Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Indulgent Dessert Recipes

Whenever I crave something sweet and comforting, I turn to these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chips creates a flavor explosion that takes me back to my childhood. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip up a batch in no time. I love how easy this recipe is, and the delightful aroma that fills my kitchen while baking is simply irresistible. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon treat or a late-night snack, these cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-08T13:53:31.397Z

When I first made these cookies, I was surprised by how quickly they came together. With just a few minutes of preparation, I had the dough ready and my oven preheated. As they baked, the sweet and nutty aroma filled my home, bringing back warm memories. One tip I found useful is chilling the dough briefly before baking, which helps the cookies maintain a nice shape without spreading too much.

Each bite of these cookies is a delicious contrast of soft, chewy peanut butter and melty chocolate chips. I often experiment with the ratio of chocolate to peanut butter, and sometimes I add a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before baking. This little extra touch elevates the flavors and makes every cookie an indulgent treat.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The perfect blend of nutty and sweet flavors
Chewy texture with a soft center and crispy edges
Simple ingredients you likely already have at home

      

Understanding Ingredient Roles

Each ingredient in these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies plays a vital role in both flavor and texture. The peanut butter not only adds that irresistible nutty goodness but also contributes to the cookies' chewy texture. It's essential to use creamy peanut butter for a smooth consistency; if you prefer crunchy, consider reducing the granulated sugar to balance the added texture.

Brown sugar is crucial in this recipe as it provides moisture and contributes to the soft, chewy texture of the cookies. The granulated sugar adds a light crispness to the edges. If you're looking for a lighter option, coconut sugar can work as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies

Baking the cookies at the right temperature is crucial. Preheating your oven to 350°F ensures that the cookies rise properly and develop those golden edges we all love. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; a perfectly baked cookie will look slightly undercooked in the center but firm around the edges, which will continue to set as they cool.

If you find your cookies spreading too much, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This allows the fats to firm up, resulting in thicker cookies with a delightful chew. Alternatively, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour to the dough if you prefer them a bit denser.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Mix well and enjoy!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt, and stir until well combined.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips into the cookie dough until evenly distributed.

Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cookies are slightly golden around the edges.

Cool and Enjoy

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

Enjoy your delicious cookies!

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, you can add chopped nuts or substitute half of the chocolate chips with butterscotch chips for extra flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, maintaining their chewy texture. For longer storage, you can freeze unbaked dough portions in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag. This allows you to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

If you decide to make the cookies ahead of time, consider underbaking them slightly. They will firm up while cooling, and the chewy center will remain intact. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds if you want that fresh-baked experience upon serving.

Crafting Variations

Feel free to experiment with add-ins for a unique twist on the classic recipe. Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor. You can also try mixing in different types of chocolate—dark, milk, or even white chocolate chunks—to suit your preference. Just ensure that the total amount of chocolate stays at one cup to maintain the cookie's structure.

If you're looking for a healthier version, consider substituting half of the peanut butter with unsweetened applesauce. This reduces the fat content while keeping a similar consistency. You can also explore using natural sweeteners, such as agave or maple syrup, but remember to adjust the dry ingredients to maintain the cookie dough’s balance.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but natural peanut butter may result in a slightly different texture.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw before baking.

→ What if I want to make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the baking soda with gluten-free baking powder and ensure that your ingredients are certified gluten-free.