These peanut butter chocolate chip cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweet, melty goodness of chocolate chips. Soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or save them for later, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate flavors
- Soft and chewy texture with crisp edges
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Great for sharing or enjoying as a quick snack
- Customizable with different mix-ins like nuts or white chocolate chips
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 20-24 cookies
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies – Swap regular chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Crunchy Nut Cookies – Add ½ cup of chopped peanuts or almonds for extra crunch.
- Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies – Mix in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies – Replace ½ cup of flour with rolled oats for a heartier texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration – Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing – Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For best results, layer them with parchment paper.
- Reheating – Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but natural peanut butter tends to be oilier, so mix it well before using. The texture of the cookies may be slightly different.
Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Yes, chunky peanut butter will add extra crunch and texture to the cookies.
How do I make these cookies softer?
For softer cookies, slightly underbake them by taking them out of the oven at the 10-minute mark and letting them cool on the baking sheet.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Why are my cookies too dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dryness. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and remove cookies from the oven when the edges are just golden.
Can I substitute butter with something else?
You can use coconut oil or margarine, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking can help prevent excess spreading.
Can I add more chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to increase the chocolate chips to 1 cup if you want extra chocolate in every bite.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a low-carb sweetener, but it may slightly alter the texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches to make a larger batch.
Conclusion
Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors with a soft, chewy texture. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers delicious homemade cookies that are great for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or save them for later, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.