Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate combination of sweet and salty, soft and chewy, and irresistibly nutty. The creamy peanut butter adds richness, while the chocolate chips bring that perfect hint of sweetness in every bite. These cookies are easy to make and always a crowd favorite for any occasion.

This recipe creates cookies with crispy edges and soft centers, making them perfect for dunking in milk or enjoying straight from the oven. With simple ingredients and foolproof steps, anyone can bake these homemade classics with bakery-level results.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies deliver the perfect blend of comfort, nostalgia, and pure indulgence in every bite.

Ingredients List

– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– ¾ cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
– Optional: ½ cup chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips for extra texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and well combined.

Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cookie’s flavor and aroma.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.

Step 5: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins like chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips. Make sure the chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal.

Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set while maintaining their chewy centers.

Step 9: Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Servings

Makes about 24 cookies

Nutritional Information (approx. per cookie)

Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 120mg

Storage Instructions

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
To freeze, place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers and store for up to 3 months.
To refresh, warm in the microwave for 10 seconds for that “just-baked” taste.

Pairings/Suggestions

Serve warm with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Crumble cookies over ice cream for an indulgent dessert topping.
Use them to make cookie ice cream sandwiches for summer treats.
Pair with a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel for extra decadence.

Seasonal Relevance

Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are perfect for all seasons — cozy enough for winter baking, yet simple enough for summer picnics. They’re a favorite for school lunches, bake sales, and festive cookie exchanges. Their classic flavor combination makes them a hit any time of the year.

Health Benefits

While these cookies are indulgent, they offer some nutritional benefits too. Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats that provide lasting energy. Using natural peanut butter can reduce added sugar and sodium. Adding whole-grain flour or dark chocolate chips boosts fiber and antioxidant content. Enjoying these cookies in moderation provides satisfaction without guilt, especially when balanced with a healthy diet.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients	High in sugar and calories
Soft, chewy texture with rich flavor	Can spread too much if dough is too warm
Freezes well for later enjoyment	Peanut allergy concerns for some eaters
Perfect balance of sweet and salty	May be too soft for those who prefer crispy cookies

Conclusion

These peanut butter chocolate chip cookies combine the best of two worlds — the nutty richness of peanut butter and the sweet comfort of chocolate. Soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, every bite melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more.

This recipe is foolproof and ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or packed for later, they deliver unbeatable homemade goodness. Bake a batch today and experience the irresistible harmony of peanut butter and chocolate in every delicious bite.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to stir it well before using. Natural peanut butter can make the dough slightly softer, so you may chill it before baking.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the same great texture.

Q3: How can I make them crispier instead of chewy?
Bake them for an extra 2–3 minutes or reduce the brown sugar slightly. This will give a firmer texture with golden edges.

Q4: Can I chill the dough before baking?
Yes. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes prevents spreading and enhances flavor. It’s especially helpful if your kitchen is warm.

Q5: What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but milk or dark chocolate chips also taste fantastic. You can even mix varieties for a richer flavor.