Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate sweet and salty treat, combining rich chocolate flavor with creamy peanut butter in every bite. These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp edge, making them irresistibly delicious. The perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter makes these cookies a classic favorite for any cookie lover, whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just craving a sweet snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate and peanut butter is an iconic flavor combination, and when baked into cookies, it’s even more delightful. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, and the chewy texture combined with the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk, as a quick dessert, or as a snack, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth in the best way possible. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing or gifting!

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, if preferred)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this.
Add the Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, and beat until combined.

Combine the Dry Ingredients:

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add the Chocolate Chips:

Stir in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

Form the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For an added touch, press each cookie slightly with a fork to create a criss-cross pattern on top, similar to traditional peanut butter cookies.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

Cool and Serve:

Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve: Enjoy your warm, gooey chocolate peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 20 cookies (depending on size)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add Nuts: For added crunch, mix in chopped peanuts, walnuts, or almonds into the dough along with the chocolate chips.
Double Chocolate: For a chocolate lover’s twist, add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to make the cookies extra chocolaty.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a spoonful of peanut butter in the center of each cookie before baking for a gooey peanut butter center.
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be aware that it may affect the texture slightly since natural peanut butter tends to be a bit runnier. You may need to add a little more flour to balance the dough.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just scoop the dough into balls, refrigerate, and bake them when you’re ready. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them from frozen.

Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?

Yes, you can omit the chocolate chips if you prefer, or replace them with other mix-ins like dried fruit, caramel bits, or white chocolate chips.

How do I make the cookies softer?

If you prefer softer cookies, slightly underbake them. Remove them from the oven when they are just set but still soft in the center, and they’ll firm up as they cool.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well. Simply let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with the richness of peanut butter and the sweetness of chocolate. These cookies are simple to make, wonderfully soft, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving a quick snack, preparing for a party, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to satisfy. Try this recipe today, and indulge in the deliciousness of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite!