Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone loves! Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy night in, or bake sales, these cookies stand out with their thick and chewy texture. Each bite is filled with rich peanut butter flavor and sweet chocolatey chips, making them an irresistible dessert option.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
• Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
• Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 6: Fold in Peanut Butter Chips
• Step 7: Chill Dough (Optional)
• Step 8: Scoop Cookies
• Step 9: Create Pattern & Bake
• Step 10: Cool & Enjoy
• How to Serve Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
• With a Glass of Milk
• As Ice Cream Sandwiches
• With Fresh Fruit
• On a Dessert Platter
• Paired with Coffee or Tea
• As Party Favors
• How to Perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
• Reheating Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my peanut butter chip cookies softer?
• Can I use natural peanut butter?
• What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
• Can I freeze these cookies?
• How can I customize my peanut butter chip cookies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have cookies ready in no time!
• Deliciously Chewy: The combination of all-purpose and cake flours creates a perfect chewy texture.
• Versatile Baking: You can chill the dough for later baking or enjoy fresh cookies right away.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or swap peanut butter chips for your favorite flavor.
• Perfectly Sweet: The balance of sugars gives just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having the right equipment will help you create the best peanut butter chip cookies effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming the butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop helps create uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Spatula: A spatula is essential for scraping down the sides of the bowl and combining ingredients thoroughly.

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!

• 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. Prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
All-purpose flour
Cake flour
Cornstarch
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together:
1. Cold unsalted butter
2. Brown sugar
3. Granulated sugar
4. Creamy peanut butter

Beat these together for about 2–3 minutes until creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add one large egg, one egg yolk, vanilla extract, and milk (if using). Blend until fully combined. If any mixture sticks to the paddle attachment or sides of the bowl, scrape it down with a rubber spatula.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

With your mixer set on low speed:
1. Gradually add in your dry ingredient mixture.
2. I recommend adding about ¼ cup at a time until everything is incorporated smoothly.

Step 6: Fold in Peanut Butter Chips

Once your dough is fully mixed, gently fold in the peanut butter chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Chill Dough (Optional)

You can either bake immediately or chill your cookie dough in the fridge for several hours up to three days if you prefer stronger flavors.

Step 8: Scoop Cookies

Using a cookie scoop:
1. Form balls about 2–3 tablespoons in size.
2. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing it on your prepared cookie sheet.

Step 9: Create Pattern & Bake

Place about six to eight cookies on one sheet at a time:
1. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
2. If edges crack slightly, reshape them as needed.
3. Bake in preheated oven for about 9–11 minutes, or until tops are golden brown.

Step 10: Cool & Enjoy

Allow cookies to rest on the sheet for several minutes before transferring them carefully to a cooling rack:
1. These cookies will be soft straight from the oven.
2. Optionally sprinkle remaining granulated sugar and flaky sea salt on top before serving.

Enjoy your warm batch of these Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies!

How to Serve Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These delicious cookies are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or pair them with delightful accompaniments for a more indulgent experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic combination that enhances the rich peanut butter flavor while balancing the sweetness of the cookies.

As Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a creamy and chewy treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of banana or strawberries for a refreshing contrast to the cookies’ richness.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange them on a beautiful platter alongside other desserts like brownies or cupcakes for a stunning dessert spread at gatherings.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a cozy snack break.

As Party Favors

• Package them in cute bags with ribbons to give away as party favors, adding a personal touch to any event.

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How to Perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Making the best peanut butter chip cookies involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game:

• Chill the dough – Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least an hour helps maintain their shape during baking and enhances flavors.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensure your butter, egg, and peanut butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Watch baking time – Pull the cookies out of the oven when they are slightly underbaked; they will continue to firm up on the cooling rack.

• Experiment with add-ins – Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor variation.

• 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 taste amazing on their own, serving them alongside these dishes can enhance your dessert experience.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the nutty flavor perfectly.

2. Chocolate Fondue – Dip cookie halves into warm chocolate fondue for a decadent twist.

3. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Nutella Dipping Sauce – Serve warm Nutella as a dip for an indulgent pairing.

5. Milkshake – A thick milkshake pairs wonderfully, creating a nostalgic dessert reminiscent of diner treats.

6. Cheese Platter – Add some sharp cheese to contrast with the sweet cookies, offering an interesting flavor combination.

7. Coffee Cake – For brunch, serve these cookies alongside coffee cake for an elevated experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies can be easy, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much or too little flour can affect texture. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
• Skipping ingredient temperature: Cold butter can prevent proper creaming. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to maintain a soft texture.
• Baking at incorrect temperatures: Ovens vary in temperature. Always preheat and consider an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step can lead to flat cookies. Chill the dough if you want thicker, chewy cookies.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air before sealing.

Reheating Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet for a few minutes, keeping an eye on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

How do I make my peanut butter chip cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, avoid overbaking and consider adding an extra egg yolk for moisture.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes! However, natural peanut butter may result in a different texture due to its oil content.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! They freeze well. Just ensure they are stored in a freezer-safe container or bag.

How can I customize my peanut butter chip cookies?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even oats for added texture and flavor!

Final Thoughts

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are not only thick and chewy but also packed with flavor! Their versatility allows you to customize them with your favorite mix-ins. Whether you’re baking them as a treat or sharing with friends, these cookies promise joy and satisfaction in every bite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the heartwarming aroma of freshly baked cookies!