Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter and the sweetness of chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights at home, these cookies are sure to impress. Their thick and chewy texture, along with a beautifully bronzed top, makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Thick and Chewy: These cookies are not just any peanut butter cookies; they are thick and have a chewy center that creates a satisfying bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time.
• Versatile Flavors: The creamy peanut butter pairs beautifully with chocolate chips, making these cookies perfect for any sweet tooth.
• Customizable: Adjust the size or add mix-ins like nuts or different types of chips to make them your own.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends or family, and watch them disappear quickly!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, gather your tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Baking sheets
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool helps you cream the butter and sugars easily, ensuring a smooth mixture.
• Cookie scoop: Using a scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

These Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are thick, chewy, and soft-centered. Packed with a nutty flavor and 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)

Add-ins

• 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. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cake flour
3. Cornstarch
4. Baking powder
5. Baking soda
6. Salt

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Combine cold cubed butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and creamy peanut butter.
2. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Add in:
– The large egg,
– The large egg yolk,
– The vanilla extract,
– Milk (if using).

Blend until well mixed, using a rubber spatula if needed.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed:
1. Gradually add in the dry ingredient mixture.
2. I recommend adding about ¼ cup at a time for best results.

Step 6: Fold in Peanut Butter Chips

Once fully combined:
– Add in the peanut butter chips until just incorporated.
– Turn off the mixer.

Step 7: Scoop Cookie Dough

Using a cookie scoop:
– Portion out dough about 2-3 tablespoons each.
– Roll into balls and then coat lightly in granulated sugar.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Place 6-8 dough balls on each lined cookie sheet:
– Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
– If edges crack when pressing down, reform as necessary.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for approximately:
– 9-11 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
Keep an eye on them since ovens vary! Pull out before you think they’re done for soft cookies.

Step 10: Cool Down

Let cookies rest on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them carefully to a cooling rack. Sprinkle tops with remaining granulated sugar and flaky sea salt if desired.

Enjoy your freshly baked Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies!

How to Serve Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, there are plenty of ways to serve these delicious treats.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk is a classic choice. The creaminess of the milk complements the nutty flavor of the cookies perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Turn your cookies into delightful ice cream sandwiches. Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie for an extra touch of sweetness and texture. This works wonderfully if you’re serving them warm.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter along with fruits or other sweets. This makes for an appealing presentation at gatherings.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The warm flavors enhance the overall experience, making it a cozy treat.

Gift Them

• Package these cookies in a decorative box or jar as gifts for friends and family. Homemade treats always bring joy!

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Making the best version of these Peanut Butter Chip Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially the baking powder and baking soda, are fresh. This will help achieve the right rise and texture.

• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent them from spreading too much.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they are in the oven. They should be golden brown but still soft in the center when you take them out.

• Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to mix in nuts, chocolate chips, or even oats for added texture and flavor variations.

• Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Best Side Dishes for Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

While these Peanut Butter Chip Cookies shine on their own, pairing them with delightful side dishes can elevate your dessert experience even further.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy contrast that complements the rich flavors of peanut butter.

3. Cheese Platter: Serve assorted cheeses alongside your cookies for a savory touch that contrasts beautifully with their sweetness.

4. Chocolate Fondue: Offer melted chocolate as a dipping option; it’s fun and indulgent, perfect for parties.

5. Nut Mix: A simple bowl of mixed nuts provides an added crunch and enhances the nutty flavor profile of the peanut butter.

6. Homemade Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of rich hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with these chewy delights, enhancing your dessert experience.

7. Sliced Bananas: Fresh bananas add natural sweetness and pair nicely with peanut butter flavors; serve them on the side!

8. Mini Cupcakes: Mini cupcakes in various flavors can provide variety while being easy to enjoy alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps to enhance the flavors and prevents spreading during baking. Always chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a spoon to aerate the flour before leveling it off in your measuring cup.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make your cookies tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfect cookies.
• Baking on ungreased sheets: Even if you’re using parchment paper, ensure it’s secure. Unstable sheets can cause uneven baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Layer with parchment paper if stacking to avoid crushing.

Reheating Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on low power.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, flipping halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies:

How do I know when my peanut butter cookies are done?

Look for golden brown edges while keeping the center soft. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but it may alter the texture and spread of the cookies. Natural peanut butter tends to be thinner, so adjust accordingly.

What can I use instead of eggs?

You can substitute one egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

How do I customize my peanut butter chip cookies?

Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even oatmeal for added texture and flavor variations.

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies often result from too much butter or not enough flour. Ensure accurate measurements and consider chilling your dough.

Final Thoughts

The Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize them by adding different mix-ins or adjusting sweetness levels. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a sweet treat later, these cookies are bound to impress family and friends. Give this recipe a try today!