Introduction
There’s something irresistibly comforting about freshly baked cookies, especially when they’re made with rich peanut butter and ooey-gooey chocolate chips. These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful combination of sweet and savory, offering a burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re baking for friends or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfy cravings. Let’s get started on this delicious adventure!
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and well incorporated.
- Next, add the baking soda and salt to your peanut butter mixture. Stir gently until fully combined, ensuring no dry ingredients remain visible.
- Carefully fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for that luscious burst of chocolate in every cookie.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should be lightly golden, while the centers may look slightly underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This short cooling time helps them set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- For a nuttier flavor, consider using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy!
- If you want to add a touch of flair, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
- These cookies freeze well! Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Cooking Techniques
The key to perfect cookies lies in the mixing technique. Be sure not to over-mix the dough once you add the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tougher cookies. Also, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack; this helps maintain their soft and chewy texture.
FAQ
- Can I substitute the peanut butter? Yes! You can switch it out for any nut or seed butter, though the flavor and texture will vary.
- What should I do if my dough is too sticky? If your dough feels too sticky to scoop, try refrigerating it for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.
- Can I add other mix-ins? Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, oats, or butterscotch chips for a delicious twist!
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple and satisfying recipe for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies that will fill your kitchen with warmth and the mouthwatering aroma of baking. These cookies are perfect for sharing, but let’s be honest—you might just want to keep them all to yourself! Enjoy the sweet, nutty, and chocolatey bliss with every bite. Happy baking!