Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup shortening (regular or butter flavor); 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar; 3 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt

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If you are craving a cookie that perfectly balances rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, look no further than these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies. This recipe combines the deep, indulgent flavor of cocoa with the nutty sweetness of peanut butter in a soft and chewy cookie that melts in your mouth. Whether you bake them for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive treat, these cookies bring warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of homemade magic to your kitchen with every bite.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these cookies is in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the creamy peanut butter adding richness, to the unsweetened cocoa powder giving them that perfect chocolaty punch. Together, they create a harmonious blend of flavor and texture that’s hard to resist.

1/2 cup shortening (regular or butter flavor): Provides a tender crumb and helps the cookies hold their shape.
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds moistness and that unmistakable nutty flavor.
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar: Brings sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the dough.
3 tablespoons milk: Helps combine the ingredients and keeps the dough soft.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet aromatic note.
1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s chewy texture.
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the cookie.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor without any added sweetness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop a nice, tender crumb.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough for the cookies to bake evenly and develop a slightly crisp edge while staying soft inside.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, blend the shortening, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step is key to getting a creamy base that will shape the flavor and texture of your cookies.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Next, crack in the egg and mix it just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix here; you want the egg to bind the ingredients without making the dough too dense.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt while blending the cocoa with the flour for consistent chocolate flavor.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully combined. Scrape down the sides to ensure a uniform dough without overworking it, which keeps the cookies tender.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop the cookie dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, forming dough balls about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Then, press each dough ball gently with a fork to create a beautiful crisscross pattern that’s the signature look of peanut butter cookies.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes, watching carefully so the edges are just set but the centers remain soft and chewy. This slightly underbaked finish ensures that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling this way preserves their tender center while letting them finish setting perfectly.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are beautiful on their own, but a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before baking can elevate their flavor by balancing sweetness and enhancing the peanut butter taste. You might also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant, festive look.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a creamy vanilla ice cream scoop. For an adult twist, try serving them alongside a cup of black coffee or espresso, which contrasts the cookies’ sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re sharing these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies at a party or gift giving, stack them neatly in a decorative tin or box lined with parchment paper. You could also sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of peanut butter cream or chocolate ganache for an irresistible cookie treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy. They generally stay fresh for up to 4-5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks.

Freezing

If you want to save these cookies for longer, they freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep up to 3 months and thaw quickly.

Reheating

To bring your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies back to their just-out-of-the-oven glory, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly in 10-second increments. This revives their softness and intensifies their delectable aroma.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for these cookies?

Yes, natural peanut butter can be used, but because it is often thinner and less sweet, the texture and taste might vary slightly. You might want to chill the dough a bit longer before baking to help maintain the cookie shape.

What if I don’t have shortening? Can I substitute it?

Butter is a great substitute for shortening in this recipe, adding a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that butter has more water content, which might slightly change the cookie’s texture, making it a bit less tender but more flavorful.

How do I make sure my cookies stay soft?

Don’t overbake your cookies and cool them on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps retain their moisture and softness.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts can add texture and extra bursts of flavor. Fold them into the dough right after mixing the dry and wet ingredients for even distribution.

Are these cookies vegan or gluten-free?

This recipe is not vegan because it uses an egg and dairy milk, and it contains gluten from all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with vegan substitutes or gluten-free flour blends, though texture and taste might differ.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies that brings joy with every bite—a blend of comfort, indulgence, and homemade goodness that never gets old. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple. Give this recipe a try and savor the delicious harmony of chocolate and peanut butter in your kitchen today!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 29 reviews

Author: Victor
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies combine rich cocoa flavor with creamy peanut butter for a perfectly balanced, soft, and chewy cookie. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they are an irresistible treat for any chocolate and peanut butter lover.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add the egg: Incorporate the large egg into the wet mixture by mixing just until combined to maintain the dough’s structure.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough forms a consistent, uniform batter without overmixing.
Prepare cookie dough balls: Scoop the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet using a spoon or scoop to form dough balls approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Create crisscross pattern: Gently press down each dough ball with a fork to flatten slightly and create the classic crisscross design on top, which also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Bake the cookies: Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft.
Cool the cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up without becoming hard.

Notes

Shortening can be substituted with butter for a richer flavor, but it may affect the texture slightly.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Optional: Add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American