Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines two of the best flavors around, you’ve found it! These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are not just any cookies; they bring together the rich taste of cocoa with the creamy goodness of peanut butter. They are soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible! Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep close at hand.

Every time I bake these cookies, they remind me of cozy moments in the kitchen with loved ones. Plus, they come together in a snap! You’ll love how simple it is to whip up a batch of these delicious treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only a few simple steps, these cookies can be ready in no time.
• Family Favorite: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter makes them a hit with both kids and adults alike!
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday baking, or just because you want something sweet.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you need them.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with creamy peanut butter for a mouthwatering experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything you’ll need to create these scrumptious cookies!

• 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

Variations

One of the best parts about these cookies is how flexible the recipe can be! Feel free to get creative and try out some fun variations:

• Add Some Crunch: Mix in chopped peanuts or chocolate chips for an extra texture.
• Go Nut-Free: Swap out peanut butter for sunflower seed butter if there are nut allergies to consider.
• Experiment with Sweetness: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for an extra depth of flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and turn out perfectly fluffy!

Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture should be smooth and creamy. Creaming these ingredients together helps incorporate air into the dough, which results in soft cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate the Egg

Add in your large egg and mix until just incorporated. The egg acts as a binder here, giving structure to your cookies while keeping them moist.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients separately helps ensure that everything is evenly distributed when mixed into the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to remain tender and chewy!

Step 6: Scoop Your Dough

Scoop the cookie dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet using a spoon or cookie scoop. Form balls about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. This size helps ensure uniform baking.

Step 7: Create the Classic Pattern

Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to create a crisscross pattern on top. This classic touch not only looks great but also helps the cookies spread slightly while baking.

Step 8: Bake Those Cookies

Bake for 7-8 minutes until the edges are just set but still soft in the center. Keep an eye on them; overbaking can lead to crunchy cookies instead of chewy ones!

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

After removing from the oven, let your cookies cool on the cookie sheet for about two minutes. Then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This step allows them to firm up without getting too hard.

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies! Your friends and family will love them as much as I do. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your shortening and egg to room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother dough for chewier cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.

• Scoop uniformly: Using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon ensures that all cookies bake evenly, preventing some from being overdone while others remain undercooked.

• Chill the dough (optional): If you’re not baking right away, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and help the cookies maintain their shape.

• Watch the baking time closely: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies; they should look just set around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are delightful on their own, but with a few simple touches, you can elevate their presentation and make your treat even more special.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of melted chocolate: A quick drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate adds a touch of elegance and extra richness to each cookie.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling chopped peanuts or walnuts on top before baking gives a lovely crunch and enhances the peanut butter flavor.

Side Dishes

• Glass of plant-based milk: A cold glass of almond or oat milk pairs perfectly with these cookies, balancing the rich flavors and making every bite even more enjoyable.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds brightness to your dessert table and offers a light contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Dairy-free ice cream: Serve these cookies warm alongside a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent treat that will please everyone.
• Coffee or herbal tea: Pairing these cookies with a cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying this delicious dessert.

With these tips for serving and garnishing, you’ll turn your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies into an unforgettable treat that impresses family and friends alike! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment. Here are some storage tips to keep your cookies fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider placing a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! While creamy peanut butter creates a smoother texture, crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful crunch. Feel free to swap based on your preference!

How do I make my Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies chewier?

To achieve chewier cookies, try slightly underbaking them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers look soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

What is the best way to ensure my Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies don’t spread too much?

Make sure your shortening is at room temperature but not too soft. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading.

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

You can use natural peanut butter, but be aware that it may lead to drier cookies since it has less added sugar and oil compared to creamy peanut butter. You might want to adjust the amount of shortening slightly.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields approximately 12 delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are truly special with their rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy peanut butter goodness. They’re perfect for any occasion or just as a sweet treat during your week. I hope you enjoy making these delightful cookies as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to get creative with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts if you’d like. Happy baking!