Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cookie craving, these cookies offer a chewy texture with a rich peanut butter flavor. The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet chips creates an irresistible dessert that is sure to be a hit. Not only are they easy to make, but they also boast a golden-brown finish that makes them visually appealing. Bake up a batch today and enjoy the warm, nutty goodness in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
- Chewy Texture: Enjoy thick and chewy cookies that have the perfect soft center.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a dessert for dinner or a snack during the day.
- Nutty Flavor: The creamy peanut butter brings a rich flavor that all peanut butter lovers will appreciate.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the size of each cookie or add more chocolate chips for extra sweetness!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, gather your tools for an efficient baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming the butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a smooth dough.
- Cookie scoop: Use it to create uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Parchment paper or silicone mats: They prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
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!
Dry Ingredients
- 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
Wet Ingredients
- 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)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz.) bag peanut butter chips, ~2 cups (I use Reese’s brand)
- 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) while you prepare your cookie dough.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Set aside once well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of your stand mixer:
1. Cream together cold cubed butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until creamy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
To the creamed mixture:
1. Add in one whole egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and optional milk.
2. Blend until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Reduce mixer speed to low:
1. Gradually add dry ingredients about ¼ cup at a time until fully mixed.
Step 6: Fold in Peanut Butter Chips
Add in peanut butter chips:
1. Mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop Cookie Dough
With your cookie scoop:
1. Portion out dough balls about 2-3 tablespoons in size.
2. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing on prepared cookie sheets.
Step 8: Create Criss Cross Pattern
On each cookie:
1. Use a fork to create crisscross patterns on top.
2. If edges crack slightly during this process, reshape them as needed.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
Place cookies into preheated oven:
1. Bake for approximately 9-11 minutes until tops are golden brown.
2. Keep an eye on them as ovens may vary; remove before they look done.
Step 10: Cool Cookies
After baking:
1. Let cookies rest on sheet for a few minutes before transferring them carefully to a cooling rack.
2. Sprinkle remaining granulated sugar and flaky sea salt if desired before enjoying!
How to Serve Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
These delicious Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying at home. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair the cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combination. The creamy milk complements the nutty flavors perfectly.
As an Ice Cream Sandwich
- Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor, and scoop it between the cookies for a delightful treat.
Warm with Whipped Cream
- Serve the cookies warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the peanut butter.
Crumbled Over Pancakes
- Crush some cookies and sprinkle them over pancakes or waffles for a unique breakfast twist. The peanut butter flavor enhances your morning meal.
In a Dessert Charcuterie Board
- Include these cookies on a dessert charcuterie board. Pair them with fruits, chocolates, and other sweets for an inviting presentation.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy the cookies alongside your favorite coffee or tea. The rich flavors complement the warmth of these beverages beautifully.
How to Perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
To make sure your Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies come out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature before mixing them. This helps create a better dough consistency.
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Don’t overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough before baking. This helps enhance flavor and prevents spreading in the oven.
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Watch baking time closely: Ovens can vary greatly; keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they are just golden brown on top for softer centers.
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Let them cool properly: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without becoming too crumbly.
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Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips along with peanut butter chips for extra texture and flavor variety.
Best Side Dishes for Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience further. Here are some great options:
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Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie in warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and crushed cookies for a delightful parfait.
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Cheese Board: Include cheeses that pair well with sweet treats like brie or goat cheese alongside your cookies.
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Ice Cream Sundae: Create an ice cream sundae incorporating crumbled cookie pieces as toppings.
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Nut Mix: Serve a side of mixed nuts for added crunchiness that complements the soft texture of the cookies.
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Coffee Cake: Enjoy slices of coffee cake alongside your cookies for an excellent brunch option.
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Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a hot chocolate bar where guests can customize their drinks while enjoying some delicious cookies!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some to watch out for:
- Using the wrong flour – Always use the specified combination of all-purpose and cake flour for the best texture. Substituting can lead to dry cookies.
- Overmixing the dough – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
- Not chilling the dough – If time allows, chill the dough before baking. This helps prevent spreading and creates a thicker cookie.
- Skipping the sugar coating – Rolling your cookie dough balls in granulated sugar adds sweetness and enhances texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Ignoring oven temperature – Ovens can vary; always check cookies a minute or two before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 1 week.
- Layer with parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Freeze uncooked dough in balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
- Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture in your cookies!
How do I make my cookies chewier?
To achieve chewy cookies, ensure you don’t overbake them. Remove when they look slightly underdone.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too dry?
If your dough feels dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Mixing chocolate chips with peanut butter chips creates a delightful flavor combination.
How long will these Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies last?
When stored properly, they will stay fresh for about one week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated or frozen.
Final Thoughts
These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are not only thick and chewy but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, swapping different types of chips, or adjusting sweetness. Try this recipe today and enjoy delicious cookies perfect for any occasion!
Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of baking these Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies! With their irresistible chewy texture and rich peanut butter flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, a party, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Made with creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips, they boast a golden-brown finish that is as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Easy to prepare with common ingredients, these treats will have everyone coming back for seconds. Bake up a batch today and savor the warm, nutty goodness in every bite!
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 (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, ~2 cups (I use Reese's brand)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, cream cubed butter with brown and granulated sugars until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; blend well.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until mixed. Fold in peanut butter chips.
- Scoop dough onto parchment-lined sheets and create crisscross patterns using a fork.
- 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: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
