Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
If you’re looking for a cookie that combines the rich taste of chocolate with the creamy goodness of peanut butter, then you’re in for a treat! These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies have quickly become a family favorite in our home. They are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor — perfect for busy weeknights, festive gatherings, or simply when you need a sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, once you bake these cookies, they’ll disappear faster than you can say delicious!
Baking these cookies is not only easy but also fun! You can whip them up in no time, making them ideal for last-minute baking sessions. Plus, they make the kitchen smell heavenly, which is an added bonus!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have warm cookies fresh from the oven in no time.
- Family-friendly: Everyone—from kids to adults—loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter!
- Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake it later or freeze it for future cravings.
- Delicious flavor: Rich cocoa meets creamy peanut butter for a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make these delightful cookies! You probably have most of them in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup shortening (regular or butter flavor)
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Variations
One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize these chocolate peanut butter cookies to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
- Add some crunch: Toss in a handful of chopped peanuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
- Make it nut-free: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter if allergies are a concern.
- Try different sugars: Experiment with coconut sugar or granulated sugar instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor kick.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect soft texture.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend together the shortening, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This mixture should be smooth and creamy; it’s where all those delicious flavors start!
Step 3: Add the Egg
Crack in one large egg and mix until just incorporated. The egg acts as a binding agent, helping your cookies hold their shape while still being soft and chewy.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly so that every bite is full of flavor.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir until everything is fully combined; this step ensures that there are no dry patches left behind.
Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Leave enough space between each ball to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 7: Create Crisscross Pattern
Using a fork, gently press down each dough ball to create a crisscross pattern. This not only looks pretty but also helps them bake evenly.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 7-8 minutes until the edges are just set. Overbaking can lead to drier cookies, so keep an eye on them!
Step 9: Cool Them Down
Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. This allows them to firm up just enough while still being warm and inviting.
And there you have it! A batch of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies ready to be devoured. Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Baking cookies can be a breeze if you know a few tricks! Here are some expert tips to ensure your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies turn out perfectly every time.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your shortening and egg to come to room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother dough and better texture.
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Don’t overmix the dough: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
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Chill the dough if needed: If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and keeps your cookies thick and chewy.
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Watch the baking time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies; they should look set around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
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Store them properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week (if they last that long!).
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Serving your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies can be as delightful as making them! Here are some creative ideas to present these tasty treats.
Garnishes
- Sprinkled Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking enhances the flavor and adds a beautiful contrast.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dairy-free chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch that also intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Side Dishes
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Milk Alternative: A glass of cold almond or oat milk pairs perfectly with these cookies, balancing their richness while adding a creamy texture.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with berries, bananas, and apples provides a light, fresh contrast to the dense cookies.
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Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of dairy-free vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that complements the flavors beautifully.
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Coffee or Herbal Tea: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea, enhancing their flavors and providing a cozy treat for any time of day.
With these serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress family and friends with your delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies! Happy baking!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy fresh cookies throughout the week. Here’s how to store them effectively.
Storing Leftovers
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Frozen cookies can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- To reheat frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies!
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes! Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may change the texture slightly. Ensure it’s well-stirred and not too runny.
How do I make my Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies extra chewy?
To achieve extra chewiness, avoid overbaking them. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked.
What can I substitute if I don’t have shortening?
You can use coconut oil or vegan butter as a substitute for shortening in this recipe. Both will work well!
Can I add chocolate chips to my Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips will enhance the chocolate flavor and provide additional texture. Just fold in about 1/2 cup before baking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited about these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies as I am! They blend rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter into each delightful bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, they’re sure to bring a smile. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with sweet aromas and joy!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you’re craving a delectable treat that perfectly balances rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are just what you need! Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these cookies have quickly become a beloved family favorite. Whether it’s a fun baking session on busy weeknights or a sweet surprise for festive gatherings, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening (regular or butter flavor)
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the egg and stir until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto an ungreased baking sheet and create a crisscross pattern with a fork.
- Bake for about 7-8 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
