THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that strikes the perfect balance between gooey chocolate and rich, nutty goodness, THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES are exactly what you need in your life. Each bite is a delightful blend of creamy peanut butter, tender cookie crumb, and puddles of melty chocolate chips—making these cookies truly irresistible. This is a recipe I make on repeat (and I suspect you will, too once you taste them), and it’s unfussy yet decadent enough to wow just about everyone. Whether you’re baking these for a holiday tray or just a sweet everyday treat, THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES are sure to become your new go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples for these cookies, and each ingredient really does its part to create THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES. Every component from the butter to the chocolate chips has a delicious role in making these cookies soft, flavorful, and perfectly chewy.

• Peanut butter: Choose creamy or chunky for texture—peanut butter adds richness, flavor, and chewiness.
• Butter: Softened butter makes the cookies tender and adds delightful buttery notes.
• White sugar: Creates that classic cookie sweetness and a slightly crisp edge.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor, keeping the cookies soft in the center.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent and gives structure to the cookies.
• Milk: Makes the dough extra tender and gives it a bit of richness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors for that home-baked warmth.
• Flour: Provides the structure, keeping your cookies together but not too dense.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and get that perfect texture.
• Salt: Elevates all the sweet and nutty flavors, so don’t skip it!
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star mix-in, adding melty chocolate to every single bite.

How to Make THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Having your oven fully heated before your cookie dough goes in is the secret to getting that slightly crisp outside with a soft, chewy center that makes THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES so good.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a large bowl, add the peanut butter, softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer to cream everything together until smooth and fluffy. This step sets the stage for that irresistible cookie texture by incorporating air and blending all the base flavors.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture. Mixing for 2–3 minutes helps everything come together seamlessly, making for a dough that bakes up soft, chewy, and full of flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures that the leavening is distributed evenly, so every bite of THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES comes out just right.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your creamed peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined. You want to avoid over-mixing here, which can make cookies tough rather than soft and tender.

Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently so each cookie gets plenty of chocolatey goodness. This simple step transforms the dough into a cookie-lover’s dream, and honestly, it’s hard not to taste-test a bit at this stage!

Step 7: Shape and Flatten the Cookies

Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough, roll them into balls, and place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Press each one gently with the back of a fork for that classic crisscross pattern. I like to use parchment paper to prevent sticking—plus, it means less cleanup.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes; pull them out when they look just set and still a bit soft in the center. Trust me, this is what keeps THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES irresistibly chewy! After baking, let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Garnishes

For extra flair, you can sprinkle the tops with a touch of flaky sea salt or add a few extra chocolate chips right as they come out of the oven. The touch of salt especially amps up the chocolate and peanut flavors, making THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES look and taste truly bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side! These cookies are also lovely alongside a mug of hot chocolate or coffee, making them a welcome treat for dessert or an elevated afternoon snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cooled cookies in a cellophane bag tied with a colorful ribbon for gifting or pack them into a decorative tin. For parties, you could even sandwich a bit of ice cream between two cookies or use them as the base for mini s’mores. THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES are as versatile as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Be sure the cookies are completely cooled before storing; this keeps them soft inside and prevents them from sticking together.

Freezing

Want cookies on demand? These are perfect for freezing! Once baked and cooled, stack the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between each layer. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months, and a quick thaw at room temperature brings them right back to life.

Reheating

If you like your cookies warm and melty, pop a leftover cookie in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. You’ll get that gooey chocolate chip center—almost like they just came out of the oven! Just be sure to heat only what you’ll eat, as repeated reheating can dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for these cookies?

Absolutely! While the recipe works best with conventional creamy peanut butter for consistency, you can use natural peanut butter. Just give it a really good stir so it’s fully incorporated, and keep in mind the texture might be a bit more crumbly but still delicious.

What’s the secret to extra chewy peanut butter cookies?

The magic is in not overbaking! Pull the cookies out when they’re just set but still soft in the center. Letting them finish on the baking sheet allows them to firm up perfectly without drying out.

Can I make these gluten free?

Yes, you can swap in a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. The cookies come out wonderfully soft and chewy, and THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES will still be a hit with everyone at the table.

Do I really need to use both white and brown sugar?

Using both sugars gives these cookies balance—white sugar brings crispness and sweetness, while brown sugar keeps them moist and adds a hint of caramel richness. For the true taste and texture of THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES, I’d stick with both!

What’s the best way to get evenly sized cookies?

A small cookie scoop or measuring tablespoon is your best friend for making sure each cookie bakes up the same size and shape. Consistency means every batch of THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES bakes evenly and looks picture-perfect.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason I keep coming back to THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES—they’re the perfect blend of easy, nostalgic, and utterly satisfying. I hope you’re inspired to whip up a batch soon and enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies that really do taste like a special treat every single time!

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