Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

The first time I made Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, it was a rainy afternoon, and the smell of melting butter and chocolate filled my home. I had just returned from a long day, feeling drained but craving something sweet and comforting. As I gathered the ingredients, I could almost taste the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter mingling with the sweetness of chocolate chips. Each step in the process felt like a warm hug, and soon I found myself lost in the rhythm of mixing and folding. The excitement grew as I anticipated the moment I could pull those freshly baked cookies from the oven, golden and slightly gooey. Each bite was an explosion of flavor, the perfect balance of salty and sweet that brought instant joy. Since then, these cookies have become a staple in my kitchen, a go-to treat that never fails to uplift my spirits and those of my loved ones.

What You’ll Need for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking is an art, and the ingredients you choose play a crucial role in the final product. For Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, each element serves a purpose, creating that perfect texture and flavor. The combination of unsalted butter and sugars provides sweetness and richness, while peanut butter adds that irresistible nutty taste. Together with flour and chocolate chips, these ingredients come together in harmony, creating a cookie that’s sure to satisfy.

• 16 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted; this is 1 cup or 2 sticks)
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, lightly packed; see note 1)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (see note 2)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (see note 3)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour (see note 4)
• 2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet—whichever you prefer)

The Process for Making Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies is a delightful experience, one that fills your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. Let’s dive into the process of creating these delicious cookies that your friends and family will adore. Follow each step carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of cookies that are soft, chewy, and absolutely scrumptious.

1. Start by lining a large sheet pan with a silicone liner or parchment paper and set it aside. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. The aroma of the warm cookies will soon fill your home.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter until it’s melted. Be sure to let it cool back to room temperature, as adding hot butter to the mixture could cause greasy cookies. Once it’s at room temperature, scrape every bit of butter into a large bowl.
3. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl. Using a large whisk, mix until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, which should take about one minute. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air, making your cookies light and fluffy.
4. Next, add the peanut butter and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until everything is well combined. Then, crack in one egg and mix until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Follow with the second egg, mixing until smooth again.
5. Now it’s time to add the baking soda and salt. Mix until just incorporated—don’t overdo it! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Your dough is already looking delicious!
6. Gently fold in the flour until it’s just combined. Again, be careful not to overmix. The more you mix, the denser your cookies will be. Finally, fold in those delightful chocolate chips!
7. Cover the dough and chill it for 30 minutes to an hour (see note 5). Chilling helps to solidify the butter and makes rolling the dough easier. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F.
8. Scoop the dough and roll it into large balls, each weighing about two tablespoons (40 grams). Shape them taller rather than wider for the best texture. Place the dough balls on the lined sheet pan, spacing them two inches apart. If the dough warms up too much, pop the tray in the freezer for ten minutes.
9. Bake the cookies for 8 to 14 minutes. Remember, slightly underbaking them will yield a soft and chewy cookie. They will continue to bake on the sheet pan after being removed from the oven (see note 7 for troubleshooting).
10. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. If desired, press some extra chocolate chips into the tops before letting them cool on the sheet pan for five minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack.

Make It Your Own

Every baker has their own twist when it comes to cookies! Here are some tips to help you personalize your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies experience.

• Mix in Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Experiment with Chocolates: Try dark or white chocolate chips for a different taste. You could even use a mix!
• Use Natural Peanut Butter: For a more wholesome version, opt for natural peanut butter, but avoid those that need stirring.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the granulated sugar by a few tablespoons.
• Make Cookie Sandwiches: Spread a layer of your favorite frosting between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
• Add Flavor Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut for a unique twist.
• Seasonal Variations: During the holidays, add cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a festive flavor.

Serving This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

When it comes to serving Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful ideas to consider:

• Ideal for Any Occasion: These cookies are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a casual get-together with friends and family.
• With a Glass of Milk: Nothing beats enjoying a warm cookie with a cold glass of milk. It’s the classic pairing!
• Perfect for Lunchboxes: Pack a few in your child’s lunchbox for a sweet surprise that will brighten their day.
• Cookie Platter: Present these cookies on a beautiful platter, alongside brownies or other baked treats for a dessert table at a party.
• Seasonal Treats: Try serving them during festive seasons, where the warmth of these cookies will bring joy to your celebrations.
• Storage Tips: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh. Consider freezing some for later enjoyment.
• Enjoy Warm: For the best experience, warm them slightly before serving. The chocolate chips will melt, enhancing the flavor!

FAQ

Conclusion

Baking these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies is more than just making a treat; it’s about creating memories. The warm, gooey centers and the delightful crunch of the edges will leave your taste buds singing. So why not gather your ingredients and try making them today? You’ll find that the process is just as enjoyable as the cookies themselves. Share them with friends or savor them all for yourself—they’re sure to become a favorite in your household!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

The ultimate cookie craving has never been easier to satisfy! These chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a rich, nutty delight packed with chocolate goodness. Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own, they're a must-make treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 40 cookies

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 197

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 16 tablespoons Unsalted Butter melted, this is 1 cup or 2 sticks
• 1 cup Brown Sugar light or dark, lightly packed; see note 1
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter see note 2
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda see note 3
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 2-1/3 cups All-Purpose Flour see note 4
• 2 cups Chocolate Chips milk or semi-sweet—whichever you prefer

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15" x 21")
• Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Line a large sheet pan with a silicone liner or parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter until it’s melted. Set aside to cool back to room temperature.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix with a large whisk until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
4. Add peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Add in 1 egg and mix until incorporated, then add the second egg and mix again.
5. Add baking soda and salt and mix until just incorporated.
6. Fold in flour until just incorporated, then fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Cover dough and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Preheat oven to 325°F.
8. Scoop dough and roll into balls (2 tablespoons each). Place on the lined sheet pan, leaving space between each.
9. Bake for 8 to 14 minutes. Let cool on the sheet pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

• Tip 1: Make sure the brown sugar is fresh and very soft! Hard brown sugar won’t mix/bake up properly.
• Tip 2: I love and highly recommend Skippy® Creamy Peanut Butter in these cookies. I don’t recommend a natural peanut butter that needs stirring.
• Tip 3: If baking soda is at all clumpy, press through a fine-mesh sieve first.
• Tip 4: If you have a food scale, use that instead of measuring cups for flour. 310 grams is perfect for this recipe!
• Tip 5: These cookies stay fresh for 3 to 4 days at room temperature. To freeze, drop dough balls on a sheet pan and freeze. Once solid, transfer to an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months.

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Meet Juliet Sterling

Creating rich, complex flavors is my obsession, though I am just as passionate about capturing them through the lens. I develop recipes that taste like they simmered all day but are actually achievable for any home cook. I cooked and styled this dish to ensure the flavors are balanced and the presentation inspires you.