Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (190 g) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (160 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (150 g) colorful M&Ms
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped nuts (optional, e.g., walnuts or pecans)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the oats.
  6. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, M&Ms, and nuts.
  7. Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm it up for easier handling.
  8. Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers remain soft.
  10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.