Name: Soft Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8.5 ounces Bread Flour; 8.5 ounces Cake Flour; 1.5 teaspoons Baking Powder; 1.5 teaspoons Salt; 1.25 teaspoons Baking Soda; 1.25 cups Unsalted Butter (at room temperature); 0.5 cup Creamy Peanut Butter; 10 ounces Light Brown Sugar; 8 ounces Granulated Sugar; 2 Eggs; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 2.5 cups Chocolate Chips

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There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, and that magic is perfectly captured in my recipe for Soft Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. Growing up, my fondest memories involve Saturday afternoons spent in the kitchen, baking alongside my grandmother. We would mix, measure, and occasionally sneak a spoonful of cookie dough (who can resist?) before the dough even made it to the oven. Her secret? A perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate chips that created the most delightful treat. Fast forward to today, and I still find joy in whipping up these cookies, especially during chilly evenings when all I want is a warm, gooey cookie and a glass of cold milk. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
200 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl

Why This Soft Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Works

Classic Comfort

There’s nothing quite like the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate. It’s a flavor duo that never fails to impress, evoking nostalgia with every bite. The creamy peanut butter provides a rich depth, while the chocolate chips add that perfect sweetness.

Texture Perfection

What sets these cookies apart is their incredible texture. The chewy center, paired with slightly crisp edges, creates an irresistible mouthfeel. Each cookie is soft enough to be enjoyed fresh from the oven but maintains a satisfying chewiness even days later.

Easy to Make

Don’t let the delicious outcome fool you; these cookies are surprisingly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll find that the process is quite straightforward. It’s a great recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Versatile Enjoyment

These cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing lunchboxes, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, they’re always a hit. You can even customize them by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate chips.

Great for Sharing

What’s better than enjoying these with friends and family? Baking a batch of Soft Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies is a wonderful way to share joy and warmth. Plus, they make the perfect gift wrapped up in a cute box.

Make Ahead and Store

One of the best things about these cookies is that they can be made in advance and stored for later. They keep well in an airtight container, making them a go-to option for when those cookie cravings hit!

What You Need for Soft Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creating the perfect cookie is a blend of quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. In this recipe, we’re using a combination of bread flour and cake flour to achieve the ideal texture. The unsalted butter adds richness, while the peanut butter brings a delightful nuttiness. Finally, the chocolate chips add a burst of sweetness in every bite.

Bread Flour: 8½ ounces (2 cups) of bread flour gives the cookies a chewy structure.
Cake Flour: 8½ ounces (2 cups + 2 tablespoons) of cake flour keeps them soft and tender.
Baking Powder: 1½ teaspoons of baking powder helps the cookies rise properly.
Salt: 1½ teaspoons of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Baking Soda: 1¼ teaspoons of baking soda aids in leavening.
Unsalted Butter: 1¼ cups (283.75g) of unsalted butter provides richness and flavor, at room temperature.
Creamy Peanut Butter: ½ cup (129g) of creamy peanut butter adds a nutty taste.
Light Brown Sugar: 10 ounces (1⅓ cups) of light brown sugar contributes sweetness and moisture.
Granulated Sugar: 8 ounces (1 cup + 2 tablespoons) of granulated sugar adds additional sweetness.
Eggs: 2 eggs bind the ingredients and provide structure.
Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Chocolate Chips: 2½ cups (450g) of chocolate chips bring that indulgent sweetness we love.

How to Cook Soft Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these cookies is a delightful process that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Let’s dive into the steps to create your very own batch of Soft Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.

First, whisk together the bread flour, cake flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, around 2 minutes. Don’t forget to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate every bit!
Next, add both sugars—light brown sugar and granulated sugar—to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Continue beating on medium speed for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is very light and fluffy.
Now, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to create a smooth batter. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients from your bowl. Mix just until everything is combined; avoid overmixing as it can lead to tougher cookies.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The chunks of chocolate will melt beautifully during baking.
Next, press some plastic wrap against the dough to cover it completely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This chilling step is crucial for developing flavor and a better texture.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Divide the chilled dough into balls weighing about 2½ ounces each. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there is at least 2 inches of space between each ball.
Bake for about 15 to 17 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden brown. The center will continue to cook as they cool, giving that perfect chewy texture.
Once baked, transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack. Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before moving them to the rack to cool completely. Repeat this process for the remaining dough, ensuring your baking sheets have cooled between batches.
Finally, enjoy your delicious Soft Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies! They can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Things Worth Knowing

Chilling the Dough: Always refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps enhance the flavors and yield chewier cookies.
Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients to keep cookies soft.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness and freshness.
Ingredient Temperature: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.

Tips and Tricks about Soft Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mastering the art of cookie baking can be a delightful experience filled with experimentation. Here are some tips to enhance your cookie-making skills!

Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps retain their soft and chewy texture for days!
Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Pairing: These cookies go perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Try pairing them with a warm cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat!
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips such as dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate. You can also add nuts for a crunchy texture!
Don’t Skip Refrigeration: Allowing the dough to chill is vital for the best flavor and texture. It also makes the dough easier to handle.
Batch Baking: If you’re planning to bake for gatherings, you can double the recipe and share with friends or family. They make fantastic gifts!

Serving This Soft Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are incredibly versatile and can fit perfectly into various occasions. Here are some ways to serve them:

Afternoon Snack: They are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up, especially alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Lunchbox Treat: Pack a few in your kids’ lunchboxes for a delightful surprise that will brighten their day at school.
Parties and Gatherings: Serve them at gatherings or parties. They’re always a hit and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Seasonal Baking: These cookies can bring warmth to any season, whether it’s summer picnics or cozy winter evenings.
Presentation: For a charming touch, stack them on a plate and wrap them in cellophane with a cute ribbon for gifts or party favors.
Storage Considerations: If you have leftovers, they can last for up to 4 days at room temperature. However, they’re likely to be gone much sooner!

FAQ

While you can use natural peanut butter, it’s essential to note that it has a different consistency than creamy varieties. Natural peanut butter can lead to a drier dough as it tends to be more oily. If you choose to use it, you might need to adjust the amount of flour or add a bit more fat to balance the texture.

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their chewy texture. If you want to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing them. Just make sure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn!

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans make an excellent addition to the dough. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips for an extra crunch in your cookies. The nutty flavor complements the peanut butter perfectly!

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you manage to have leftovers, you can also freeze them for longer storage. When ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature.

Conclusion

These Soft Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines nostalgic flavors with a comforting texture. With their easy preparation and delicious outcome, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family. So why not gather your ingredients today and bake a batch? You’ll create lasting memories while indulging in these irresistible cookies!