Description
Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies combine the best of both worlds—rich, brownie-like chocolate cookies loaded with creamy peanut butter chips! They are thick, chewy, and the perfect treat for any chocolate-peanut butter lover.
Ingredients:
1 cup cold butter, cubed
1 cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups peanut butter chips
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix the butter and both sugars on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Add the cocoa powder and mix until combined.
With the mixer still on medium, add the eggs, vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Mix for 1 minute until smooth.
Turn the mixer to low and slowly add in the flour, mixing until just combined. Stir in the peanut butter chips.
Scoop the dough using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are set, but the centers may appear slightly under-baked (this is perfect!).
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these fudgy cookies with every bite of peanut butter goodness!
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookies every time. First, ensure your butter is cold and cubed; this helps create a thick, chewy texture. Preheat your oven and line your sheets before mixing. When creaming the butter and sugars, a full two minutes on medium speed is crucial for proper aeration. After adding the dry ingredients, mix only until the flour disappears to avoid tough cookies. Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking. The key is to pull them out when the edges are set but the centers look soft—they will finish setting as they cool on the sheet.
Serving Suggestions
These decadent cookies are fantastic served warm with a cold glass of milk. For a dessert platter, pair them with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a wonderful gift when packed in a decorative tin or cellophane bag. Consider drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top for an extra-special presentation.
How-to Summary
To make Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies: cream cold butter with brown and white sugars. Mix in cocoa powder, then eggs, vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add flour, then fold in peanut butter chips. Scoop into large balls and bake at 350°F for 9-11 minutes until edges are set. Cool briefly on the pan before transferring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural cocoa powder instead? Yes, but for a richer flavor, Dutch-processed cocoa is recommended. The recipe’s acidity is balanced, so both will work.
My dough is very crumbly. What happened? This often means the flour was over-measured. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy. A tablespoon of milk can help bring it together.
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely. Scoop the dough balls onto a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
What can I substitute for peanut butter chips? Use chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even white chocolate chips. For a swirl, try adding 1/2 cup of actual peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
Why is cold butter specified? Cold butter melts slower in the oven, leading to less spread and a thicker, chewier cookie with a slightly crisp edge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using melted or softened butter, which causes excessive spread.
- Over-mixing the dough after adding the flour, which develops gluten and makes cookies tough.
- Over-baking. Remove them when they look slightly underdone in the center.
- Using a hot baking sheet for subsequent batches, which causes the dough to start melting immediately.
- Not allowing the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the classic flavor combination. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a batch of irresistibly fudgy, thick, and chewy cookies loaded with peanut butter goodness. They are simple enough for bakers of any level and guaranteed to become a favorite recipe. Enjoy the delicious results of your baking!