Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something sweet. With their thick, chewy texture and rich peanut butter flavor, these cookies stand out as a crowd favorite. Each bite offers a perfect balance of nutty goodness and sweetness, making them an irresistible dessert option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolatey chips creates a taste sensation.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time.
• Perfectly Chewy: These cookies are designed to be thick and chewy, offering the ideal cookie experience.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for any celebration or just as an everyday snack, they fit right into any moment.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust the size or add more chocolate chips to make them your own!

Tools and Preparation

To create the best peanut butter chip cookies, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure success in your baking journey.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together for smooth consistency.
• Rubber spatula: Helps incorporate all ingredients thoroughly by scraping down the sides of the bowl.

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!

For the Cookies:

• 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
• 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)
• 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 (190°C). Prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Set this dry mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

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

Step 4: Add Egg Mixture

Add in one large egg, one egg yolk, vanilla extract, and milk if using:
1. Blend until well combined.
2. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down any mixture stuck on the paddle attachment or bowl sides.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed:
1. Gradually add the dry ingredients from step 2 about ¼ cup at a time until just mixed.

Step 6: Fold in Peanut Butter Chips

Add in your peanut butter chips:
1. Mix until evenly incorporated.
2. You can choose to bake immediately or chill dough for up to 3 days for enhanced flavor.

Step 7: Scoop Cookies

Using a cookie scoop:
1. Portion out cookies about 2–3 tablespoons each.
2. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing on prepared sheets.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Place 6–8 dough balls on each cookie sheet:
Use a fork to create crisscross patterns on top of each cookie.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake cookies for approximately 9–11 minutes until tops are golden brown:
Keep an eye on them as ovens may vary; remove before they look fully done.

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 before enjoying!

How to Serve Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, serving these cookies can elevate your dessert experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic choice, pairing warm cookies with cold milk enhances the peanut butter flavor and adds a delicious creaminess.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delightful ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This combination is sure to impress!

Topped with Flaky Sea Salt

• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the warm cookies. The salt contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.

As Party Favors

• Package these cookies in decorative bags or boxes for party favors. They make great gifts that guests will love to take home.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve these cookies alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing balance. The natural sweetness complements the rich peanut butter.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter with other treats. This visually appealing display can enhance any celebration.

Save it!

How to Perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

To achieve cookie perfection, follow these essential tips for making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs mix better, creating a smoother dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined helps maintain a chewy texture in your cookies.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least an hour before baking. This prevents spreading and enhances flavor.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Pull them out when they are slightly underbaked for a soft center.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even oats for variety and texture.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness.

Best Side Dishes for Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These cookies can be complemented by delicious side dishes that enhance their rich flavors. Here are some fantastic options you can serve alongside your Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies:

1. Chocolate Milkshake: A thick and creamy chocolate milkshake pairs wonderfully with peanut butter flavors.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light contrast to the rich taste of peanut butter.
3. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites bring a creamy texture that balances well with the chewy cookies.
4. Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso enhances the nutty flavors and makes for a perfect afternoon treat.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that complements dessert beautifully.
6. Nutty Trail Mix: Serve a bowl of trail mix with nuts and dried fruits to echo the nutty goodness of your cookies.
7. Caramel Sauce Dip: Offer caramel sauce for dipping; it adds sweetness and richness that’s hard to resist.
8. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a sundae bar where guests can add their favorite toppings to ice cream served alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies can be easy, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the chill time: Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor. Allow at least 30 minutes in the fridge before baking.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make cookies dry. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft, chewy texture.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right temperature for optimal results.
• Using outdated ingredients: Old baking powder or soda can affect cookie rise. Check expiration dates and use fresh ingredients for best results.

Save it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• To freeze dough, scoop onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a bag.

Reheating Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I achieve chewy peanut butter chip cookies?

To keep your cookies chewy, don’t overbake them. Remove them from the oven when they still look slightly underdone.

Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add texture but may slightly alter the cookie’s chewiness.

What is the best way to store peanut butter chip cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for extended freshness.

Can I use different types of chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or butterscotch chips along with or instead of peanut butter chips.

Final Thoughts

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are not only thick and chewy but also versatile enough for customization. You can easily adapt this recipe by adding different types of chips or even incorporating nuts. They make for a delightful treat that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!