Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Ever Made

Sweet memories of childhood snacking dance through my chocolate peanut butter cookies that promise pure comfort.

Mixing rich cocoa with creamy peanut spread creates a delightful flavor combination.

Crispy edges and soft centers make these treats irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth.

Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma that signals something special is happening.

Friends and neighbors will beg you to share this amazing recipe after one bite.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making these cookies perfect for spontaneous baking moments.

You’ll feel like a kitchen hero when these delectable treats emerge from the oven.

Trust me – these cookies will become your new favorite dessert sensation.

Cookie FAQs

• Can I use natural or crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use natural or crunchy peanut butter. Just ensure it’s well-stirred and at room temperature for best results.

• Is it okay to skip chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips are optional. The cookies will still taste delicious with or without them.

• How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for slightly golden edges and a soft center. They’ll continue to firm up while cooling, so don’t overbake.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and baking.

Why These Cookies Combine the Best of Both Worlds

• Super quick recipe that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for sudden cookie cravings.
• Chocolate and peanut butter create an unbeatable taste that appeals to both kids and adults, making these cookies a guaranteed hit at family gatherings or potlucks.
• Simple step-by-step instructions with minimal ingredients ensure even novice bakers can successfully create delicious cookies without stress or complicated techniques.
• Optional chocolate chips let you adjust the recipe's richness, allowing personal creativity and making each batch uniquely satisfying.

Ingredients for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Main Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:- Peanut Butter: Brings rich, nutty flavor and helps bind the cookie dough. Choose natural or creamy style for best results.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create crisp cookie texture. Standard white sugar works perfectly.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent and adds moisture to the cookie dough. Fresh eggs recommended.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds depth to the cookies. Pure vanilla extract preferred.

Dry Ingredients:- All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and provides the base for the cookie. Use fresh, sifted flour for smooth texture.

• Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and dark color. Dutch-processed or natural cocoa both work well.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread during baking. Ensure it's fresh for best results.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile. Fine table salt recommended.

Optional Add-Ins:- Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate burst and melty texture. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work great for extra indulgence.

Instructions for Soft, Rich Cookie Goodness

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Wet Mixture

• Creamy peanut butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Stir vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and fully blended.

Step 3: Blend Dry Components

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until completely integrated. For chocolate lovers, fold in chocolate chips for extra richness.

Step 4: Form Cookie Shapes

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll into perfect round balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Design Cookie Surface

Gently press each dough ball with a fork, creating a classic crisscross pattern on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown. The cookies might seem soft initially but will firm up during cooling.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Indulge in the heavenly combination of chocolate and peanut butter with each delightful bite!

Cookie Tips for Swirls and Softness

• Customize Cookie Texture: Adjust baking time to achieve desired softness- shorter for gooey centers, longer for crispy edges.
• Prevent Dry Cookies: Mix wet ingredients thoroughly and avoid overmixing the dry ingredients to maintain moisture and prevent tough cookies.
• Enhance Chocolate Flavor: Use high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate experience.
• Substitute Ingredients: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a nut-free version or use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly option.
• Create Perfect Crisscross: Use a chilled fork when making the pattern to prevent sticking and achieve clean, crisp lines on cookie tops.

Storage Help for Keeping Cookies Fresh

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and fresh.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers, lasting up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore their delightful, just-baked texture.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, ensuring they regain their delicious softness.

What Complements These Cookies Just Right

• Rich, velvety milk stout complements the deep chocolate and nutty peanut butter flavors, creating a smooth drinking experience that enhances the cookie's decadence.
• Pour a hot shot of espresso over a cookie, letting the intense coffee melt the chocolate slightly and amplify the dessert's complex taste profile.
• Refreshing almond milk provides a light, cool contrast to the rich, dense cookie, cleansing the palate between each delightful bite.
• Warm, sweet caramel hot chocolate deepens the chocolate notes while the salt highlights the peanut butter's savory undertones.

Peanut Butter Cookie Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor.
• Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Substitute egg with mashed banana or flax egg, use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based cookie option.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the indulgent chocolate and peanut butter taste.
• Protein-Packed Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Add a scoop of chocolate or peanut butter protein powder to the dry ingredients for an extra nutritional boost and enhanced protein content.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate dough meets creamy peanut butter in these irresistible chocolate peanut butter cookies. Warm from the oven, they promise a perfect blend of sweet and salty comfort that will delight chocolate and cookie enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 g / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 g / 4.2 ounces) creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (125 g / 4.4 ounces) all-purpose flour

Sweeteners:

• ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) brown sugar, packed

Baking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (40 g / 1.4 ounces) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Mix-ins and Toppings:

• ½ cup (90 g / 3.2 ounces) chocolate chips
• ½ cup (90 g / 3.2 ounces) peanut butter chips
• Flaky sea salt (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare your kitchen workspace by preheating the oven to 350F (175C) and positioning the rack in the center. Protect your baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of grease.
2. Create a smooth wet mixture by whisking peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until the ingredients form a cohesive, silky texture.
3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt – using a whisk to eliminate any potential lumps. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring consistently until a uniform dough forms.
4. Enhance the chocolate intensity by gently folding chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
5. Craft uniform cookie portions by scooping tablespoon-sized dollops of dough. Carefully roll each portion into smooth, round balls, positioning them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Personalize each cookie by using a fork to gently press a distinctive crisscross pattern onto the top of each dough ball, creating a classic textured appearance.
7. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Look for slightly golden edges as an indicator of doneness, understanding that the cookies will continue to set while cooling.
8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow cookies to rest for a few minutes. Transfer them to a wire cooling rack, letting them reach room temperature and achieve their final, delectable texture before indulging in the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

Notes

• Softening peanut butter at room temperature helps achieve smoother, more evenly mixed cookie dough without extra effort.
• Swap traditional flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or oat flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Using natural peanut butter might require slight recipe adjustments as its consistency differs from processed versions, potentially impacting cookie texture.
• Reduce sugar content by replacing half the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute or using monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 112 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg