next level with a rich buttercream frosting. The creamy texture complements the chewiness of the cookie, and a handful of peanut butter M&Ms adds crunch and a pop of color.

3. Fun for All Ages

This recipe is perfect for baking with kids! Let them help mix the dough, shape the cookies, or decorate with colorful M&Ms. It’s a fun and interactive way to create sweet memories together.

4. A Versatile Treat for Any Occasion

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a bake sale, a birthday, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They also make fantastic edible gifts—just package them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade treat.

There’s something magical about the scent of freshly baked peanut butter cookies wafting through the kitchen. It instantly brings back childhood memories—of after-school treats, holiday baking with family, and the simple joy of dunking a warm, chewy cookie into a glass of cold milk.

For me, these Peanut Butter Bliss Cookies hold a special place in my heart. They remind me of weekends spent in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where the counters were always dusted with flour, and the air was filled with the rich aroma of vanilla and roasted peanuts. She would let me press fork marks onto the cookie dough before sliding the tray into the oven, a small but significant responsibility that made me feel like a real baker.

As I grew older, I began experimenting with her recipe, adding my own twist with buttercream frosting and peanut butter M&Ms for a fun and festive touch. What started as a simple family recipe has now become a signature treat I make for every occasion—birthdays, holidays, bake sales, or just a cozy night at home.

If you’re a peanut butter lover, these cookies will become your new favorite indulgence. Soft and chewy with a creamy frosting and a pop of crunch from the M&Ms, they’re everything you could want in a dessert. Whether you’re baking them for a celebration or just treating yourself, one thing is certain—these cookies are made to be shared and savored.

Why These Peanut Butter Cookies Stand Out

1. Soft, Chewy, and Packed with Flavor

Some peanut butter cookies tend to be dry or crumbly, but these stay incredibly soft and moist, thanks to a combination of shortening, creamy peanut butter, and milk. The balance of white and brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor.

2. A Perfect Canvas for Frosting and Toppings

Unlike classic peanut butter cookies that are left plain, these cookies take indulgence to the next level with a rich buttercream frosting. The creamy texture complements the chewiness of the cookie, and a handful of peanut butter M&Ms adds crunch and a pop of color.

3. Fun for All Ages

This recipe is perfect for baking with kids! Let them help mix the dough, shape the cookies, or decorate with colorful M&Ms. It’s a fun and interactive way to create sweet memories together.

4. A Versatile Treat for Any Occasion

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a bake sale, a birthday, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They also make fantastic edible gifts—just package them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade treat.

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Peanut butter M&Ms (for decoration)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, brown sugar, shortening, and peanut butter until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the salt, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk, mixing until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

2. Shape and Bake the Cookies

6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
7. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
8. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or fork.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Buttercream Frosting

11. In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy.
12. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
13. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, then beat until light and fluffy.
14. If desired, add food coloring to match a festive theme.

4. Decorate and Serve

15. Spread or pipe the buttercream frosting onto the cooled cookies.
16. Top with peanut butter M&Ms for a colorful and crunchy finish.
17. Serve and enjoy these rich and nutty peanut butter bliss cookies!

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)

• Calories: ~230
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 140mg

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Use Quality Peanut Butter

For the best flavor and texture, stick to creamy peanut butter rather than natural varieties, which can separate and alter the consistency of the dough. If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can use chunky peanut butter instead.

2. Don’t Overmix the Dough

Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep them soft and chewy.

3. Chill the Dough for Extra Thickness

If you want thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading and results in a more structured cookie.

4. Let the Cookies Cool Before Frosting

Applying buttercream to warm cookies can cause it to melt. Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating for a perfect, smooth finish.

5. Customize with Your Favorite Toppings

While peanut butter M&Ms add a delicious crunch, you can also try topping these cookies with:

• Chopped peanuts for extra nuttiness
• Mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-peanut butter combo
• Drizzled melted chocolate for an elegant touch

Pairing Ideas: What Goes Well with Peanut Butter Cookies?

To elevate the experience, try pairing these cookies with:

• A Glass of Cold Milk: The classic combination never fails! The creamy milk complements the rich peanut butter flavor.
• Coffee or Hot Cocoa: The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Turn these cookies into an ultimate dessert by sandwiching a scoop of ice cream between two of them.

FAQs About Peanut Butter Bliss Cookies

1. Can I use butter instead of shortening?

Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute the shortening with butter for a richer flavor. However, the cookies may spread a little more, so chilling the dough is recommended.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months—just bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 2 minutes to the baking time.

3. Do I have to add frosting?

No, these cookies are delicious on their own! If you prefer a more classic peanut butter cookie, simply bake them without frosting and enjoy them as is.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend for a gluten-free version. Just make sure your peanut butter and M&Ms are also gluten-free.

5. How do I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If frosted, keep them in the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before serving.

6. Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the eggs with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for an egg-free version.

Conclusion: A Cookie Worth Baking Again and Again

Peanut butter cookies have been a staple in many households for generations, but these Peanut Butter Bliss Cookies take the classic to a whole new level. With their soft, chewy texture, creamy frosting, and crunchy M&M topping, they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

More than just a delicious treat, these cookies are about creating memories—whether it’s baking with loved ones, gifting a batch to a friend, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a warm, homemade cookie in hand.

So, the next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the store-bought treats and bake a batch of these irresistible cookies. Because nothing compares to the love and warmth baked into a homemade peanut butter cookie!

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