These irresistibly soft and chewy peanut butter chocolate chip cookies combine two beloved flavors in one perfect treat. With crisp edges and a tender center, they’re guaranteed to disappear from your cookie jar in record time!
Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of rich, nutty peanut butter and decadent chocolate chips that makes these cookies absolutely irresistible. This classic Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe has been in my family for generations, perfected through countless batches during holiday seasons and random Sunday baking sessions. What makes these cookies truly special is the perfect balance – not too sweet, with just the right amount of peanut butter flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the chocolate.
While many consider these cookies a year-round treat, I find they’re especially comforting during fall and winter months when the aroma of freshly baked Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies fills the kitchen with warmth. There’s nothing quite like pulling a batch from the oven as the temperatures drop outside.
THIS RECIPE:
- Creates perfectly soft and chewy cookies with slightly crisp edges
- Requires just 10 minutes of prep time with basic pantry ingredients
- Delivers the ideal balance of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite
- Features an optional sprinkle of sea salt that elevates the flavor profile
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Total Time | 22 minutes |
| Servings | 24 cookies |
| Yield | 2 dozen |
What makes this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe truly exceptional is its simplicity. You don’t need special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to create bakery-quality cookies at home. The dough comes together in minutes, and the hardest part is waiting for them to bake! Even novice bakers can achieve perfect results, making this an ideal recipe for family baking sessions or when you need a quick homemade dessert.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
The secret to extraordinary homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in the quality of your ingredients. While this recipe is forgiving, using fresh, high-quality components will elevate your cookies from good to absolutely memorable. The peanut butter, in particular, plays a crucial role in both texture and flavor development.
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolate flavor)
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
For Chocolate Drizzle (Optional):
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
When shopping for ingredients to make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, I recommend selecting natural peanut butter without added hydrogenated oils or excess sugar. While crunchy peanut butter can be substituted for added texture, creamy varieties produce the most consistent results. For the chocolate, high-quality chips with at least 45-60% cacao content will provide the richest flavor.
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quantity | Quality Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut Butter | 3/4 cup | Choose natural, creamy varieties with minimal ingredients; avoid reduced-fat versions |
| Chocolate Chips | 1 1/4 cups total | Use a combination of regular and mini chips for texture variation; consider chocolate chunks for gooier pockets |
| Butter | 1/2 cup | Unsalted gives better control over overall saltiness; European-style butter creates richer cookies |
| Sugars | 1 cup combined | Fresh, soft brown sugar provides moisture; granulated sugar ensures crisp edges |
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Creating the perfect batch of homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies is a straightforward process that rewards attention to detail. The key lies in properly creaming the butter and sugars, which creates air pockets that help the cookies rise and develop their signature texture. Following these steps carefully will ensure consistent, delicious results every time.
Prep your space: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed until completely combined, about 1 minute. Add both granulated and brown sugars and continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Merge wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make your cookies tough.
Add chocolate chips: Fold in the chocolate chips using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Portion the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Add finishing touches: Gently press each ball to slightly flatten, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Bake to perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear slightly underdone.
Rest before removing: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Pro tip: For perfectly round cookies, use a large round cookie cutter to gently circle around each warm cookie immediately after removing from the oven, which will help shape any irregular edges.
Tips for Making Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mastering the art of baking perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies comes down to understanding a few crucial techniques that professional bakers use. Here are my expert recommendations for elevating your homemade cookies:
• Ingredient temperature matters: Ensure your butter is properly softened (not melted) and egg is at room temperature for optimal incorporation and texture.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: While this recipe works without chilling, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and intensifies the flavors.
• Watch your baking time carefully: Remove cookies when the edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone for that perfect chewy texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup to avoid dense cookies.
| Technique | Recommendation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Method | Cream butter and sugars for a full 2-3 minutes | Creates air pockets for lighter, chewier cookies |
| Cookie Size | Use a 1.5 Tbsp scoop for all cookies | Ensures even baking and consistent texture |
| Oven Position | Bake in the center rack, one tray at a time | Promotes even heat distribution and consistent browning |
| Cooling Method | Leave on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring | Allows cookies to set without becoming too firm |
When making Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, proper measuring is critical – especially for the flour and peanut butter. Too much flour results in dry, crumbly cookies, while too little creates flat, greasy ones. For the signature soft texture, avoid overbaking, even if the centers look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue cooking from residual heat on the baking sheet.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the great advantages of this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules. Preparing components in advance can make fresh-baked cookies possible even on hectic days.
The cookie dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Simply cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the dough to an airtight container. Allow the chilled dough to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking, as cold dough straight from the refrigerator will not spread properly.
For longer storage, portion the dough into individual cookie balls before freezing. This allows you to bake exactly the number of cookies you want whenever a craving strikes. The portioned dough can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag.
When you’re ready to bake cookies from frozen dough, you don’t need to thaw them completely. Simply place the frozen dough balls on your prepared baking sheet and add 2-3 minutes to the regular baking time. This method actually produces exceptionally thick and chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies that many people prefer to the standard recipe.
Storing Leftovers
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the fresh-baked quality of your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. When stored correctly, these cookies can retain their soft, chewy texture and delicious flavor for several days.
For optimal freshness, allow your cookies to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make cookies soggy. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, placing a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture. Properly stored, the cookies will remain fresh for up to 5 days.
To revive cookies that have begun to harden, place a slice of apple in the container overnight, which will add moisture back to the cookies. Alternatively, microwave an individual cookie for 10-15 seconds to refresh its texture and enhance the chocolate aroma.
Remember that cookies containing peanut butter should never be left out uncovered for extended periods, as the oils can become rancid. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, consider storing in the refrigerator instead, though this may slightly alter the texture.
Freezing Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Freezing baked Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies is an excellent way to extend their shelf life and ensure you always have a sweet treat available. When properly frozen, these cookies maintain their flavor and texture remarkably well.
To freeze baked cookies, first ensure they have cooled completely. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. This prevents them from sticking together in storage. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, placing a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Label the container with the date – frozen Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies maintain optimal quality for up to 3 months, though they remain safe to eat beyond this timeframe.
To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the container and allow them to come to room temperature on a wire rack for about 1-2 hours. This gradual thawing prevents condensation from making the cookies soggy. For a warm, fresh-baked experience, place thawed cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes.
The most remarkable aspect of these cookies is how well they freeze – many tasters can’t distinguish between freshly baked and properly frozen-then-thawed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, especially when they’re briefly warmed before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies from a simple treat to a memorable dessert experience with these serving suggestions that complement and enhance their rich flavor profile.
For an indulgent dessert, serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream between two cookies to create the ultimate ice cream sandwich. The contrast between the cool, creamy ice cream and warm, chewy cookies creates a delightful texture and temperature contrast. Alternatively, crumble cookies over a bowl of coffee or chocolate ice cream for a quick but impressive dessert.
Consider serving these cookies alongside complementary beverages: a tall glass of cold milk brings out the chocolate notes, while coffee enhances the nutty peanut butter flavor. For adults, a glass of port wine or bourbon makes a surprisingly sophisticated pairing with Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.
For presentation, arrange cookies on a wooden board or slate serving plate with small bowls of additional toppings like chocolate sauce, caramel drizzle, or chopped peanuts, allowing guests to customize their cookies. During holiday gatherings, stack cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a ribbon for a visually appealing presentation that invites sharing.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are best served slightly warm, when the chocolate is still slightly melted and the aroma is most pronounced. A 10-second microwave refresh can restore this just-baked quality even for cookies that have been stored.
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy in this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe. This will add a pleasant textural contrast with small peanut pieces throughout the cookies. Keep in mind that the overall appearance and texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will remain excellent. If you prefer a more uniform texture while still wanting some crunch, use creamy peanut butter and add 1/4 cup chopped peanuts to the dough.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill, King Arthur, or Cup4Cup work well in this recipe. Ensure all your other ingredients, including the vanilla extract and chocolate chips, are certified gluten-free. The cookies may spread slightly more with gluten-free flour, so chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking is recommended for best results.
Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
Several factors can cause excessive spreading in Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. The most common culprits are butter that’s too soft or melted, using too little flour, or an oven temperature that’s too low. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch, accurately measure your flour using the spoon-and-level method, and verify your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent spreading. Finally, make sure your baking sheets have cooled completely between batches.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar in these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies by up to 25% while still maintaining good texture and flavor. However, sugar doesn’t just contribute sweetness—it also affects moisture retention, spread, and browning. If you reduce the sugar, your cookies may be less chewy, won’t spread as much, and will have a shorter shelf life. Consider using a natural sweetener like pure maple syrup (reduce to 1/3 cup) in place of some of the granulated sugar if you’re looking to make a substitution rather than a straight reduction.
How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?
Perfectly baked Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies will have light golden brown edges while the centers still appear slightly underdone and soft. The tops should no longer look wet or shiny but won’t be completely firm. Remember that cookies continue to cook from residual heat after removal from the oven, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake. For standard-sized cookies (1.5 tablespoon dough balls), 10-12 minutes at 350°F is typically perfect, but begin checking at the 9-minute mark as oven temperatures can vary.
