If you love the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate, you’re in for a treat! Today, I’m sharing a homemade Peanut Butter M and Ms recipe that captures everything you adore about the store-bought version—sweet, salty, crunchy, and coated in a colorful candy shell. These bite-sized delights are perfect for snacking, gifting, or even using in your favorite baked goods.

And the best part? You can make them right at home with simple ingredients! No need for special equipment or complicated techniques—just pure peanut butter and chocolate magic.

Let’s get started on making your very own Peanut Butter M&M’s that taste even better than the ones from the bag!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better than store-bought! Homemade means fresh, flavorful, and made with real ingredients.
Customizable! Adjust the peanut butter, chocolate, or candy shell colors to your liking.
Fun to make! A great kitchen project to do with kids or for a creative sweet treat.
Perfect for baking! Toss them into cookies, brownies, or trail mix for an extra peanut butter crunch.

What Do Peanut Butter M and Ms Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a crunchy, candy-coated shell that gives way to a smooth and creamy peanut butter center, all wrapped in rich milk chocolate. It’s the ultimate trifecta of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. If you love peanut butter cups but want something snackable and poppable, this is the perfect treat!

Ingredients for Homemade Peanut Butter M and Ms

To make these delicious peanut butter candies, you’ll need:

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

½ cup creamy peanut butter (not natural, for best consistency)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Coating:

1 cup milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate if preferred)
1 teaspoon coconut oil (for smooth melting)

For the Candy Shell:

1 cup white chocolate chips or candy melts
Gel food coloring (red, yellow, green, blue, etc.)
½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or spatula
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Fork or dipping tool
Small bowls for candy melts
Wax paper for drying

How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter M&M’s

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Centers

In a mixing bowl, beat together peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be thick and moldable.
Roll small portions into tiny, pea-sized balls (about ½ teaspoon each) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freeze for 15-20 minutes until firm.

Step 2: Coat in Chocolate

Melt the milk chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess drip off.
Place them back onto the parchment paper and return to the freezer for 10 minutes to harden.

Step 3: Create the Candy Shell

Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in separate bowls, adding different gel food coloring to each. Stir well.
Using a fork, dip each chocolate-coated peanut butter ball into the melted candy coating, then immediately toss in a small bowl of powdered sugar to give it a matte finish.
Place them on wax paper and let them set at room temperature or in the fridge until firm.

What to Serve with Peanut Butter M and Ms

These homemade M&M’s are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to enjoy them even more:

Sprinkle them over ice cream or yogurt for a crunchy topping.
Mix them into cookie dough for Peanut Butter M and Ms Cookies.
Add them to trail mix for a sweet and salty boost.
Use them as cupcake or cake decorations for a fun and colorful touch.

Creative Ways to Use Peanut Butter M and Ms

Beyond just snacking, these homemade Peanut Butter M and Ms can elevate your desserts and treats in so many ways! Here are some creative ways to enjoy them:

Bake them into cookies. Add them to classic chocolate chip cookie dough for a peanut butter twist.
Blend into milkshakes. Toss a handful into a vanilla or chocolate milkshake for a delicious crunch.
Mix into popcorn. Combine with caramel or chocolate-drizzled popcorn for a sweet-and-salty snack.
Decorate cakes and cupcakes. Use them as a fun, colorful topping for baked goods.
Make M&M bark. Melt chocolate, spread it on a tray, and sprinkle chopped Peanut Butter M and Ms over the top before it sets.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter M and Ms

Use creamy peanut butter. Avoid natural peanut butter, as it tends to separate and won’t hold its shape as well.
Keep them small. The candy shell layer adds bulk, so start with tiny peanut butter balls.
Work in batches. Since chocolate hardens quickly, dip a few at a time rather than rushing through all at once.
Be patient. Freezing between steps helps maintain their shape and texture.

Fun Flavor Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations to put a unique spin on your homemade Peanut Butter M and Ms:

Crunchy Peanut Butter M and Ms – Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
Salted Caramel Peanut Butter M and Ms – Add a tiny bit of caramel extract to the peanut butter mixture and sprinkle sea salt on top.
White Chocolate Peanut Butter M and Ms – Swap the milk chocolate coating for white chocolate for a sweeter twist.
Spicy Peanut Butter M and Ms – Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the peanut butter for a spicy kick!

How to Get the Perfect Candy Shell

Getting that signature crunchy candy shell can be tricky, but with these tips, your homemade Peanut Butter M and Ms will look just like the store-bought version!

Use powdered sugar. Rolling the coated M&M’s in powdered sugar helps them dry with a smooth, matte finish.
Work in thin layers. Instead of one thick coating, dip them multiple times in the candy shell mixture, letting each layer dry slightly before the next.
Chill between steps. Keeping the peanut butter centers and chocolate layer cold before adding the shell helps maintain a round shape.
Use gel food coloring. Liquid food coloring can make the candy coating too runny, so opt for gel colors for vibrant, even hues.

How to Store Peanut Butter M and Ms

At room temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to a week.
In the fridge: Store them in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
In the freezer: Freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

A Fun DIY Gift Idea

These homemade Peanut Butter M and Ms make the perfect gift for holidays, birthdays, or just because! Here’s how to package them beautifully:

Mason jars: Fill a small mason jar with M&M’s, tie a ribbon around the lid, and attach a handwritten tag.
Cellophane bags: Place the candies in clear bags and seal with a twist tie and a cute label.
Gift tins: Arrange them in a decorative tin for a classic, nostalgic feel.

Want to get even fancier? Layer different candy shell colors in the jar for a rainbow effect!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate gives a slightly richer taste and balances the sweetness beautifully.

How can I make them crunchier like store-bought M&M’s?

For extra crunch, mix a tablespoon of finely crushed graham crackers into the peanut butter filling before rolling them into balls.

Can I make these without the candy shell?

Yes! If you prefer a simpler version, skip the candy shell and enjoy them as peanut butter truffles instead.

What’s the best way to get that perfect M&M shape?

After freezing the peanut butter balls, roll them gently between your palms before coating them in chocolate. This helps smooth out any rough edges.

The History of Peanut Butter M&M’s

Did you know Peanut Butter M and Ms were introduced in 1991? While classic M&M’s date back to 1941, the peanut butter variety was a game-changer for candy lovers who craved a Reese’s-style experience in M&M form. Unlike Peanut M&M’s, which have a whole peanut inside, these are filled with a smooth, creamy peanut butter center—making them an instant favorite.

Since then, they’ve become a staple in the M&M’s lineup, often featured in limited-edition flavors, seasonal packaging, and even specialty versions like mega-sized Peanut Butter M and Ms. Now, with this homemade recipe, you can enjoy them anytime, made with real ingredients and no artificial preservatives!

Final Thoughts – Why You Should Make These Now!

There’s something so satisfying about making your own Peanut Butter M and Ms from scratch. Not only do they taste amazing, but you can customize them however you like! Whether you’re making them for a movie night snack, a fun baking project, or a homemade gift, these little peanut butter gems will quickly become a favorite.

Give them a try and let me know how they turn out! Snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest—I’d love to see your creations.

And if you’re a peanut butter lover, be sure to check out my other peanut butter-packed recipes!

Homemade Peanut Butter M and Ms

Author: Emily
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: About 50 homemade Peanut Butter M&M’s 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade Peanut Butter M and Ms are a fun and delicious treat made with creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a crunchy candy shell. Perfect for snacking, baking, or gifting, these colorful bites are easy to make with simple ingredients. Skip the store-bought version and enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth, homemade M&M’s today!