Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat, perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a sweet snack for a gathering or a comforting dessert after dinner, these cookies deliver thick, chewy goodness with a nutty flavor. The blend of peanut butter and chocolatey chips creates an irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze.
• Deliciously Chewy: The perfect balance of soft centers and slightly crispy edges makes every bite delightful.
• Versatile Flavor: These cookies are great on their own but can be dressed up with nuts or other mix-ins if desired.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or an everyday treat, these cookies fit right in.
• Freezer Friendly: You can freeze the dough and bake fresh cookies whenever you want!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars easy, ensuring a smooth mixture.
• Cookie scoop: Helps to portion out uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

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!

• 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

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. Whisk together the following in a mixing bowl:
   3/4 cup all-purpose flour
   3/4 cup cake flour
   1 tsp corn starch
   1/2 tsp baking powder
   1/2 tsp baking soda
   1/2 tsp salt
2. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

1. In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
   1. Add in:
   – 1/2 cup cold, unsalted butter (cubed)
   – 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
   – 1/4 cup granulated sugar
2. Cream together for about 2–3 minutes until creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

1. Mix in:
   – 1 large egg
   – 1 large egg yolk
   – 1 tsp vanilla extract
   – Optional: add in milk if desired

Blend until fully combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

1. With the mixer on low speed:
   1. Gradually add in your dry mixture about a quarter-cup at a time until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Fold in Peanut Butter Chips

1. Add in:
   – One bag (10 oz.) of peanut butter chips
2. Gently mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Cookie Dough Prep

1. You can either bake immediately or chill your cookie dough for a few hours (or up to three days), which will enhance the flavors.

Step 8: Scoop Cookies

1. Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough balls (approx. 2–3 Tbsp each). Roll each ball in granulated sugar.

Step 9: Shape Cookies

1. Place six to eight cookies on each prepared cookie sheet. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on each cookie, adjusting any cracks as necessary.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

1. Bake for approximately:
   9–11 minutes until tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary!
2. After removing from the oven, let them rest briefly before transferring them to a cooling rack. Sprinkle any remaining granulated sugar along with flaky sea salt on top for added flavor! Enjoy your delicious Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies!

How to Serve Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to enjoy them with a glass of milk or serve them at a party, there are plenty of ways to present these delightful treats.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing these cookies with cold milk enhances their rich flavor. The creaminess of the milk balances the sweetness perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite flavor for a delicious dessert that’s both chewy and creamy.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter. This makes for an eye-catching dessert display for gatherings or celebrations.

Warm from the Oven

• Serve them straight from the oven. The warmth makes them soft and gooey, which is an irresistible treat for your guests.

As a Gift

• Package the cookies in a cute box or jar with a ribbon. These homemade goodies make great gifts for friends and family.

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How to Perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

To achieve the perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, follow these essential tips. They will help ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Allow butter and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth dough that holds together well.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than soft and chewy ones.
• Chill the Dough – If time allows, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps enhance flavor and texture.
• Watch Baking Time – Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking. Pulling them out when they are slightly underbaked ensures they remain soft.
• Experiment with Add-ins – Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement their rich flavors:

1. Chocolate Milkshake – A thick, creamy chocolate milkshake pairs wonderfully with peanut butter flavors.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad balances the richness of the cookies with its refreshing taste.
3. Ice Cream Sundae – Top vanilla ice cream with hot fudge or caramel sauce, then add crumbled cookies for extra crunch.
4. Coffee or Espresso – A cup of coffee provides a nice contrast to sweet cookies, making it a delightful pairing.
5. Nutty Granola Bar – For those who want something crunchy, nutty granola bars complement the peanut butter without overpowering it.
6. Hot Tea – A warm cup of tea is soothing and pairs nicely with sweet treats like these cookies.
7. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit alongside your cookies for a balanced snack option.
8. Milk Chocolate Dipped Pretzels – These salty-sweet snacks are perfect companions, providing both crunch and flavor contrast to the soft cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your results. Here are some key errors to watch out for:

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing and affect cookie texture. Always ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can create tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement by spooning flour into a measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Skipping chilling time: Chilling dough helps develop flavor and prevents spreading during baking. If possible, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Overbaking cookies: Cookies continue to bake on the sheet after being removed from the oven. Pull them out when they are slightly underbaked for a perfect chewy center.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until soft.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, here are some common inquiries:

What makes these the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies?

These cookies are thick, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and enhance the peanut flavor in your cookies.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

Cookies should be golden brown on top but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for additional flavors and textures.

How long does it take to make these cookies?

The total time is around 20 minutes, including prep and cook time, making it a quick dessert option!

Final Thoughts

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various mix-ins or toppings based on your preference. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors that come from freshly baked cookies!