Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that delivers on every front, then these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are just what you need! There’s something truly magical about the combination of rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter. They’re soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious—perfect for cozy family gatherings or a sweet treat after a long day. Whether you’re indulging on a busy weeknight or sharing with friends, these cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

What makes this recipe extra special is how quick and easy it is to whip up a batch. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already! So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started on creating some chocolatey goodness together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With just 17 minutes from start to finish, you’ll be enjoying fresh cookies in no time!
• Family favorite: These cookies are sure to please everyone—kids and adults alike will come back for seconds.
• Simple ingredients: You won’t need any fancy items; everything is wholesome and accessible.
• Perfect for sharing: Great for cookie exchanges or as gifts; they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich flavor and delightful texture that makes these cookies irresistible.

• 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 things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add chocolate chips: For an extra chocolatey treat, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips before baking.
• Nutty twist: Swap out half of the peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.
• Sprinkle sea salt: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-and-salty finish.
• Mix in oats: For added texture and nutrition, mix in 1/2 cup of rolled oats into the dough.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft in the center.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the shortening, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Mixing these wet ingredients well is key to achieving that creamy consistency that makes each bite melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Incorporate the Egg

Add the large egg into the mixture and mix until just incorporated. The egg acts as a binding agent, helping all the ingredients come together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly throughout the dough so every cookie has that delicious chocolate flavor.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while stirring until fully combined. This ensures you don’t overmix it—overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Scoop out dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, forming 1 to 1 1/2 inch balls. Using a fork to gently press down each ball creates that classic crisscross pattern while also helping them bake evenly.

Step 7: Bake Them

Place your cookie sheet in the oven and bake for about 7-8 minutes until the edges are just set. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can lead to dry cookies!

Step 8: Cool Off

Once baked, let them cool on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. This cooling period allows them to firm up without losing their soft texture.

There you have it! In just a few simple steps, you’ll have warm Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies ready for devouring. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later—they never last long around here!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to cookie perfection in no time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your shortening, peanut butter, and egg to come to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture for your cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Chill the dough if needed: If your kitchen is warm or if you find the dough too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and shape into balls.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies at the lower end of the baking time range to ensure they don’t overbake. You want them to look set but still soft in the center.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread will help maintain their softness!

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, here are some creative ways to serve them up!

Garnishes

• Drizzle with melted chocolate: A simple drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate on top adds an elegant touch and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Sprinkle with sea salt: A light sprinkle of sea salt just before serving brings out the sweetness of the cookies and adds a delightful contrast.

Side Dishes

• A glass of almond milk: The creaminess of almond milk pairs beautifully with these cookies, making it a classic combination that satisfies every craving.
• Fresh fruit platter: Serve alongside strawberries or sliced bananas for a refreshing complement that balances the richness of the cookies.
• Non-dairy ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate non-dairy ice cream makes for a delicious dessert duo that’s sure to impress.
• Coffee or herbal tea: A warm cup of coffee or soothing herbal tea enhances your cookie experience and makes for a cozy treat any time of day.

Now that you’re equipped with these tips and serving ideas, get ready to enjoy your homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies not only taste amazing, but they are also perfect for meal prep! Whether you want to bake in batches or save some for later, this recipe has you covered.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to a week.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies.
• If freezing dough, scoop the balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Baked cookies can be placed in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper, and frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5 minutes.
• If using frozen cookies, no need to thaw; just add an extra minute or two to reheating time.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies that might help you!

Can I use crunchy peanut butter for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies an extra delightful texture. Just make sure it’s creamy enough to blend well with the other ingredients.

How should I store Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies?

Store your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh for about a week!

Can I freeze the cookie dough for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies?

Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be baked straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

How do I know when my Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are done?

Your cookies are done when the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft. They will continue cooking on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies as much as I do! They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or keeping as a special treat just for yourself. There’s something so comforting about homemade cookies that always brings back sweet memories. So grab those ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!