Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (270g); ¾ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1½ cups creamy peanut butter (like Jif) (396g); 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226g); ¾ cup packed light-brown sugar (165g); ⅔ cup granulated sugar (135g); 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (270g)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 7 reviews

If you have a soft spot for the perfect balance of nutty richness and melty chocolate, you are going to adore this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the creamy warmth of peanut butter with pockets of gooey semisweet chocolate, creating a comforting treat that’s both chewy and slightly crisp at the edges. Every bite is a nostalgic celebration of classic flavors, and the best part? They are incredibly easy to whip up, making them an irresistible choice for any day you crave something sweet and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A stack of three round chocolate chip cookies sits in the center on a white marbled surface. The top cookie shows a light golden brown color with visible dark chocolate chips embedded in its slightly rough texture. The two cookies below are similar in color and texture, with chocolate chips peeking out along the edges. Around the stack, several more cookies are scattered, each with the same golden brown dough and dark chocolate chip pattern. The scene is softly lit, capturing the crumbly texture of the cookies clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe comes from a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor—from the creamy peanut butter that provides richness to the brown sugar that lends a subtle caramel undertone.

2¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and chew to these cookies.
¾ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just the right amount for a soft, tender crumb.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the peanut butter’s nutty flavor.
1½ cups creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that adds moistness and that irresistible peanut butter taste.
1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Makes cookies tender and juicy without overpowering the flavors.
¾ cup packed light-brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses for depth and chewiness.
⅔ cup granulated sugar: Contributes to a slight crispness around the edges.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Provides richness and helps bind all the ingredients together.
1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips: The melty, chocolatey pockets that take every bite over the top.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s perfectly warmed for even baking. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper—it keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed so your cookies bake up uniformly every time.

Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, light-brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is key for that wonderfully soft and chewy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then pour in the vanilla extract. Stop occasionally to scrape down the bowl’s sides, ensuring everything is well incorporated for a smooth dough.

Step 5: Combine Flour Mixture

Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined—you want to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough. Then fold in the chocolate chips for bursts of sweetness in every bite.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. My scoops were about 3 tablespoons or roughly 50 grams each for perfectly sized cookies.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake one sheet at a time for 12 to 14 minutes until the cookies are golden around the edges but still soft in the center. The longer you bake, the crispier the cookie. Let them cool on the sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

A large light brown chocolate chip cookie with a rough texture and many dark chocolate chips is centered on a white plate decorated with colorful butterfly and bird illustrations, sitting on a soft pink cloth. Behind the plate, a rounded rectangular white plate holds several more light brown cookies with dark chocolate chips, all resting on a white marbled surface. To the right of the front plate, there is a clear glass filled with white milk, with a few scattered dark chocolate chips next to it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. It enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful contrast. For an extra touch, drizzle with melted chocolate or a light swirl of peanut butter frosting.

Side Dishes

These cookies are a perfect companion to a cold glass of milk or a rich cup of coffee. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few cookies with layers of creamy peanut butter or chocolate spread in between for a sandwich-style treat. Wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with twine as a handmade gift or party favor that’s sure to impress everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and chewy, just like fresh from the oven.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies for several months. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper inside a sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm cookies in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that freshly baked softness and melty chocolate goodness. Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes for a bit of a crisp edge.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture with little peanut bits that complement the chocolate chips wonderfully. Just keep in mind it may change the overall chewiness slightly.

What if I don’t have light-brown sugar?

If you don’t have light-brown sugar, you can substitute it with dark brown sugar or a mix of granulated sugar and a teaspoon of molasses to maintain that lovely caramel flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, you can enjoy these cookies without gluten. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for proper texture.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies are flattening too much, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Also, check that your butter isn’t too soft or melted; it should be just softened for best results.

Can I substitute the butter with oil or margarine?

Butter is key for flavor and texture here, but if needed, margarine can work. Oil isn’t recommended as it may make the dough too greasy and affect the cookie’s structure.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is truly one of those treasured classics that never fails to bring joy and comfort. With straightforward steps and everyday ingredients, you can create warm, delicious cookies that feel like a big, cozy hug. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these delightful cookies with everyone you love!