Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are thick, chewy, and soft-centered. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can whip up these cookies.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the size of the cookies or add more chips for an extra indulgence.
- Perfect Texture: Achieve a satisfying combination of chewy centers and slightly crispy edges.
- Quick Bake Time: Have warm cookies ready in just about 20 minutes!
Tools and Preparation
Baking these cookies requires some essential tools that make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool helps achieve a creamy texture by combining ingredients efficiently.
- Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Parchment paper or silicone mats: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Ingredients
These Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are thick, chewy, and soft-centered. Packed with a nutty flavor and are baked until beautifully bronzed on top. This is the BEST way to make them!
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 3/4 cup cake flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tsp. corn starch
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup cold, unsalted butter, cubed (8 Tbsp.)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter, like Jif or Skippy
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp. milk (optional)
- 1 (10 oz.) bag peanut butter chips (I use Reese’s brand) ~2 cups
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- flaky sea salt (optional)
How to Make Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
All-purpose flour
Cake flour
Cornstarch
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3: Cream Together Wet Ingredients
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Combine cold cubed butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter.
2. Beat on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Add in:
Large egg
Large egg yolk
Vanilla extract
(optional milk)
Blend until fully mixed. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down any mixture that sticks to the sides.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed:
1. Gradually add in the dry ingredient mixture about ¼ cup at a time.
2. Once combined, fold in peanut butter chips until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Chill Dough (Optional)
You can either bake immediately or chill the dough for several hours or up to three days.
Step 7: Scoop Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough balls approximately 2–3 tablespoons in size. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on prepared cookie sheets.
Step 8: Shape Cookies
Place 6–8 cookie dough balls on one sheet at a time. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
Bake for about 9–11 minutes until tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them as oven times may vary; it’s best to pull them out slightly before they look done.
Step 10: Cool & Enjoy
Let cookies rest on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them carefully to a cooling rack using a spatula. Sprinkle with additional granulated sugar and flaky sea salt if desired before enjoying!
How to Serve Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
These Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are delightful on their own, but serving them with a few accompaniments can elevate the experience. Here are some creative ways to serve them.
With a Glass of Milk
- Classic pairing: Nothing beats the combination of warm cookies and a cold glass of milk. The creamy texture enhances the cookie’s flavor.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Decadent treat: Take two cookies and sandwich your favorite ice cream in between. This creates a delicious dessert that is perfect for warm days.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Sweet indulgence: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for added sweetness and elegance. Dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with peanut butter.
Topped with Flaky Sea Salt
- Flavor enhancer: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie complements the sweetness and adds a gourmet touch.
Served Warm
- Ultimate comfort: Warm these cookies slightly before serving. They become extra soft and gooey, making them irresistible.
How to Perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
For those looking to master the art of making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Watch your baking time: Each oven is different; start checking your cookies a minute or two early to avoid over-baking.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts or different types of chips like dark chocolate for variation.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture.
- Don’t skip the sea salt: A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking can enhance the flavors significantly.
Best Side Dishes for Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
While these cookies shine on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can create a delightful dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the nutty flavor of the cookies.
- Chocolate Milkshake: A rich chocolate milkshake makes for a decadent drink that pairs perfectly with peanut butter flavors.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies, offering a refreshing contrast.
- Coffee: A hot cup of coffee can enhance the flavors of the cookies, making it an excellent afternoon snack option.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries alongside your cookie for a balanced treat that feels indulgent yet healthy.
- Peanut Butter Smoothie: Blend up a smoothie using peanut butter, banana, and milk as an energizing side that matches well with your cookie theme.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Using the wrong flour: Always use a combination of all-purpose and cake flour for the best texture. This ensures your cookies are thick and chewy.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Spoon and level your flour to avoid adding too much. Incorrect measurements can affect the dough consistency.
- Ignoring chilling time: Skipping the chilling step can lead to flatter cookies. Chilling allows the dough to firm up, resulting in thicker cookies.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Pull them out when they are golden but still soft in the center for the best chewy texture.
- Not using enough peanut butter chips: Ensure you include a generous amount of peanut butter chips. They add essential flavor and texture that makes these cookies special.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Freeze cookie dough balls before baking for up to 3 months.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for longer storage.
Reheating Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, warming each cookie for a minute or two until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies:
How can I customize Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies?
You can add chopped nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even dried fruit for extra flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose and cake flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
What is the best way to store my cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer softer cookies.
Why are my cookies flat?
Your butter may have been too warm or you might not have chilled your dough long enough. Make sure your dough is cool before baking.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds texture but might slightly change the dough’s consistency.
Final Thoughts
These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With their thick, chewy texture and rich peanut buttery flavor, they are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings! Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is to make delightful treats right at home.
Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips. These cookies boast a thick, chewy texture with soft centers that are simply irresistible.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cake flour
- 1 tsp corn starch
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp milk (optional)
- 1 (10 oz) bag peanut butter chips
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla; mix until incorporated.
- Gradually add dry ingredients while mixing on low speed until combined. Fold in peanut butter chips.
- Scoop dough into balls and place them on prepared sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
