Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers. With their thick, chewy texture and a delightful nutty flavor, they are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. These cookies are easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends with their rich taste. Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet peanut butter chips makes every bite irresistible.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy thick, chewy cookies with a soft center that melt in your mouth.
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes total time, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
- Versatile: Great for parties, school lunches, or a cozy night at home with a glass of milk.
- Make Ahead Option: Chill the dough for up to three days before baking for fresh cookies whenever you want.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie scoop
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Cookie scoop: Helps you achieve uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
These Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are thick, chewy, and soft-centered. Packed with a nutty flavor, they 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 (190°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
All-purpose flour
Cake flour
Corn starch
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Add cold cubed butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and creamy peanut butter.
2. Beat on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the following ingredients to the creamed mixture:
– Large egg
– Large egg yolk
– Vanilla extract
– Milk (if using)
Blend until thoroughly mixed.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed:
1. Gradually add in the dry ingredients about ¼ cup at a time until fully incorporated.
2. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Peanut Butter Chips
Once combined:
Add in the peanut butter chips until evenly distributed in the dough.
Step 7: Scoop Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough balls (about 2–3 Tbsp each). Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared cookie sheets.
Step 8: Create Criss-Cross Pattern
Place 6–8 cookie dough balls on each sheet:
Use a fork to create a criss-cross pattern on each cookie. If edges crack while pressing down, gently reshape them.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 9–11 minutes or until tops are golden brown. Remember to keep an eye on them as ovens can vary!
Step 10: Cool Cookies
Let cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them carefully to a cooling rack. Sprinkle any remaining granulated sugar and flaky sea salt on top if desired before enjoying these delicious treats!
How to Serve Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
These delicious cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing, the creamy texture of milk complements the nutty flavor of peanut butter cookies perfectly.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Take two cookies and add a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between for a delectable treat that will impress everyone.
Warm from the Oven
- Serve them fresh out of the oven with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The warmth enhances their gooeyness and flavor.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange these cookies alongside other treats like brownies and fruit tarts for an inviting dessert spread.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The flavors balance well with both beverages.
Gift Them as Treats
- Package them nicely in a decorative box or tin as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
How to Perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
To ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these simple tips.
-
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
-
Do Not Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
-
Chill the Dough: Chilling your cookie dough for 30 minutes can enhance flavor and prevent spreading during baking.
-
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be slightly underbaked when you take them out for that soft, chewy center.
-
Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding nuts or chocolate chips along with peanut butter chips for additional texture and flavor.
-
Store Properly: Store your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and texture longer.
Best Side Dishes for Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
These peanut butter chip cookies can be enjoyed alongside various delightful dishes. Here are some ideas to enhance your dessert experience.
- Chocolate Milkshake: A rich, creamy shake that pairs beautifully with the nutty flavors of the cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include some mild cheeses like brie or gouda which can complement the rich peanut butter taste.
- Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies create a decadent dessert table when served alongside these cookies.
- Ice Cream Sundae: Top vanilla ice cream with hot fudge and nuts, serving it alongside warm cookies for ultimate indulgence.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over each cookie or dip them in it for added sweetness and richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your batch. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong flour: Always use both all-purpose and cake flour for the best texture. Substituting one for another can lead to cookies that are too dry or too dense.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape better. If you skip this, you might end up with flat cookies.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science! Use proper measuring tools to ensure you get the right amounts of each ingredient.
- Overmixing the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than soft and chewy ones.
- Not paying attention to baking time: Cookies can go from perfect to overbaked in seconds. Keep an eye on them in the oven and pull them out when they’re just golden.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Keep the cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for about 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- For optimal freshness, layer parchment paper between cookies if stacking.
Reheating Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies:
How do I make my cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, avoid overbaking and consider adding an extra egg yolk to your dough.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will add texture but may alter the smoothness of your cookie dough.
What if I don’t have cake flour?
You can substitute cake flour with more all-purpose flour; however, your cookies may not be as tender.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?
Chill your cookie dough before baking. This helps maintain their shape during baking.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! The Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies freeze well and maintain their flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
These soft-centered, chewy Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize with different types of chocolate chips or nuts. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies will surely satisfy!
Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, a delightful treat that combines a rich, nutty flavor with a thick and chewy texture. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and will impress everyone who tries them. With creamy peanut butter and sweet peanut butter chips, each bite is irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy them warm from the oven with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or pair them with milk for the ultimate dessert experience!
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
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 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
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, corn starch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, cream together cold cubed butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and creamy peanut butter until smooth.
- Add in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and blend until combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined; then fold in the peanut butter chips.
- Scoop dough onto prepared sheets and create criss-cross patterns with a fork.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until golden brown; cool on the sheets before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (33g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
