Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate soft, chewy, and nutty dessert, packed with rich chocolate chips and a deep peanut butter flavor. If you love classic peanut butter cookies but crave a little extra indulgence, these cookies are perfectly balanced—crispy on the edges, gooey in the center, and filled with melty chocolate.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday treat, a sweet snack, or a homemade gift, these easy peanut butter chocolate chip cookies will become your go-to recipe!
In this ultimate baking guide, we’ll cover:
- The best ingredients for soft and chewy cookies
- Step-by-step instructions to ensure a perfect batch every time
- Variations like gluten-free, vegan, and chunky versions
- Pro tips for achieving bakery-style cookies
- Storage tips to keep your cookies fresh for days
If you love the sweet and salty combination of peanut butter and chocolate, these cookies will be your new favorite treat!
- Looking for another decadent cookie recipe? Try these Chewy Double Chocolate Cookies for an extra chocolatey twist!
Ingredients for the Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Using high-quality ingredients makes a huge difference in creating chewy, soft, and flavorful cookies. Let’s break down the key ingredients that will make these cookies bakery-style perfection.
- Want more peanut butter treats? Try these Peanut Butter Blondies for a chewy, fudgy dessert!
Essential Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | Provides structure and creates a soft texture. |
| Baking Soda | Helps the cookies rise and spread properly. |
| Salt | Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness. |
| Unsalted Butter (Softened) | Adds richness and moisture for soft, chewy cookies. |
| Creamy Peanut Butter | The key ingredient that adds nutty, buttery flavor. |
| Brown Sugar | Keeps the cookies soft and chewy with a hint of caramel flavor. |
| Granulated Sugar | Helps create a slightly crisp edge and balanced sweetness. |
| Eggs | Bind the ingredients together and provide structure. |
| Vanilla Extract | Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. |
| Chocolate Chips | The star mix-in—use semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate. |
Choosing the Best Peanut Butter for Cookies
For the best texture, it’s important to use regular creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Natural peanut butter (with oil separation) can make the dough too dry or too greasy.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Now that we have gathered our ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step process to make the most delicious peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure perfectly soft and chewy cookies every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, well-balanced cookie dough. Properly mixing the ingredients ensures that the cookies bake evenly and develop a rich flavor.
1. Preheat the oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- This prevents the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the dough.
3. Cream the butter, peanut butter, and sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Beating incorporates air into the dough, making the cookies soft and chewy.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla
- Crack in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
- Mix until just combined—do not overbeat.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Mix on low speed until just incorporated. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips
- Stir in 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- If desired, mix in ½ cup chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
Pro Tip: Do not overmix the dough—this can result in dense cookies instead of soft and chewy ones!
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Shaping the cookie dough correctly is key to even baking and achieving the perfect cookie texture.
1. Scoop the dough
- Use a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) or a spoon to portion the dough.
- Roll each scoop into a smooth ball for uniform baking.
2. Space them out
- Place cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- This gives the cookies room to spread as they bake.
3. Flatten slightly (optional)
- If you prefer thinner cookies, gently press each dough ball with a fork or the back of a spoon.
- If you like thicker cookies, leave them in rounded mounds.
Pro Tip: If you want the classic crisscross peanut butter cookie look, lightly press a fork into the dough balls in a crisscross pattern.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Baking time is essential for achieving the perfect cookie texture—crispy on the edges while staying soft and gooey in the center.
1. Bake in preheated oven
- Place the baking sheets in the center rack of the oven.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until:
- The edges are lightly golden.
- The centers look slightly underbaked (they will firm up as they cool).
2. Rotate halfway through baking
- If baking multiple sheets at once, rotate them halfway for even baking.
3. Cool on the baking sheet
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them.
- This allows them to set without overbaking.
4. Transfer to a wire rack
- Move cookies to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling completely.
- This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Pro Tip: For extra melty chocolate chips, press a few extra chips onto the tops of the cookies right after baking!
Step 4: Enjoy Fresh or Store for Later!
1. Eat them warm
- Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies taste best fresh when the chocolate is gooey and melted.
2. Store for later
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 2 weeks if you like chilled cookies.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight bag for up to 3 months.
3. Reheat for fresh-baked flavor
- Microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth.
Pro Tip: If storing cookies, add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft longer!
- If you love soft and chewy cookies, don’t miss our Carrot Cake Cookies—another bakery-style favorite!
Delicious Variations of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
One of the best things about peanut butter chocolate chip cookies is how versatile they are. With just a few modifications, you can create different flavors and textures, making them perfect for every preference.
1. Peanut Butter Chunk Cookies
If you’re a peanut butter lover, this variation takes things to the next level!
How to make it:
- Instead of chocolate chips, use chopped peanut butter cups or peanut butter chunks.
- Add ½ cup of crushed salted peanuts for an extra crunchy texture.
- Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted peanut butter for even more nutty flavor.
Perfect for: Those who can’t get enough peanut butter and want a crunchy, nutty bite!
2. Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
For those avoiding gluten, you don’t have to miss out on these delicious cookies!
How to make it:
- Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
- Some peanut butter cookies can be made flourless—just increase the peanut butter to 1 cup and add an extra egg for binding.
- Check your chocolate chips to ensure they are gluten-free.
Perfect for: Anyone with gluten sensitivities or those looking for a flourless alternative.
- For a unique twist, check out these Churro Cheesecake Cookies, combining crispy churro flavor with a creamy cheesecake filling!
3. Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
You don’t need eggs or dairy to enjoy these delicious cookies!
How to make it:
- Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Replace eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and left to sit for 5 minutes).
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips, like dark chocolate or carob chips.
Perfect for: Vegans, dairy-free diets, or those looking for a plant-based cookie option.
4. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you love chewy, hearty cookies, this variation adds an oatmeal twist!
How to make it:
- Replace ½ cup of flour with rolled oats for a heartier texture.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Use dark chocolate chunks instead of regular chocolate chips for a more rustic look.
Perfect for: Those who love the combination of peanut butter and oats in a chewy, filling cookie.
5. Crunchy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
For a crispier texture, these cookies are thin, golden, and crunchy.
How to make it:
- Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Reduce brown sugar and increase granulated sugar for a crispier edge.
- Flatten each dough ball before baking to help them spread more.
Perfect for: Cookie lovers who prefer thin and crispy over soft and chewy.
6. Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies
Take your peanut butter chocolate chip cookies to the next level by adding gooey marshmallows!
How to make it:
- Mix in ½ cup of mini marshmallows and ½ cup of crushed graham crackers into the dough.
- Use milk chocolate chips for a classic s’mores flavor.
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top before baking.
Perfect for: Summer BBQs, camping trips, or anyone who loves the flavors of s’mores!
7. Spicy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you love sweet and spicy, this variation adds a hint of heat to balance the sweetness.
How to make it:
- Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or ½ teaspoon of chili powder to the dough.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer contrast.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top after baking.
Perfect for: Adventurous eaters who love a sweet-heat combination!
Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Avoid natural peanut butter, as it can make the dough oily.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer thicker, bakery-style cookies.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer, smoother melt.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter works great if you want extra texture and peanut pieces in every bite. However, keep in mind that natural peanut butter (where the oil separates) can make the dough too oily or dry. Stick to classic brands like Jif or Skippy for best results.
2. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are too flat, try these fixes:
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use slightly less butter (reduce by 1-2 tablespoons).
- Ensure your baking soda is fresh, as expired baking soda won’t help the cookies hold their shape.
3. Can I freeze peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough?
Absolutely! Here’s how to freeze it:
- Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 1-2 minutes longer than usual.
Storage Time: Frozen cookie dough lasts up to 3 months!
4. What’s the best way to store baked cookies?
To keep your cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage:
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature when ready to eat!
5. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! Replace eggs with:
- Flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes).
- Unsweetened applesauce (¼ cup per egg).
- Mashed banana (¼ cup per egg, adds slight banana flavor).
6. How do I make these cookies extra soft?
Use more brown sugar than white sugar for a chewier texture.
Don’t overbake—take them out when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch to the dry ingredients for an ultra-soft texture.
7. Can I make these cookies extra thick?
Yes! For thicker cookies:
- Chill the dough for 1 hour before baking.
- Use more flour—increase by ¼ cup if your dough is too wet.
- Scoop larger dough balls (about 2 tablespoons each).
Conclusion – Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
These peanut butter chocolate chip cookies bring together the perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and chocolatey flavors, making them a household favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just a weeknight treat, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!
Soft & Chewy – A perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Easy to Make – No fancy techniques required!
Loaded with Chocolate – Every bite is packed with gooey chocolate chips.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Store the dough or freeze for later.
Now that you have the perfect recipe, it’s time to preheat your oven and start baking!
- Looking for more homemade dessert inspiration? Check out our cookie collection for more mouthwatering baking ideas!