Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

These chocolate peanut butter cookies combine rich cocoa with creamy peanut butter for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. They are soft on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside, making them a favorite for anytime snacking or sharing at gatherings. This recipe is straightforward and yields consistently delicious results.

I first made these for a family bake day, and now everyone asks me to bring them for holidays and birthdays because they are always a crowd-pleaser

Ingredients

• 2¼ cups flour: provides structure for the cookies use all-purpose flour for best results
• ⅔ cup cocoa powder: do not pack the cocoa into the cup to keep the right intensity of chocolate flavor
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: helps the cookies rise slightly for a tender crumb
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: gives a bit of lift and chewiness
• 1½ cups sugar: divided to provide sweetness and coating reserve ½ cup for rolling the dough balls
• 1 cup butter, softened: adds richness and keeps cookies moist room temperature helps it cream well
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: delivers the peanut flavor and creamy texture throughout
• 1¼ cups light brown sugar, packed: adds moisture and subtle caramel notes
• 2 eggs: bind ingredients and add moisture
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances and rounds the flavors naturally

Instructions

Sift the Dry Ingredients:

Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda into a bowl and set aside. Sifting ensures the dry ingredients mix evenly and removes any lumps for a smooth dough.

Prepare the Sugars:

Set aside ½ cup of sugar for rolling the cookie dough balls later. This coats the dough and helps create the slightly crisp exterior.

Cream Butter and Peanut Butter:

Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until fully combined and smooth. This step is important to achieve a creamy texture in your cookies.

Add Sugars and Beat Until Fluffy:

Add the light brown sugar and the remaining sugar to the butter mixture. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air, contributing to a lighter cookie.

Incorporate the Eggs:

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each egg is blended in. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so mix gently here.

Add Vanilla Extract:

Pour in the vanilla extract and mix to combine, which enhances the overall flavor.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies dense.

Chill the Dough:

Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up making it easier to handle and improving flavor development.

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (about 175 degrees Celsius). Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for even baking and easy cleanup.

Shape and Sugar the Dough Balls:

Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough into balls roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each ball in the reserved sugar until completely coated. Using a plastic bag or bowl helps keep this mess-free.

Arrange and Press Pattern:

Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet. Lightly press the top of each dough ball with a fork in a criss-cross pattern. Dip the fork in sugar before pressing to prevent sticking.

Bake:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye so they do not overbake the centers should still be slightly soft.

Cool on Baking Sheet:

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes after baking. This helps them set and makes transferring to a cooling rack easier without breaking.

Cool Completely and Store:

Once slightly cooled, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days.

Peanut butter is my favorite ingredient here because it adds such a comforting, rich depth to these cookies. I remember baking these as a kid with my mom on rainy days and the smell filling the kitchen always made the day feel cozy.

Storage Tips

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to keep them soft For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to three months thaw at room temperature before serving You can also freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a sheet tray and then transfer them to a bag for easy future baking

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer natural peanut butter, use one with no added sugar or salt but expect a slightly different texture You can swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for a nutty flavor and added fiber Use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for a deeper molasses note

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies slightly warm with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate classic comfort They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert treat Add chopped peanuts on top before baking for extra crunch and flair

Swap the peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter to accommodate allergies or seasonal ingredient availability

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of cocoa powder should I use?

Use unsweetened cocoa powder and avoid packing the measuring cup to retain the correct amount and texture.

→ Why is the dough chilled before baking?

Chilling firms the dough, helping the cookies keep their shape and develop a more tender crumb during baking.

→ How do I create the classic criss-cross pattern?

Roll the dough balls in sugar, then gently press a fork dipped in sugar onto each one to form the pattern without sticking.

→ Can I substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter?

Yes, alternatives like almond or cashew butter can be used, but they will change the flavor profile slightly.

→ What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Keep the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and softness.