Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy); 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Home-Style Dessert Bakes

I absolutely love baking these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies whenever I have a craving for something sweet and comforting. The combination of rich, creamy peanut butter and gooey chocolate chips creates a delightful treat that my family can’t resist. Each time I make them, the smell fills the house, making everyone eager to taste a warm, freshly baked cookie. These cookies are not only easy to whip up, but they also deliver that perfect balance of crunch and chewiness every cookie lover dreams of!

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-01-08T12:46:33.170Z

Every time I bake these cookies, I am reminded of my childhood evenings spent in the kitchen with my mom, who always had a way of making baking feel like a fun adventure. We experimented together, and she taught me that a good peanut butter cookie should have a soft center, almost melting in your mouth. I discovered that using brown sugar for moisture and keeping an eye on them as they bake is the secret to that perfect texture.

One of my favorite tips is to slightly underbake them by a minute. This allows them to continue cooking on the baking sheet after they’ve been removed from the oven, resulting in a delightful chewy texture. Plus, if you let them cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack, they hold together beautifully. These little techniques make all the difference!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich peanut butter flavor complemented by warm chocolate chips
Perfectly chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more
Quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion

      

Baking Techniques for Perfect Cookies

Achieving the perfect texture in your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies relies heavily on mixing techniques. When combining the sugars and peanut butter, make sure to cream them together until the mixture becomes light and airy. This process will incorporate air into the dough, contributing to a lighter, more tender bite. Avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients; just mix until combined to prevent tough cookies.

Another critical aspect to watch for is the cookie dough consistency. Your dough should be thick yet scoopable; if it’s too wet, it may lead to flat cookies. If you encounter this problem, consider adding a tablespoon of flour at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. Always remember that the dough will firm up slightly when chilled, making it easier to handle.

Key Ingredient Insights

In this recipe, the star ingredient is undoubtedly peanut butter. Whether you choose creamy or crunchy peanut butter, ensure that it’s fresh and free from added sugars or oils, as these can alter the final taste and texture. Natural peanut butter, with minimal ingredients, will yield a more robust flavor that complements the sweetness of the chocolate chips beautifully.

The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar is another crucial element here. Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs uniquely with peanut butter. If you prefer a less sweet cookie or are watching your sugar intake, consider reducing the overall sugar by about 1/4 cup or swapping some of the granulated sugar for a sugar substitute like erythritol.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for the best cookies:

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your cookies:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until creamy. Then, add the egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir until fully combined.

Add Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing a bit of space between each.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set and slightly golden.

Cool Down

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

Enjoy your delicious cookies warm or store them in an airtight container!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding chopped nuts or sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.

Cooling and Storage

After baking, it's essential to let your cookies cool properly. Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step permits the cookies to set and prevents them from breaking. Once they cool completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, ensuring they remain chewy and delicious.

For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy some, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Serving and Variations

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a versatile treat. For a fun twist, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking, which enhances the flavor profile significantly. You could also mix in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch, ensuring to keep the overall balance of nutty flavors appealing.

If you're looking to make a more decadent dessert, sandwich two cookies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream, creating a delightful ice cream sandwich. Not only does this add a creamy contrast to the chewy cookies, but it's a fantastic way to impress guests at gatherings or parties!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, natural peanut butter works fine but may yield a slightly different texture.

→ How long can I store these cookies?

They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag, and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) or 1/4 cup applesauce as an egg substitute.