Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe
If you have a soft spot for the magical combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then this Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe is going to feel like a warm hug from your oven straight to your heart. These cookies perfectly balance rich cocoa flavor with creamy peanut butter chips, creating a delightful texture and irresistible sweetness that’s both comforting and a little bit indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create something truly spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe is a breeze because it relies on pantry staples you probably already have. Each ingredient plays a key role: from the butter’s creaminess to the cocoa powder’s deep chocolate hint, everything works together to create that perfect cookie experience.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that helps create tender and flavorful cookies.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s classic crisp edges.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note for chewy texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and contribute to the cookies’ soft, cakey texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances overall flavor and adds aromatic warmth.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation that gives the cookies structure without being too dense.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Delivers the rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and spread just enough.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brings out the depth of chocolate.
- Peanut butter chips (1 1/2 cups): Bursts of creamy peanut butter throughout every bite, making these cookies unforgettable.
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 for easy cleanup and perfect non-stick baking. This prep sets the stage for your cookies to bake evenly and come out flawless.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter together with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because the air you incorporate here helps make your cookies tender yet pillowy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully blended before adding the next. Follow this up by mixing in the vanilla extract. This will create a smooth, aromatic wet mixture ready for the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, mixing just until combined. You want to make sure everything is evenly blended without overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Fold in Peanut Butter Chips
Gently fold in the peanut butter chips with a spatula to distribute them evenly throughout the dough. These little bites of peanut butter create bursts of flavor and change the texture with each mouthful — pure bliss.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, then place them about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheets. This spacing is critical so that the cookies have room to spread without merging into one giant cookie.
Step 7: Flatten the Tops
Slightly press down the dough balls with your palm or the back of a spoon. This helps them bake evenly and achieve that perfect cookie shape with a tender middle and slight crunch around the edges.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes at 175°C (350°F). You want to remove them when the edges are set but the centers still appear a little soft. This ensures a chewy texture once they cool.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This step lets them firm up enough to handle but keeps them soft and chewy inside.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle a few flaky sea salt crystals on top of warm cookies right after baking. The contrast of salty and sweet will elevate the peanut butter and chocolate flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that feels just like a special treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies together with a creamy peanut butter or chocolate ganache filling for an elevated dessert. You could also chop them up as a decadent topping for your favorite ice cream or even mix into a bowl of pudding for added texture and flavor surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will keep them soft, chewy, and fresh so you can enjoy them throughout the week without losing any flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls or fully baked cookies. For the dough, arrange balls on a tray wrapped in plastic wrap, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Baked cookies can be frozen flat in airtight containers. Both methods will preserve freshness for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring frozen cookies back to life, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) for 5-7 minutes. This will refresh their soft texture while waking up the wonderful flavors of chocolate and peanut butter.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter chips instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter chips will add extra texture and a delightful crunch, making the cookies even more fun to bite into. Just make sure the chips are evenly distributed in the dough.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cocoa powder?
If you lack cocoa powder, you can try using melted dark chocolate in the dough, but adjust the flour amount accordingly. The flavor and texture will change slightly, becoming richer but less dry.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilling the dough actually helps develop deeper flavors and prevents cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends made for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.
How do I get my cookies to be chewier?
To achieve a chewier texture, try adding a bit more brown sugar or under-baking the cookies slightly so the centers stay soft. Also, letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet helps finish the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe is like crafting your own little bites of happiness, blending classic flavors in a way that feels both familiar and extraordinary. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how these simple ingredients come together to create cookies that will quickly become a beloved favorite for any occasion. You’re going to love sharing these sweet moments with family and friends!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these rich and chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, combining the deep flavor of cocoa with pockets of creamy peanut butter chips. Perfectly soft with a slightly crisp edge, these cookies offer a delicious treat for any chocolate and peanut butter lover.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your 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, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, indicating that enough air has been incorporated.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time for proper emulsification, then mix in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could cause tough cookies.
- Add Peanut Butter Chips: Gently fold in the peanut butter chips to ensure they are evenly distributed without breaking them up.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, form dough balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, allowing space for spreading.
- Flatten Dough Balls: Slightly flatten each dough ball with your palm or the back of a spoon to encourage even baking and a desirable cookie shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set while the centers remain looking slightly soft, indicating a chewy texture once cooled.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for best texture.
- Do not overbake; cookies should have set edges but still be slightly soft in the center.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a nut-free option, substitute peanut butter chips with chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
