These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-try for any cookie lover. With a perfect balance of sweet and salty, they are sure to satisfy any craving. The recipe calls for simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchens, making it easy to whip up a batch at a moment’s notice.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies have been a staple around my house ever since I discovered this recipe many years ago. I know, I know. Everyone says that their cookie recipe is the best and that doesn’t always mean much, but I promise that this is the BEST peanut butter cookie recipe you have ever tried. I can say this because I have tried dozens and dozens of peanut butter cookie recipes and was never very excited about any of them. Until I tried this one. It seems like a lot of the peanut butter cookie recipes turn out really crumbly and dry. Not this one!
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies are not just my favorite Peanut Butter Cookies recipe, but my favorite COOKIE recipe. Period. It is really that good. Just try it! I always add chocolate chips to mine, but they are good without also…totally up to you! And call me strange, but I usually prefer mini chocolate chips to the regular sized ones. I think it’s because I actually prefer cookie dough to baked cookies, and I like just a hint of chocolate mixed with the cookie – I don’t like my cookie dough to be overshadowed by too much chocolate!
How do you make homemade peanut butter cookies?
Making homemade peanut butter cookies is easy! Here are a few tips to getting perfect cookies every time!
- Make sure you use softened butter – DON’T melt it! One of the most common errors in cookie making is using butter that is either really cold and hard, or using butter that is too warm and melted. If you have time, just leave butter out on the counter for about 1-2 hours before making your cookies. If you are like me and don’t plan your cookie cravings that far in advance, just place the butter in your microwave and soften in 5 second intervals, being very careful to pull it out before it melts. I actually like to use the defrost setting on my microwave to soften butter- I don’t know the technical reasons behind it, but it seems to soften the butter more evenly and takes a little bit longer so I’m less likely to start melting it!
- Most cookie recipes require that you mix the dry ingredients separately before adding the wet ingredients. This is an important step!
- Make sure to slightly press peanut butter cookies on the top with a fork before baking. This helps to bake evenly and ensures that the centers of the cookies aren’t doughy!
- When making peanut butter cookies, it is important to use the right type of peanut butter. As noted in the recipe, a regular creamy peanut butter like Jif or a store-brand alternative works best. Natural peanut butters tend to be oilier and can affect the texture and consistency of the cookies.
- Adding chocolate chips is optional, but highly recommended for a delicious twist on classic peanut butter cookies. Be sure to stir them in gently so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Ingredients in Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
When it comes to making the best chocolate chip peanut butter cookies, having the right ingredients is crucial. This recipe calls for a combination of wet and dry ingredients that work together to create a delicious and chewy cookie.
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients in this recipe include peanut butter, butter, white sugar, brown sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
Peanut butter is the star of the show in these cookies, providing a rich and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate chips. Using a regular creamy peanut butter, like Jif or a store-brand alternative, is recommended as natural peanut butter can alter the texture and taste of the cookies.
Butter is used to add richness and moisture to the cookies, while white and brown sugar provide sweetness and help to create a soft and chewy texture. An egg is added to bind the ingredients together, while milk and vanilla extract add flavor and help to keep the cookies moist.
Dry Ingredients
The dry ingredients in this recipe include flour, baking powder, and salt.
Flour is used as the base of the cookie dough and provides structure. Baking powder helps the cookies to rise and gives them a slightly cakey texture. Salt is added to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Finally, semi-sweet chocolate chips can be added to the dough for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness.
It is important to note that using the exact measurements and types of ingredients listed in the recipe is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in these cookies.
How to make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy peanut butter cookie recipe, look no further than these chocolate chip peanut butter cookies! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these chewy, peanut buttery treats that are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Preheat the oven
Before you make the dough, preheat the oven to 375°F.
Mixing the Dough
To make these cookies, start by creaming together the peanut butter, butter, white sugar, and brown sugar with a hand mixer until blended. Then, beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture and mix together until well combined. If desired, stir in the chocolate chips at this point.
Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough and roll into balls, then place the cookies 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet (or use parchment paper if your pans tend to burn). Press each ball once with a fork to create the classic criss-cross pattern.
Baking the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, being careful not to overcook them. These cookies are much better soft and just barely cooked all the way through! Look for a golden brown color and a soft texture.
Storing the Cookies
Once the cookies are done baking, transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. To keep the cookies soft, you can add a slice of white bread to the container or bag.
It’s worth noting that these cookies are best made with a regular creamy peanut butter (like Jif or a store-brand alternative). Several readers have commented that the cookies do not turn out as well when using a natural peanut butter. If you’re looking for a classic, easy peanut butter cookie recipe, stick with the regular stuff!
FAQs
When making the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe, there are a few common questions that people may have. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
While the recipe calls for regular creamy peanut butter, some people may prefer to use natural peanut butter instead. However, it’s important to note that the cookies may not turn out as well with natural peanut butter. This is because natural peanut butter tends to be runnier and oilier than regular peanut butter, which can affect the texture and consistency of the cookies.
Can I substitute any of the ingredients?
While it’s always possible to substitute ingredients in a recipe, it’s important to note that doing so may affect the final outcome of the cookies. For example, substituting margarine for butter may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. Similarly, using a different type of sugar or flour may also affect the final product. If you do decide to substitute ingredients, it’s best to do so in small amounts and to test the recipe before making a larger batch.
How should I store the cookies?
To keep the Best Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies fresh, it’s best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for longer periods of time. If storing in the freezer, be sure to label the container with the date and contents.
Can I make the cookies in advance?
Yes, you can make the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve. They can also be frozen and thawed as needed. However, it’s important to note that the cookies may lose some of their texture and flavor over time, so it’s best to consume them within a few days of baking.
Why do peanut butter cookies always have fork marks on the top?
Peanut butter makes cookies more dense, so they need to be slightly flattened before baking so that they can cook more evenly. There is nothing worse than a cookie with burnt edges and a doughy middle! My kids like to help make the criss-cross pattern on the tops of the cookies, but if you don’t like the pattern, you can just use the back of a wooden spoon to slightly flatten the tops before placing the peanut butter cookies in the oven.
Our elementary school recently did a Color Run fundraiser and my kids took it very seriously! Last year, they barely got a dusting of color and this year, they were literally scooping up the powder and rubbing it all over, and then rolling on the ground to make sure they absorbed as much color as possible! I think we had to shampoo at least 7-8 times before their scalps were no longer bluish-greenish!
Love peanut butter cookies? Try these delicious peanut butter cookie recipes also!
- Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- No Bake Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Nutter Butter Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
- 5 Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
- Peanut Butter M&M Cookies
- Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Fudge Cups
- No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
The BEST Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft and chewy, and they turn out perfect every single time! Delicious peanut butter cookie recipe that is loaded with chocolate chips!
Renee Goerger says
This is my very favorite everyday cookie recipe. I love the combination of a chocolate chip cookie and a peanut butter one, for those days when I can’t choose.
Kaylie says
It is great for those days! Thank you Renee!
Linda says
I’ve done the color run before and it’s so much fun but my sneakers were never the same again and it took a while to get the pink streaks out of my hair so I know what you’re talking about. lol
I’ve never thought about putting chocolate chips in my peanut butter cookies but it sounds like a brilliant idea! I like nothing better than peanut butter and chocolate together. Yum!
Kaylie says
Same. Peanut butter and chocolate were a match made in Heaven! Thank you Linda!
Nicole says
These look amazing!!
Kaylie says
Thank you, Nicole!