Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe
If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent cookies that balance the deep, comforting flavor of chocolate with the irresistible creaminess of peanut butter, then this Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe is about to become your next go-to treat. Each bite delivers that perfect harmony of cocoa and peanut butter chips, wrapped in a soft yet slightly chewy cookie that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to brighten your day and satisfy every sweet tooth with their luscious texture and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step towards making these delightful cookies. Each item plays a crucial role in building the cookie’s tender crumb, fudgy richness, or that irresistible peanut butter punch that sets this recipe apart.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened for easy creaming and a rich, buttery base.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, to give sweetness and help cookies brown evenly.
- Brown sugar: 1 cup packed, adds moisture and a subtle caramel note for depth.
- Eggs: 2 large, provide structure and tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons, enhances all the flavors with its warm sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups, the framework that holds everything together.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 3/4 cup, brings rich, chocolatey intensity and a beautiful dark color.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon, for just the right amount of lift and lightness.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Peanut butter chips: 1 1/2 cups, the star ingredient delivering gooey pockets of nutty goodness throughout each cookie.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step sets the stage for perfectly shaped cookies with no fuss underneath.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is key to achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully absorbed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will bring that irresistible warmth and aromatic charm to your dough.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting avoids lumps and evenly distributes the leavening agents, giving your cookies a consistent rise.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing here can toughen your cookies, so keep it light and easy.
Step 6: Fold in Peanut Butter Chips
Gently fold in the peanut butter chips, ensuring every spoonful of dough is dotted with these pockets of sweet, nutty flavor that will melt perfectly in the oven.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop dough portions and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
Step 8: Flatten and Bake
Slightly flatten each cookie with your palm or the back of a spoon to encourage an even shape. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains soft, ensuring a chewy, luxurious bite.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling this way helps them firm up just enough without losing moisture.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle a few extra peanut butter chips or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top before serving. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt can take these cookies from wonderful to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a timeless combination or offer warm coffee or hot chocolate to complement the cookies’ rich, nutty chocolate flavor. These little cookies shine alongside your favorite comforting beverages.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board with mixed nuts and fruit for a delightful dessert platter, or sandwich two cookies around a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy and impressive ice cream cookie sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Storing with a slice of bread helps maintain softness by preventing them from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by tightly wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They stay delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for enjoying a sweet surprise at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
Warm frozen or stored cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) to revive their fresh-baked texture and gooey peanut butter chips.
FAQs
Can I substitute peanut butter chips with chopped peanuts?
Absolutely! If you love a bit more crunch, chopped roasted peanuts work beautifully, offering extra texture and a toasty flavor alongside the chocolate.
Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
Sifting helps avoid lumps and ensures even mixing, especially with cocoa powder, but if you don’t have a sifter, just whisk the ingredients together thoroughly for similar results.
Can I use natural peanut butter in the dough?
This recipe calls for peanut butter chips, but if you want to add natural peanut butter, try swirling it gently into the dough after mixing the dry and wet ingredients for a different but delicious twist.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
If brown sugar isn’t on hand, you can substitute with an equal amount of granulated sugar plus a teaspoon of molasses to mimic the moisture and flavor it provides.
How can I make the cookies more chewy?
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them—pull them out when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Also, using more brown sugar helps retain moisture, resulting in a chewier texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe is one of those magical combinations that feels both nostalgic and exciting every time you make it. With its rich chocolate base and sweet peanut butter surprises, these cookies are perfect for sharing or simply enjoying with your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Don’t wait to dive into this recipe because these cookies bring happiness by the handful, and they’re a guaranteed hit in any baking adventure.
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings (cookies) 1x
Description
Indulge in these rich and chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, combining the deep flavor of unsweetened cocoa with the delightful crunch and sweetness of peanut butter chips. Perfectly soft with a slightly crisp edge, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract until well combined for enhanced flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to eliminate lumps and evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Peanut Butter Chips: Gently fold the peanut butter chips into the dough to evenly distribute them without breaking the chips or the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten Cookies: Slightly flatten the tops of each cookie dough ball with your palm or the back of a spoon to encourage even baking and a classic cookie shape.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft; this ensures a chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents breaking.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, do not overbake; the cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best cookie texture.
- Peanut butter chips can be substituted with chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
