Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies because they embody the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The rich, creamy peanut butter beautifully complements the gooey chocolate chips, creating a mouthwatering treat that the whole family adores. What I find remarkable about this recipe is how simple it is—just mix, scoop, and bake. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings or a cozy night at home with a glass of milk.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-08T14:59:32.863Z

When I first tried making these cookies, I was amazed by how well peanut butter and chocolate complement each other. The combination creates a delightful experience with every bite. I also discovered that chilling the dough for just 20 minutes before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much, which is a game changer!

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can add oats or even swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips based on your preference. It’s a fun way to experiment and tailor the cookies to your taste!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich peanut butter flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate
Soft and chewy texture that satisfies cravings
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion

      

The Role of Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is the star ingredient in these cookies, providing not only flavor but also a rich, creamy texture. The natural oils in peanut butter contribute to the cookies' soft chewiness, allowing them to maintain their shape as they bake. For the best results, use smooth peanut butter, as chunky varieties can affect the dough's consistency and make the cookies unevenly textured.

If you're looking to adjust the flavor profile, consider using flavored peanut butter, like honey or cinnamon, to give the cookies a unique twist. Keep in mind that this may alter the sweetness, so adjust the sugar accordingly. Natural peanut butter, with its minimal ingredients, can also be a great choice, but make sure to stir it thoroughly before measuring to ensure even consistency.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving that ideal soft and chewy cookie texture comes down to a few key factors during mixing and baking. Make sure not to over-mix the dough once you've added the chocolate chips; this can lead to tougher cookies. You want just enough mixing to incorporate the chips without compromising the lightness of the dough.

When baking, pay close attention to the color of the cookies. They should be golden brown around the edges, with a slightly soft center—this means they’re perfect for cooling on the baking sheet. If you prefer crispier cookies, leave them in the oven for an additional minute, but watch them carefully to avoid overbaking.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For long-term storage, consider freezing them. Allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper in between layers. They will keep well for up to three months; simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for a freshly baked taste.

Serving these cookies with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream turns them into an indulgent dessert. You can also experiment by adding nuts or dried fruit to the dough for a variation that caters to your taste preferences. Just be mindful of the extra additions—balancing the dry and wet ingredients may require slight adjustments in the original recipe.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious cookies:

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Make sure to mix well and enjoy the process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect cookies:

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until smooth.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.

Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your cookies with a glass of milk!

Pro Tips

For an added twist, consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an enhanced flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cookies spread too much during baking, it could be an indication that your dough is too warm. After mixing, give the dough a brief chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, which will help maintain their shape while baking. Conversely, if your cookies don’t spread at all, it may be due to too much flour or baking soda; make sure to measure accurately, using the spoon-and-level method for dry ingredients.

Another common issue is cookies turning out too dry. This usually happens when baked for too long. Keep an eye on them as they bake and remove them from the oven as soon as they achieve a light golden color around the edges. If you're concerned, a toothpick test in the center can also guide you; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on how many cookies you want to make. To double the batch, you can simply multiply the ingredients by two, ensuring you have enough baking sheets to accommodate the increased dough. Just remember that oven space is essential; you may need to bake in batches for optimal results.

If you’re making less, you can easily halve the recipe. Measuring ingredients like peanut butter can be tricky in smaller amounts, so using a kitchen scale is helpful for precision. Alternatively, if you find yourself with leftover cookie dough, consider baking half and refrigerating the other half for a delicious treat later in the week.

Variations and Add-Ins

These cookies serve as a fantastic base for various mix-ins and flavor profiles. Feel free to experiment by adding one cup of toasted nuts for added crunch or swapping in butterscotch chips for a different flavor experience. For those who enjoy a hint of saltiness, sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top before baking for a delightful sweet-savory contrast.

For a twist on presentation, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. Simply melt some chocolate chips in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, then drizzle over the cookies for an added layer of flavor and visual appeal. This small touch can elevate the cookie experience, making them perfect for special occasions or sharing with friends.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, natural peanut butter will work, but it may make the cookies slightly softer.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw before baking.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as a substitute.