Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you adore the irresistible combo of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Soft, fudgy, and bursting with nutty goodness, these cookies combine simple pantry staples into a flavor-packed treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies lies in their straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that tender, decadent bite. Every element contributes something special, from the creamy texture of peanut butter to the rich depth of cocoa powder.

• Shortening (1/2 cup): Provides a tender crumb and helps the cookies hold their shape without spreading too much.
• Creamy peanut butter (3/4 cup): Adds moistness and that unmistakable nutty flavor that defines these cookies.
• Packed brown sugar (1 1/2 cups): Gives moisture and a subtle caramel undertone to balance the chocolate.
• Milk (3 tablespoons): Enhances softness and helps blend the dough smoothly.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Boosts the overall flavor and adds a warm, aromatic note.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s tender texture.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The base that provides structure for the cookies.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Delivers the rich chocolate flavor without excess sweetness.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to be soft and fluffy.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly hot when the cookies are ready to bake. This ensures an even bake and helps the cookies develop that wonderful texture.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, blend your shortening, peanut butter, packed brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. This creates a creamy, homogeneous base where all those lovely flavors start to meld.

Step 3: Incorporate the Egg

Add the egg to your wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Overmixing here can toughen your cookies, so keep it gentle.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution so your cookie dough bakes consistently.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, folding and stirring until the dough comes together with no traces of flour or cocoa powder. The dough should be soft but holdable.

Step 6: Shape the Cookie Dough

Scoop bite-sized balls (about 1 to 1 1/2 inches) of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. No need to grease the sheet since the shortening keeps things from sticking.

Step 7: Create the Classic Crisscross Pattern

Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly and create a charming crisscross pattern. This not only looks classic but also helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are just set. Avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft and chewy—this is where the magic happens!

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This lets them firm up just right and develop their chewy texture.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to enhance the sweet and salty contrast. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch that intensifies the chocolate notes.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a creamy latte. For a grown-up twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try sandwiching two cookies together with a layer of peanut butter or chocolate ganache for double the deliciousness. You can also break them into chunks and fold into brownie batter or sprinkle over warm pudding for added texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain softness by preventing the cookies from drying out.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop your frozen or stored cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes. This softens them and revives all their peanut buttery, chocolaty glory.

FAQs

Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?

Absolutely! Almond or cashew butter makes a great alternative, though the flavor will change slightly. Make sure to use creamy nut butters for the best texture.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. You can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary depending on the brand.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Using shortening instead of butter helps keep these cookies from spreading excessively. Also, chilling the dough briefly before baking can help maintain their shape.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Natural peanut butter usually has a higher oil content and may affect the dough’s consistency. If you use it, consider reducing added milk slightly and stirring well before mixing with other ingredients.

What’s the best way to tell when the cookies are done?

Look for edges that are just set while the centers still appear soft. Overbaking can lead to dry, crumbly cookies, so err on the side of slightly underdone for a chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are truly a joy to bake and share. They hit that sweet spot of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter perfectly every single time, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting a batch to a friend, these cookies bring warmth and comfort with every bite. Give them a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did!

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