If you’re searching for the perfect chocolate-meets-peanut-butter treat, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies deliver a deliciously chewy, rich, and utterly satisfying bite every single time. Imagine a soft, brownie-like chocolate dough studded with melty chocolate chips and swirled with creamy peanut butter, topped with a touch of flaky sea salt for a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to treat yourself, these cookies are a foolproof favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies truly shine is the magic of a few pantry staples coming together. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the cookies’ irresistible flavor, chewy bite, and delectable appearance.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies their structure and soft crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings that deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the cookies.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay airy rather than dense.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts all the other flavors, especially chocolate.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and produces a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Contributes sweetness and helps with that perfect cookie spread.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for depth.
- Creamy peanut butter: Infuses every bite with its nutty, luscious taste and classic chew.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together and adds a touch of richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and peanut butter, bringing a warm background note.
- Chocolate chips or chunks: Pockets of melted chocolate make every cookie gooey and extra decadent.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle on top creates a spectacular sweet-salty contrast.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which ensures even baking and makes clean-up nearly effortless. If you prefer, use a silicone baking mat for similar results. This step is your ticket to evenly baked, golden-edged cookies that release easily from the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking helps break up any clumps in the cocoa and evenly distributes the leavening, so every bite of your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies bakes just right.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step builds the foundation for a tender cookie and ensures the sugars dissolve into the butter, giving you that coveted chewy center.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract to your sugar-butter mixture. Beat until everything is combined and the dough looks smooth with a peanut buttery aroma. The peanut butter shines here, adding richness and that iconic swirl to the dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Don’t overmix — stopping when you see the last streaks of flour keeps your cookies soft and tender instead of tough.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips or Chunks
Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Every bite should offer melty chocolate satisfaction, which is what takes Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies to the next level.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and arrange them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. For an extra visual pop and flavor, flatten each ball slightly and, if you like, press a few extra chocolate or peanut butter chips into the tops. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a magical finish.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look soft and slightly underdone. Don’t worry — they’ll firm up as they cool, giving you that classic chewy texture. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Give these cookies a final flourish by sprinkling a few flakes of sea salt right after baking — it’ll make the chocolate pop and add a pleasing crunch. Want to take it further? Swirl a touch of melted chocolate or drizzle with extra peanut butter for a bakery-style look. And for parties, press a few colorful chocolate candies on top before baking!
Side Dishes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are pure joy on their own, yet they pair beautifully with a glass of icy-cold milk or hot coffee. For a cozy dessert spread, serve them alongside a bowl of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream, or treat your friends to an indulgent cookie-and-fruit platter featuring strawberries, bananas, and apple slices.
Creative Ways to Present
For playful afternoons or bake sales, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies for the ultimate ice cream sandwiches. Gift them in a pretty box tied with ribbon, stack them on a cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece, or crumble them into parfaits or milkshakes for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy, ensuring you always have a sweet treat within reach. If you love super-soft cookies, add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.
Freezing
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies freeze wonderfully both as dough and after baking. For dough, shape into balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, just add an extra minute or two. For baked cookies, let them cool completely, then layer with parchment in a container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked flavor, warm cookies in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds until the chocolate melts and the cookies become soft again. If you’re heating several, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. You’ll get that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste and aroma every time.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra bursts of nutty flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that the cookies may spread a little differently due to the extra peanuts.
What’s the best way to ensure chewy cookies?
The secret to chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies is not overbaking them. Pull them from the oven while the centers are still soft — they’ll set up as they cool and maintain their perfect chewiness.
Can I make these cookies gluten free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Look for one that replaces cup-for-cup and contains xanthan gum for binding. Your cookies will still be deliciously rich!
How can I add more peanut butter flavor?
For an extra punch, press a few peanut butter chips into the tops before baking, just as suggested in the recipe notes. You can also drizzle baked cookies with melted peanut butter for even more peanutty goodness.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe scales up perfectly. Just make sure to mix the dough thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly distributed, and use multiple baking sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies is an instant mood booster and a sure way to delight anyone lucky enough to try them. With simple steps and incredible pay-off, these cookies are bound to become a staple in your dessert lineup. Gather your ingredients, share them with loved ones, and see just how irresistible homemade can be!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter with these delectable Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies. These chewy cookies are easy to make and are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in chocolate: Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.
- Bake: Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly, sprinkle with sea salt if desired, and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra peanut butter flavor, press a few peanut butter chips into the tops before baking.
- These cookies freeze well and taste great chilled.
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