Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you love the comforting combination of peanut butter and chocolate, you’re going to absolutely adore this Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. I’ve found that these cookies strike the perfect balance between rich, nutty peanut butter and luscious dark chocolate, making every bite irresistibly satisfying. Whether it’s for weekend baking, a casual get-together, or a quick treat after dinner, these cookies always steal the show.

What makes this Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe truly special is how the black cocoa powder gives it a deep, almost fudge-like color and flavor, while still being light and chewy. I remember the first time I tried making it — my family went crazy, and I’ve since made it a staple for celebrating cozy nights in and holiday gatherings. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, yet it tastes like a decadent bakery treat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients really makes a difference with this Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Using smooth peanut butter and black cocoa powder gives these cookies their signature taste and texture, while semi-sweet chocolate chips add just the right amount of melty sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness perfectly and keeps the cookie tender.
• All-Natural Smooth Peanut Butter: Smooth texture blends in beautifully and gives that authentic peanut butter flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges.
• Light Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and a touch of caramel flavor for chewy softness.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts the flavor complexity with a warm aroma.
• Black Cocoa Powder: This gives an intense chocolate flavor and a dramatic dark color.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Work together to give the perfect rise and texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure without weighing the cookies down.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of chocolate that complement peanut butter beautifully.

Variations

I love tweaking this Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe to suit different moods or dietary needs, and you should definitely feel free to make it your own. Whether you want to add extra texture, swap ingredients, or even include some fun mix-ins, these cookies are a great canvas for creativity.

• Chunky Peanut Butter: I’ve tried it with chunky peanut butter for that extra crunch, and it totally elevates the texture.
• Nut Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter if you’re avoiding nuts, and it still tastes fantastic.
• Extra Chocolate: Double the chocolate chips or add chopped dark chocolate chunks for serious chocolate lovers.
• Salted Top: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking—it really brings out the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.

How to Make Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat Like a Pro

Start by setting your oven racks in the center and lower third positions and preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—trust me, this helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking. This little prep step saves you so much stress later on.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Peanut Butter Together

Place the unsalted butter and all-natural smooth peanut butter in a small skillet over low heat. Stir gently with a rubber spatula as the butter melts and the peanut butter softens, creating a smooth, cohesive mixture. Removing it before it gets too hot is key to keeping the peanut butter’s rich flavor intact without burning anything.

Step 3: Mix Sugars and Wet Ingredients Smoothly

In a medium bowl, combine your granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and kosher salt. Pour in the melted peanut butter and butter mixture, then whisk it until completely smooth—this usually takes about a minute. Next, add the large egg and vanilla extract and whisk again for about two minutes until everything is well incorporated and slightly aerated. This helps give the cookies a light, tender crumb.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

Now, add the black cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder to the wet mix and fold them in with a rubber spatula until fully combined. Then, fold in the all-purpose flour and semi-sweet chocolate chips gently—careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough. The dough should be thick but scoopable.

Step 5: Portion and Bake

Using a 1 1/2-ounce cookie scoop (or about three tablespoons), drop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each scoop. Bake for roughly 12 minutes, rotating and switching the sheets halfway through to ensure even baking. You’ll know they’re done when the cookies are puffed and have spread slightly, but still look soft at the center.

Step 6: Flatten and Cool for Perfect Texture

Once out of the oven, here’s a trick I discovered: lift each baking sheet a few inches above your counter and drop it to help flatten and spread the cookies perfectly. Repeat a few times with each sheet. This simple step gives you those classic thick yet slightly crisp edges. Let the cookies cool completely on the sheets before trying to remove them to avoid breakage.

How to Serve Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle just a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie right after flattening them—it truly amplifies the balance between the peanut butter’s creaminess and the chocolate’s sweetness. Sometimes, I also like to press one or two extra chocolate chips on top before baking for that pretty melty finish. It’s simple, but these little touches elevate the experience.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a creamy latte for dipping. If you want to get a bit fancy, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to complement their rich flavors. I find that the contrast between creamy and fruity really brings out the best in the cookie.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I like to stack these cookies tied with a rustic twine bow and add a sprig of fresh mint or a few crushed peanuts on top for a charming look. They also make delightful cookie gift jars layered with parchment paper and chocolate chips—such a fun way to share your homemade love with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, I add a slice of bread inside the container—it works wonders by maintaining moisture without making the cookies soggy. This simple trick saved me many times when I baked extra.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver for me with this Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Just freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you want cookies, bake them straight from frozen, just add a minute or two to the baking time—you get fresh-baked cookies anytime!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop one or two cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds, which revives their softness and melts the chocolate nicely. Alternatively, a quick 5-minute warm-up in a 300°F oven brings back that freshly baked texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe turns out every single time — they’re my warm hug in cookie form. From the buttery peanut flavor to the melty chocolate chips and that perfect chewy texture, these cookies hit all the right notes. Next time you’re craving something special but straightforward, give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll be baking it again and again just like I do. Sharing these with friends always brings smiles and a few happy sighs, so consider it your new secret weapon for homemade cookie greatness.

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