It's all E.T.'s fault...

It's all E.T.'s fault that we haven't been eating these Peanut Butter M&M cookies for years.

E.T. came out when I was almost 13...a prime candy-eating age.  In case you've forgotten, Reese's Pieces were heavily featured in the movie.  Of course, like the rest of America, I had to have them. 

I loved Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, but the Pieces, not so much.


So, when Peanut Butter M&M's came on the scene, I passed them right over.  I just knew I wouldn't like them.


Then, I tried them about two years ago, and WOW...they are now a staple in my (balanced *ahem*) diet. 


Guys, these are the puffiest, fluffiest, YUMMIEST peanut butter cookies you'll ever eat.  As in, make them ASAP.  As in, you won't care if your jeans feel a little tighter after eating them. As in, DO IT.

Puffy, Fluffy Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

{makes 22 cookies}

2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter
1 & 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter (not all-natural)
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon corn syrup
1 (11 ounce) bag peanut butter M&Ms, divided

Preheat oven to 325.  Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking soda.  Set aside.

With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in the peanut butter until combined.

Add the egg, vanilla, and corn syrup, beating until mixed well, scraping down the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed.

In two additions, beat in the flour mixture on low speed.  Mix just until combined.  Reserve 1/4 cup M&Ms, folding the remainder into the batter.

Scoop the dough onto the prepared sheets using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop.  Press 1 or 2 of the reserved M&Ms onto the top of each cookie.

Bake for 11 minutes.  (The cookies will not spread.)  Cool on the cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Am I alone in my thoughts about Reese's Pieces?  Should I give them another chance?  It has been about 30 years since I last tried them. ;)