Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines two beloved ingredients: peanut butter and chocolate. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy afternoon snack or a dessert to share with friends and family. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to whip up a batch of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. For starters, they are quick and simple to prepare, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced bakers. The rich flavor of peanut butter pairs beautifully with the sweetness of chocolate chips, creating a cookie that is both satisfying and indulgent. Plus, you can enjoy them straight from the oven or store them for later, making them a flexible snack option.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Making Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies is straightforward. Follow these easy steps to achieve cookies that are chewy, soft, and bursting with chocolate flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to blend these ingredients together until the mixture is creamy and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the baking soda and salt together. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is fully incorporated.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips gently, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto a lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between each scoop because the cookies will spread as they bake.
Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft.
Cool Down: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Afterward, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies can be enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they are also great when cooled. Consider serving them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delicious snack or dessert. For an extra touch, you can place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a delightful ice cream sandwich.
How to Store Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you have leftover cookies, you can easily store them. Allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. To freeze, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or briefly warm them in the oven.
Tips to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Use Good Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your cookies will greatly depend on the quality of your peanut butter and chocolate chips. Choose brands you love.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. When the edges are golden, but the centers look soft, it’s time to take them out. They will continue to bake slightly as they cool.
Customize: Feel free to add other mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit for a personal twist.
Variation
If you want to switch up the flavor of your cookies, consider these variations:
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Before baking, drop spoonfuls of chocolate or vanilla frosting on top of the dough, then lightly swirl it with a knife.
- Nut Butter Mix: Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different taste.
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a chewier texture and added fiber.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure to stir it well before measuring since it can be more oily than regular peanut butter.
What type of chocolate chips should I use?
You can use semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate chips depending on your preference. Each type will give a different flavor.
How can I make my cookies more chewy?
To achieve a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies. Removing them while they are still a bit soft in the center will help them remain chewy as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, for a gluten-free option, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done baking when the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. They will firm up as they cool, so it’s okay if they look a bit underbaked when you take them out of the oven.
Now you are all set to create your own delicious batch of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. Enjoy the process, and of course, the scrumptious results!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peanut butter cookies packed with chocolate chips, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy.
- In a separate bowl, mix the baking soda and salt together, then add to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For chewy cookies, slightly underbake and enjoy with milk or coffee. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg