Creamy Back To School Cookies

As the summer sun begins to fade and the days grow shorter, families everywhere prepare for the back-to-school season. This time of year is filled with excitement and anticipation as children transition from lazy summer days to bustling school routines. Whether it’s shopping for new backpacks or setting up study areas, parents and kids alike embrace this change with a sense of purpose and enthusiasm. One delightful way to celebrate the start of a new school year is by baking together, creating treats that can be enjoyed during lunch breaks and after-school snacks. Enter the Creamy Back To School Cookies—an irresistible blend of flavors that promises to bring joy to the entire family.

Kick off the school year with a delightful baking session featuring these Creamy Back To School Cookies! With their irresistible blend of rich peanut butter, sweet chocolate chips, and crunchy pretzels, these cookies are perfect for lunch boxes or after-school snacks. Enjoy making memories in the kitchen as you whip up a batch together. These treats not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also pack a nutritious punch, making them a wholesome choice the whole family will love. Embrace the excitement of the new school year with this fun and delicious recipe!

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Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark)

1 cup crushed pretzels (for a salty crunch)

1/2 cup M&M's or candy-coated chocolates (optional for color)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing in between. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and continue to mix until fully incorporated.

Merge Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.

Stir in Peanut Butter: Gently fold in the creamy peanut butter until you see swirls throughout the dough. This will add a lovely creaminess and nutty flavor.

Incorporate Mix-ins: Fold in the chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, and M&M's (if using). Ensure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each for spreading.

Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft.

Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy these sweet, creamy treasures with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage as a perfect treat as you head back to school!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 30 minutes | about 24 cookies