The holidays are a time for cheer, family, and of course, delicious treats! And what’s more festive and fun than incorporating the iconic M&M’s into your holiday baking? This year, let’s celebrate with the delightful M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut flavor! These limited-edition candies bring the perfect blend of peanutty goodness and a touch of holiday spice to your favorite recipes. Get ready to create some magical moments in the kitchen with these exciting and easy-to-follow M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut recipes. We’ll explore a variety of treats, from cookies and bars to festive popcorn and even a decadent hot chocolate, all featuring the irresistible flavor of Toasty Holiday Peanut M&M’s.
**Why M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut?**
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about what makes M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut so special. These candies boast a creamy peanut center coated in a delicious milk chocolate shell, all wrapped in festive holiday colors. The ‘toasty’ element adds a subtle warmth, reminiscent of roasted nuts and spices, making them the perfect addition to your winter baking. They’re not just candies; they’re a seasonal delight that elevates any dessert to a holiday masterpiece!
**Recipe 1: M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Cookies: A Classic with a Twist**
No holiday baking is complete without cookies! These M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut cookies are a simple yet satisfying treat that everyone will love.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¾ cup packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 large eggs
* 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 ½ cups M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. **Add Vanilla and Eggs:** Beat in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Stir in M&M’s:** Gently fold in the M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut. Reserve some M&M’s to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking for a more festive look.
7. **Scoop and Bake:** Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. Gently press a few reserved M&M’s onto the tops of each cookie.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips for Perfect Cookies:**
* **Softened Butter is Key:** Make sure your butter is properly softened, but not melted. This will ensure a chewy texture.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough (Optional):** For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
* **Even Baking:** Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
**Recipe 2: M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Bars: Easy and Festive**
For a quicker and equally delicious treat, try these M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut bars. They’re perfect for potlucks, holiday parties, or a simple weeknight dessert.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 2 cups M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut, divided
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. **Stir in M&M’s:** Stir in 1 ½ cups of the M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut. Reserve the remaining ½ cup for topping.
7. **Pour and Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining M&M’s over the top of the batter.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. **Cool:** Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
**Tips for Perfect Bars:**
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking will result in dry bars. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
* **Line the Pan (Optional):** For easy removal, line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will allow you to lift the bars out of the pan easily.
**Recipe 3: M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Popcorn: A Sweet and Salty Treat**
Looking for a fun and festive snack? This M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut popcorn is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy. It’s great for movie nights, holiday gatherings, or a simple afternoon treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 cups popped popcorn (air-popped or microwave popcorn, without butter)
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* ½ cup packed brown sugar
* ¼ cup corn syrup
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 ½ cups M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut
* Optional: Sprinkles for extra festivity
**Instructions:**
1. **Pop the Popcorn:** Pop the popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels.
2. **Prepare the Caramel Sauce:** In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue to boil for 3 minutes, without stirring.
3. **Remove from Heat and Add Vanilla:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Pour Caramel Over Popcorn:** Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and toss to coat evenly. Be careful not to burn yourself.
5. **Add M&M’s:** Gently fold in the M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut. If using sprinkles, add them now.
6. **Spread and Cool:** Spread the popcorn mixture onto a large sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Separate the popcorn into smaller clumps to prevent it from sticking together too much.
7. **Cool Completely:** Let the popcorn cool completely before breaking it into pieces and serving. This will allow the caramel to harden and the M&M’s to set.
**Tips for Perfect Popcorn:**
* **Fresh Popcorn:** Use freshly popped popcorn for the best flavor and texture.
* **Even Coating:** Make sure to coat the popcorn evenly with the caramel sauce. Use a large bowl to make tossing easier.
* **Cool Quickly:** Spreading the popcorn out on a large sheet will help it cool more quickly and prevent it from sticking together.
* **Storage:** Store the popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.
**Recipe 4: M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Hot Chocolate: A Warm and Cozy Treat**
Warm up on a chilly day with this decadent M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut hot chocolate. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the holiday season.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups milk (whole milk or your preferred milk)
* ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup heavy cream
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ cup M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut, finely chopped
* Optional: Whipped cream, extra M&M’s, and chocolate shavings for topping
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Milk, Cocoa, Sugar, and Salt:** In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
2. **Heat and Whisk:** Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it is hot but not boiling.
3. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. **Stir in Cream and Vanilla:** Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract.
5. **Add M&M’s:** Stir in the finely chopped M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut. Continue to stir until the M&M’s are melted and the hot chocolate is smooth.
6. **Serve:** Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, extra M&M’s, and chocolate shavings, if desired.
**Tips for Perfect Hot Chocolate:**
* **High-Quality Cocoa:** Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor.
* **Don’t Boil:** Avoid boiling the milk, as it can scald and affect the flavor.
* **Finely Chop M&M’s:** Finely chopping the M&M’s will help them melt more easily into the hot chocolate.
* **Customize:** Adjust the amount of sugar and M&M’s to your personal preference.
* **Add Spices:** For an extra festive touch, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the hot chocolate.
**Recipe 5: M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Bark: Easy No-Bake Treat**
This M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Bark is a simple and elegant no-bake treat perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 4 ounces white chocolate chips
* 1 cup M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut
* Optional: Crushed pretzels, sea salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt Semi-Sweet Chocolate:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a heat-safe bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between), melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth. Be careful not to burn the chocolate.
2. **Spread Chocolate:** Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer.
3. **Melt White Chocolate:** In a separate heat-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips using the same method as above.
4. **Drizzle White Chocolate:** Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the semi-sweet chocolate layer.
5. **Add Toppings:** Immediately sprinkle the M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut over the chocolate. If using, sprinkle with crushed pretzels and a pinch of sea salt.
6. **Chill:** Refrigerate the bark for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
7. **Break into Pieces:** Once the chocolate is set, break the bark into pieces and serve.
**Tips for Perfect Bark:**
* **High-Quality Chocolate:** Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
* **Don’t Overheat Chocolate:** Overheating chocolate can cause it to seize up. Use low heat and stir frequently.
* **Even Layer:** Spread the chocolate into an even layer for a consistent texture.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Feel free to add other toppings, such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or other candies.
**Beyond the Recipes: Creative Ways to Use M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut**
While these recipes are a great starting point, don’t be afraid to get creative with M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut! Here are a few more ideas:
* **Decorate Cakes and Cupcakes:** Use M&M’s to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.
* **Add to Trail Mix:** Add M&M’s to your favorite trail mix for a festive touch.
* **Make Edible Gifts:** Package your homemade M&M’s treats in decorative tins or bags for easy and delicious holiday gifts.
* **Use as a Garnish:** Sprinkle M&M’s on top of ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal.
**Storing Your M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Treats**
To keep your M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut treats fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
* **Cookies and Bars:** Store cookies and bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
* **Popcorn:** Store popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Bark:** Store bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
**Conclusion: Embrace the Holiday Spirit with M&M’s!**
M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. These recipes are just a starting point; feel free to experiment and create your own unique treats. So gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these delicious and easy-to-make M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut recipes! Happy Baking!