Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion. With their thick, chewy texture and soft centers, they are perfect for sharing at parties, enjoying during family gatherings, or simply indulging in at home. The delicious nutty flavor paired with creamy peanut butter chips makes these cookies a standout dessert. You’ll find that they not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress everyone who tries them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and chocolatey chips creates a mouthwatering taste.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
- Customizable: You can mix in other ingredients like nuts or different types of chocolate chips.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies are thick, chewy, and soft-centered—just how a cookie should be!
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or a special dessert, these cookies fit any event perfectly.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Saves time and effort by mixing ingredients thoroughly.
- Mixing bowls: Keeps ingredients organized while preparing the dough.
- Cookie sheets: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies to perfection.
Ingredients
These Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are thick, chewy, and soft-centered. Packed with a nutty flavor and baked until beautifully bronzed on top, this is the BEST way to make them!
- 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
- 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 (I use Reese’s brand) ~2 cups
- 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. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cake flour
3. Cornstarch
4. Baking powder
5. Baking soda
6. Salt
Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3: Cream the Mixture
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the cold unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter until smooth (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Add in one large egg, one egg yolk, vanilla extract, and optional milk; mix until combined.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed:
1. Gradually add in the dry ingredient mixture.
2. Mix until just combined.
Step 5: Add Peanut Butter Chips
Once the dough is well mixed:
1. Fold in the peanut butter chips using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Optional Dough Chilling
You can either bake right away or chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to three days for enhanced flavors.
Step 7: Scoop Cookies
Using a cookie scoop:
1. Form dough balls about 2–3 tablespoons each.
2. Roll them in granulated sugar before placing them on prepared sheets.
Step 8: Shape Cookies
Place 6–8 cookies on each sheet:
1. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
Bake cookies for about 9–11 minutes:
Keep an eye on them as ovens vary; pull them out when they are golden brown on top.
Step 10: Cool Down
Let cookies rest on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack:
Sprinkle any remaining granulated sugar and flaky sea salt on top before serving! Enjoy your delicious Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
These delicious Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, having a cozy night in, or just craving a sweet treat, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that enhances the flavors and provides a creamy contrast to the cookies’ chewiness.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite flavor for a delightful dessert.
Warmed with Chocolate Drizzle
- Drizzle melted chocolate over warm cookies for an extra indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.
As Party Favors
- Package cookies in decorative bags as party favors. They make for a sweet and personal gift for guests.
Pairing with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea for the perfect pick-me-up.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange cookies on a platter with other desserts for a beautiful presentation at gatherings or celebrations.
How to Perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
To achieve the ultimate texture and flavor in your Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough before baking can help develop flavors and prevent spreading.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking soda and flour are fresh for the best rise and texture.
- Measure accurately: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dryness.
- Add more peanut butter chips: For an extra burst of flavor, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of peanut butter chips in each batch.
- Watch baking times closely: Ovens may vary; check cookies a minute or two before the suggested time for perfectly baked treats.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.
Best Side Dishes for Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
While these cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruit or marshmallows can add a fun dipping element to your dessert table.
- Whipped Cream: Serve alongside whipped cream for an airy, creamy contrast that complements the chewy texture of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries, then enjoy alongside your peanut butter chip cookies for a balanced treat.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses can provide savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Nut Assortment: Roasted nuts offer a crunchy texture that pairs well with peanuts while enhancing the nutty flavors in the cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, avoiding common mistakes ensures perfect results every time.
- Overmixing the Dough: This can make your cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
- Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and improves flavor. If you have time, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Using Different Peanut Butter: Not all peanut butters are created equal. Stick to creamy varieties like Jif or Skippy for best results.
- Incorrect Measurement of Flour: Too much flour leads to dry cookies. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
- Not Checking Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise baking conditions.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months as well.
Reheating Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on low power for about 10 seconds.
- Stovetop: Toast lightly in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies.
How do I make my cookies chewier?
Adding an extra egg yolk or using brown sugar will enhance chewiness in your cookies.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but it may affect texture since natural peanut butter is less creamy. You might need to adjust other ingredients.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cake flour?
You can create a substitute by mixing all-purpose flour with cornstarch (2 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup of all-purpose flour).
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and soft centers; they will firm up as they cool.
Can I add chocolate chips along with peanut butter chips?
Absolutely! Mixing different types of chips adds extra flavor and richness to your cookies.
Final Thoughts
The Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are not just delicious; they are incredibly versatile too! Whether you enjoy them plain or with added chocolate chips, these cookies cater to various tastes. Don’t hesitate to customize with nuts or spices, and share your creations with friends and family!
Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies. These cookies boast a thick, chewy texture with soft centers, perfectly complemented by creamy peanut butter chips. Ideal for any occasion—be it family gatherings, casual snacks, or dessert spreads—these treats will surely impress your guests. The nutty flavor combined with chocolatey goodness creates a mouthwatering treat that satisfies every sweet craving. Easy to whip up and customizable with your favorite mix-ins, this recipe is a must-have for cookie lovers everywhere.
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
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp. milk (optional)
- 1 (10 oz.) bag peanut butter chips (~2 cups)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flours, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter, sugars, and peanut butter until smooth. Add egg and mix well.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in peanut butter chips.
- Scoop dough onto prepared sheets; shape if desired.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes until golden brown. Cool on sheets before transferring to racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
