If you have a craving for something rich and comforting that hits both the chocolate and peanut butter notes perfectly, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These cookies have a wonderful balance of creamy peanut butter and intense cocoa flavor wrapped in a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth, making them an irresistible treat any time of day. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite cookie to bake and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. From the creamy peanut butter to the rich cocoa powder, these essentials blend together to give you that classic flavor combination.
- 1/2 cup shortening: Adds tenderness and helps achieve a soft cookie texture, with the option of traditional or butter-flavored for richer taste.
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter: Brings that unmistakable peanut flavor and creaminess that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar (packed): Provides moisture, a slight molasses flavor, and contributes to the chewy texture.
- 3 tablespoons milk: Adds just enough liquid to keep the dough pliable and soft.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and lends a subtle sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the cookie’s structure and keeps them from spreading too much.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep, chocolatey goodness without added sugar.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light, chewy bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts the overall flavor complexity.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature to get the cookies just set around the edges while staying soft and chewy on the inside.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the shortening, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Mixing these ingredients until they’re smooth and well blended gives your cookies a creamy, rich base. Then add the egg and mix just until everything is combined — overmixing here can toughen your cookies.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together thoroughly. This ensures even distribution so that every cookie will have a perfectly balanced flavor and texture. Gradually stir this dry mix into your wet mixture until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out 1 to 1 ½ inch dough balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Then, use a fork to gently press down each ball, creating that classic crisscross pattern — it’s not only charming but helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 7 to 8 minutes at 375 degrees. You’re looking for them to be set around the edges but still soft in the middle for that perfect chewy texture. Let them cool on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. It enhances the sweet and salty harmony of the cookies. Alternatively, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies to double down on the chocolate love.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a glass of cold milk for the classic combo, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert experience. They also go surprisingly well with a cup of strong black coffee or even a smooth peanut butter flavored latte.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into a fun treat by sandwiching them with chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting. Wrap a few in parchment paper tied with a ribbon for delightful homemade gifts. You can also crumble them over ice cream or yogurt for extra texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them moist and chewy for up to 4 days. Press a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and keep them looking beautiful.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will keep their best quality for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready.
Reheating
Warm your cookies briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This revives their soft texture and melts the chocolate slightly, creating a fresh-from-the-oven experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture and a little extra peanut crunch to your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Just keep in mind it might slightly affect the smoothness of the cookie dough.
Is shortening necessary, or can I substitute with butter?
You can swap shortening for butter, preferably unsalted. Butter will give your cookies a slightly richer flavor and a bit more spread, but shortening helps keep them soft and chewy with less spread.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking, you can make these cookies gluten-free. Make sure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free certified for best results.
How do I get the perfect crisscross pattern on top?
Use a fork dipped in a little sugar or lightly greased to press gently but firmly down on each dough ball before baking. Pressing twice in one direction and then perpendicular creates the traditional crosshatch pattern.
Can I store the cookie dough before baking?
Yes, you can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilling the dough can actually enhance the flavor and texture, making your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe even more delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a heartfelt classic that brings together two of the most beloved flavors in the world. With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of irresistible cookies ready to share. Trust me, whether you’re making these for a crowd or just for yourself, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe again and again. So preheat that oven and get ready to enjoy some truly comforting treats!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies that combine rich cocoa flavor with creamy peanut butter in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening (regular or butter flavor)
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the shortening, creamy peanut butter, packed brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Then add the egg and mix just until combined to incorporate all flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to form the cookie dough without overmixing.
- Form Cookies: Drop the cookie dough by rounded tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet to form dough balls about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Use a fork to gently press down each dough ball and create the classic crisscross pattern on top.
- Bake Cookies: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes. Bake just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft to keep the cookies chewy.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps them set perfectly.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- You can substitute butter for shortening for a richer flavor.
- Make sure to press the fork lightly to avoid flattening the cookies too much.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
