Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion. Their thick, chewy texture and soft center make them irresistible. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. With a rich peanut butter flavor and sweet chocolatey chips, they stand out among other cookie recipes. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making these delicious cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – This recipe features simple steps that even beginner bakers can follow with ease.
• Rich Flavor – The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich peanut butter chips delivers an unforgettable taste.
• Perfect Texture – Enjoy the balance of a chewy inside with a slightly crisp edge; it’s cookie perfection!
• Versatile Serving Options – These cookies are great for any occasion—from dessert tables to lunchbox treats.
• Customizable – Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or swap the peanut butter chips for chocolate chips.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking, ensure you have all the necessary tools ready. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer – Makes creaming ingredients easy and saves time compared to mixing by hand.
• Cookie scoop – Ensures 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 are baked until beautifully bronzed on top. This is the BEST way to make them!

Ingredients:
– 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. Line two cookie sheets 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 powder
5. Baking soda
6. Salt

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the cubed cold unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter for about 2–3 minutes or until creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Add one large egg, one egg yolk, vanilla extract, and milk (if using). Blend until everything is well mixed.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed:
1. Gradually add in the dry ingredients you set aside earlier — about a quarter cup at a time.

Step 6: Fold In Peanut Butter Chips

Once combined:
1. Gently fold in your peanut butter chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Portion Cookie Dough

Use a cookie scoop to portion out your dough into balls about 2–3 tablespoons in size:
1. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing it on the cookie sheet.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Place about six to eight cookie dough balls on each sheet:
1. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake for approximately:
1. 9–11 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary! The trick is to pull them out before they look fully done.

Step 10: Cool & Enjoy!

Let the cookies rest on the sheet for several minutes before transferring them carefully to a cooling rack:
1. Sprinkle with any remaining granulated sugar and flaky sea salt if desired.

Enjoy these incredible Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a classic glass of cold milk. The rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate chips complement the creaminess of milk perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. Chocolate or vanilla works wonderfully!

Drizzled with Chocolate

• For an extra treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the tops of the cookies. This adds a decadent touch that chocolate lovers will adore.

Topped with Flaky Sea Salt

• Enhance the flavor by sprinkling flaky sea salt on top right after baking. The salty-sweet combination is irresistible.

Served Warm

• Serve these cookies warm from the oven for the ultimate chewy experience. Just be sure to let them rest for a few minutes before enjoying.

With Fresh Fruit

• Balance out the sweetness by serving the cookies alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices for a refreshing contrast.

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How to Perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

To achieve cookie perfection, follow these helpful tips. Each step can elevate your baking game and ensure soft, chewy results every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smoother batter that combines well.

• Don’t Overmix: After adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Chill the Dough: Consider chilling the dough for at least an hour before baking. This helps develop flavor and control spread.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven. They should be golden brown on top but still soft in the center when you pull them out.

• Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness for days.

• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts, oats, or even different types of chips for added texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Complement your Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies with these delightful side dishes that pair well with their rich flavors.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream enhances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a cool contrast.

2. Chocolate Milkshake: This indulgent drink matches perfectly with peanut butter flavors, creating a nostalgic dessert combo.

3. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance the richness of the cookies while adding brightness to your dessert spread.

4. Coffee: A hot cup of coffee beautifully contrasts with sweet treats and enhances their nutty flavors.

5. Peanut Butter Dip: Serve a creamy peanut butter dip alongside apple slices or pretzels as an appetizer before indulging in cookies.

6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a fresh, healthy option that pairs nicely with sweet desserts.

7. Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of hot cocoa is perfect for dipping your cookies into—especially during colder months!

8. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda; their creaminess can provide an interesting contrast to sweet cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making cookies can be fun, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some to watch out for:

• Using the wrong flour: Always use a combination of all-purpose and cake flour for the best texture. Using only one type can lead to dry or dense cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
• Skipping chilling time: If you skip chilling the dough, the cookies may spread too much. Chilling helps them maintain their shape while baking.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups. Incorrect measurements can lead to inconsistent results and affect taste.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 375°F. Baking at the wrong temperature can result in underbaked or burnt cookies.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Reheating Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat for about 10-15 seconds per cookie. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, covered, for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies.

What makes these the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies?

These cookies combine rich peanut butter flavor with a chewy texture. The blend of flours creates a perfectly soft center, making them irresistible!

Can I substitute natural peanut butter?

Yes, but it may result in a different texture. Natural peanut butter has less sugar and oil, which may affect how the cookies bake.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure it has xanthan gum included for better structure.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, try adding small amounts of flour (1 tablespoon at a time) until it’s manageable but still soft.

Final Thoughts

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts if desired. Enjoy this comforting treat any time you crave something sweet!