If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of both worlds. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate chips in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday, or simply want a homemade treat, these cookies are sure to impress.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make these delicious cookies, share tips for perfect texture, and offer some fun variations to customize your cookies. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here’s why these cookies are a must-try:
- Perfect Flavor Combo: The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips is irresistible.
- Soft and Chewy: These cookies have the perfect balance of soft centers with slightly crispy edges.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a quick go-to for any occasion.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like chopped peanuts, sea salt, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
You only need a few simple ingredients to create these delicious cookies:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, if preferred)
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Follow these easy steps to make your own batch of irresistible cookies:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Form the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a classic touch, gently press each cookie ball down with the back of a fork.
7. Bake
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake—these cookies will continue to set as they cool.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and peanut butter will blend more easily with the sugar and other ingredients, ensuring a smoother dough.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- For Chewier Cookies: Add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter or reduce the baking time slightly.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. For freezing, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and separate layers with parchment paper.
Fun Variations
While Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious as they are, you can easily switch things up to suit your taste:
- Add Chopped Peanuts: If you love extra crunch, add 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts to the dough.
- Make Them Salted: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for a sweet-and-salty flavor.
- Double the Chocolate: Swap some of the chocolate chips for peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips for a twist on the classic.
- Stuffed Cookies: For an extra indulgent treat, add a piece of a peanut butter cup inside each cookie before baking.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. They’re simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Ready to bake? Grab your ingredients and get started on these decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies today!