Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Their thick and chewy texture, combined with a delightful nutty flavor from creamy peanut butter, makes them irresistible. Perfectly bronzed on top and soft in the center, these cookies will quickly become your go-to recipe for satisfying sweet cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Chewy: These cookies stay soft and chewy even days after baking.
- Nutty Flavor: The rich taste of peanut butter shines through every bite.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll whip these up in no time.
- Versatile: Great for sharing at parties or enjoying on a quiet evening.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra variety.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, having the right tools is essential. Let’s make sure you’re prepared!
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Cookie sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking and easy handling of cookies.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture.
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)
Mix-Ins
- 1 (10 oz.) bag peanut butter chips (I use Reese’s brand) ~2 cups
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 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). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cake flour
3. Cornstarch
4. Baking soda
5. Baking powder
6. Salt
Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the cold cubed butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter for about 2-3 minutes until creamy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in:
1. One large egg
2. One large egg yolk
3. One teaspoon of vanilla extract
4. Optional milk
Blend until fully combined.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed:
1. Gradually add in your dry ingredient mixture about ¼ cup at a time until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Stir in Peanut Butter Chips
Once combined, fold in:
– The entire bag of peanut butter chips gently until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Scoop Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop:
1. Portion out dough balls about 2-3 tablespoons each.
2. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the cookie sheets.
Step 8: Create Criss-Cross Pattern
Place approximately 6-8 cookie dough balls on each sheet:
– Use a fork to press down gently, creating a criss-cross pattern.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
Bake cookies for approximately 9-11 minutes until tops are golden brown:
– Keep an eye on them as ovens may vary.
Step 10: Cool Cookies
After removing from the oven:
1. Let cookies rest on the sheet for a few minutes.
2. Transfer carefully to a cooling rack using a spatula.
3. Optionally sprinkle with flaky sea salt before enjoying!
With this guide, you’re ready to enjoy some of the best peanut butter chip cookies!
How to Serve Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
These delicious Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging yourself, here are some creative ways to serve them.
With Milk
- A classic pairing with cookies, milk enhances the flavor of the peanut butter and makes for a delightful treat.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a decadent dessert that is sure to impress.
Warmed Up
- Serve the cookies warm from the oven or reheated briefly in the microwave to enjoy their gooey texture and rich flavor.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pairing these cookies with a hot drink makes for a cozy snack time, bringing out the nutty flavors of the peanut butter.
Gift Packages
- Pack them in decorative boxes or jars as gifts for friends and family, adding a personal touch to your baked treats.
Cookie Platter
- Create an impressive dessert platter by arranging these cookies with other types of cookies and treats for a varied dessert table.
How to Perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients – Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and consistency.
- Don’t overmix the dough – Mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies; overmixing can lead to dense results.
- Chill the dough – If you have time, chilling the dough can enhance flavor and help control spreading during baking.
- Keep an eye on baking time – Ovens vary; start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time.
- Add flaky sea salt on top – A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking enhances flavor and adds a gourmet touch.
- Store properly – Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
When serving these delightful cookies, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes that enhance their appeal.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy texture balances perfectly with the chewy cookie.
- Fruit Salad – A fresh mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and contrast to the rich peanut butter flavor.
- Chocolate Milkshake – Indulge in this thick shake which pairs beautifully with peanut butter sweetness.
- Cheese Plate – Offer a selection of cheeses for a savory counterpoint to sweet cookies.
- Coffee Cake – A slice of moist coffee cake complements the dessert vibe while providing variety.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that contrasts nicely with cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure you bake the perfect cookies, avoid these common mistakes.
- Using the wrong flour: Using only all-purpose flour can affect the texture. Use a mix of all-purpose and cake flour for that perfect chewiness.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Always spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag for precise measurements.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender result.
- Skipping the chilling step: If you have time, chilling the dough helps develop flavor and improves texture. Don’t skip this step if you want gourmet cookies!
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Always preheat your oven. Baking at the wrong temperature can result in unevenly cooked cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They last up to 1 week in the fridge.
Freezing Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, watching closely not to burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies?
These cookies are thick, chewy, and soft-centered with an irresistible peanut butter flavor that truly stands out.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Yes! You can use other nut butters or even chocolate chips if you prefer variations on the classic recipe.
How do I achieve soft-centered cookies?
Pull them from the oven when they are just golden brown and let them rest on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking.
How do I store leftover cookie dough?
You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it in portions for later use!
Final Thoughts
These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or different types of chocolate chips. Try making them today and enjoy their wonderful flavor!
Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies. Perfectly thick and chewy, each bite delivers a delightful burst of creamy peanut butter flavor that will satisfy your sweet cravings any time of the year. Golden brown on top and soft in the center, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and versatile for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in. Customize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts for an extra twist. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible treats!
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 (I use Reese's brand) ~2 cups
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, cream together cold butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter until smooth.
- Mix in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and optional milk until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in peanut butter chips.
- Scoop dough into balls (about 2-3 tablespoons), roll in sugar, and place on cookie sheets. Use a fork to create a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until golden brown; cool on sheet before transferring to a rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
