Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone loves. Perfect for gatherings, snack time, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies offer a thick and chewy texture with a rich peanut butter flavor. Their beautiful golden tops make them visually appealing, and they’ll quickly become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet chips creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and quick to prepare.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the size of the cookies or add extra chocolate chips for variety.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Freezable Dough: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze the dough for fresh cookies whenever you want.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a smooth cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for organizing ingredients and mixing dry and wet components separately.
• Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup after baking.

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!

Dry 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

Wet Ingredients

• 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)

Add-ins

• 1 (10 oz.) bag peanut butter chips (I use Reese’s brand) ~2 cups
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 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 for easy release after baking.

Step 2: Prepare 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 Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the cold butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until smooth.
2. Add in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and milk if using.
3. Blend until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed:
1. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture in increments of about ¼ cup at a time until fully incorporated.
2. Gently fold in the peanut butter chips until evenly distributed through the dough.

Step 5: Chill Dough (Optional)

At this point, you can either bake immediately or chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for a few hours or up to three days for enhanced flavors.

Step 6: Scoop Cookies

Using a cookie scoop:
1. Portion out about 2-3 tablespoons of dough per cookie (adjust size as needed).
2. Roll each portion into a ball then coat in granulated sugar.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Place 6-8 cookie balls on each prepared sheet:
1. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
2. If edges crack slightly when pressed down, gently reshape them back together.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 9-11 minutes:
– Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown but slightly underbaked in the center as they will continue cooking afterward.

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow cookies to rest on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them carefully to a cooling rack using a spatula.

Enjoy your freshly baked Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt!

How to Serve Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, serving them right can elevate any experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that complements the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter. Choose whole milk, almond milk, or even chocolate milk for an indulgent treat.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Place two cookies around a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a delightful dessert. Vanilla or chocolate ice cream works particularly well with this cookie’s flavor.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other desserts like brownies or mini cheesecakes for an impressive display at parties.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of apples or bananas to balance the sweetness of the cookies. The fresh fruit adds a refreshing crunch and makes for a healthier option.

Warmed Up

• Reheat the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving. This enhances their softness and brings out the peanut butter flavor even more.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• A drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. Use dark, milk, or white chocolate according to your preference.

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How to Perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

To ensure your peanut butter chip cookies come out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use cold ingredients: Cold butter helps maintain the structure of the cookies while baking, resulting in a thick and chewy texture.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Overworking the dough can lead to undesirable textures.
• Chill cookie dough: Allowing your cookie dough to chill for at least an hour (or longer) helps develop flavors and creates thicker cookies.
• Watch baking time closely: Ovens vary; pull your cookies out when they are just turning golden brown on top for optimal softness.
• Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding chopped nuts or swapping some peanut butter chips for chocolate chips for variety.
• Store properly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and chewiness.

Best Side Dishes for Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your peanut butter chip cookies can enhance their enjoyment. Here are some delicious options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with warm cookies.
2. Chocolate Milkshake: Blend up a thick chocolate milkshake for an indulgent treat that complements the nutty flavors.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich taste of peanut butter.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your cookie or serve it on the side for dipping.
5. Hot Cocoa: Enjoying these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa makes for a cozy dessert experience.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries as a lighter side dish that balances sweetness.
7. Nutty Trail Mix: Serve with trail mix containing nuts and dried fruits to add crunch and nutrition.
8. Cheese Plate: Offer cheeses like Brie or sharp cheddar alongside your cookies for an unexpected savory twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of for perfect cookies every time.

• Ignoring Measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure precision.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can make cookies tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined for soft, chewy cookies.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading. Even 30 minutes in the fridge can improve texture.
• Using Old Ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Check expiration dates on baking soda and flour for best results.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in a cold oven leads to uneven cookies. Always preheat to ensure even cooking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Alternatively, freeze cookie dough balls and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat for about 10-15 seconds per cookie, checking often to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds texture but may slightly change the cookie’s consistency.

How do I make my cookies chewier?

To achieve chewier cookies, add an extra egg yolk or reduce baking time slightly.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookie dough?

Wrap well in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Can I substitute other types of chips?

Absolutely! Try chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different flavor twist.

Final Thoughts

The Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different mix-ins or toppings. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy these delightful treats with family and friends!