Few things beat the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting from the oven, and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are in a league of their own. This classic combination of salty and sweet, crunchy and chewy, has earned its place as a beloved treat across generations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results.
So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (I prefer Skippy, but use your favorite!)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (because who can resist extra chocolate?)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts for added crunch and peanut butter flavor.
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor (trust me on this one!).
Tools of the Trade
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer both work great)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Let’s Get Baking!
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Pro Tip: Make sure your butter is truly softened to room temperature for optimal creaminess!
Step 2: Beat in the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Incorporate the Peanut Butter
Gently fold in the peanut butter until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix!
Peanut butter mixture in a bowl
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Pro Tip: Whisking the dry ingredients helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, ensuring your cookies bake evenly.
Step 5: Gradually Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
FAQ: What happens if I overmix my cookie dough?
Overmixing cookie dough develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough, chewy cookies. Nobody wants that!
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips (and any additional mix-ins, like chopped peanuts).
Cookie Dough with Chocolate Chips
Step 7: Chill Out!
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (and up to 24 hours). Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin while baking.
FAQ: Can I skip the chilling step?
While you can technically skip chilling, I highly recommend against it. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and results in a thicker, chewier cookie.
Step 8: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 9: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just slightly soft.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your warm, gooey peanut butter chocolate chip cookies with a cold glass of milk (or milk alternative) – pure bliss!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Use milk chocolate chips and add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: Press a miniature peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie dough ball before baking.
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies: Substitute white chocolate chips for the milk chocolate chips and add 1/2 cup of chopped macadamia nuts. For a similar recipe check out our guide on how to make milk cookies.
Conclusion
Making peanut butter chocolate chip cookies from scratch is easier than you might think, and the results are so rewarding. These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, sharing with loved ones, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of indulgence. So go ahead, grab your apron, and bake up a batch of these classic treats!
Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us! Snap a photo of your delicious creations and tag us on social media. Happy baking!
