Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of two classic flavors. The chocolate dough is rich and fudgy, while the peanut butter chips add a creamy texture and nutty flavor in every bite. These cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with peanut butter chips, making them a great treat for any occasion. They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and are a sure hit at any dessert table!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ cups peanut butter chips

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)

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

Directions

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Fold in the peanut butter chips: Gently fold in the peanut butter chips and semisweet chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

7. Form the dough balls: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.

9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

10. Enjoy: Once the cookies have cooled, serve them with a glass of milk or enjoy them as a sweet snack whenever you crave a chocolate and peanut butter treat.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: For extra crunch, try adding chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans to the dough.

• Use different chips: Instead of peanut butter chips, try using white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different twist.

• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free, ensuring that the other ingredients (like the baking soda) are also gluten-free.

• Make them dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips for a dairy-free version of these cookies.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Roll the dough into balls and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, bake directly from frozen (add an extra minute or two to the baking time).

• Reheating: To reheat, microwave the cookies for 10-15 seconds to make them soft and warm again.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter chips instead of smooth?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter chips will work, though they will add a bit more texture to the cookies. You can also use a combination of both if you prefer.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. If you want to make it further in advance, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

Can I make these cookies without cocoa powder?

Yes, you can omit the cocoa powder if you want to make a simple peanut butter chip cookie. You can increase the amount of flour to compensate for the missing cocoa powder.

How do I ensure the cookies stay soft and chewy?

To keep these cookies soft and chewy, be careful not to overbake them. Take them out of the oven when they’re slightly underdone in the center, as they will continue to cook while they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I add more chocolate chips to the dough?

Absolutely! If you want extra chocolate flavor, you can increase the amount of chocolate chips in the dough. You can also mix in different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter. With a rich, chocolatey base and a generous helping of creamy peanut butter chips, these cookies are the perfect balance of flavors. Soft, chewy, and packed with sweetness, they’re a must-try dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying them on your own, these cookies will satisfy your peanut butter and chocolate cravings with every bite!