Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Indulge in the classic combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter with these delectable cookies. Perfectly soft and chewy, they’re a treat that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies offer a harmonious blend of chocolate and peanut butter flavors, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. Their soft, chewy texture makes them an instant favorite for both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Creamy peanut butter
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Peanut butter chips

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.​
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.​
3. Incorporate Peanut Butter and Eggs: Mix in creamy peanut butter until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, ensuring each is fully incorporated.​Allrecipes+2Allrecipes+2Live Well Bake Often+2
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.​
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in peanut butter chips.​Allrecipes
6. Portion Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.​
7. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.​
8. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies​donuts2crumpets.com+4Allrecipes+4Chelsweets+4
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes​Sally’s Baking Addiction
• Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes per batch​Allrecipes+5Baked By An Introvert+5I Heart Eating+5
• Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes​

Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Replace peanut butter chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a double chocolate treat.​
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped peanuts to the dough for added texture and a nutty crunch.​
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dry ingredients for a subtle spicy twist.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.​
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.​Chasety
• Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.​Striped Spatula

FAQs

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help control spreading.​

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

It’s recommended to use commercial creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy, as natural peanut butter can be too oily and may affect the cookie’s texture.​Sally’s Baking Addiction+2Baked By An Introvert+2Live Well Bake Often+2

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking for best results.​

Why are my cookies hard instead of soft?

Overbaking can lead to hard cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.​

Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mix-ins like white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit to customize the cookies to your liking.​

How can I make the cookies more chewy?

Using more brown sugar than granulated sugar and slightly underbaking the cookies can result in a chewier texture.​

Can I substitute the cocoa powder with melted chocolate?

It’s best to stick with unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe, as substituting with melted chocolate would alter the dough’s consistency and require adjustments to other ingredients.​

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Yes, both the baked cookies and the cookie dough can be frozen. For dough, scoop into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.​Kroll’s Korner

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add texture to the cookies, giving them a slight crunch.​

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are set, and the centers appear slightly soft. They will continue to cook and set as they cool on the baking sheet.​

Conclusion

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful fusion of two beloved flavors, offering a soft and chewy texture that’s sure to please. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for a treat later on. Happy baking!

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