Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a warm, gooey cookie, especially when it’s a Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookie. These cookies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, creating a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe will deliver cookies that are chewy, decadent, and utterly delicious. Let’s dive into the details!
Why Cooks Rave About It
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies have a special place in the hearts of bakers and cookie lovers alike. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic, and when you add the buttery goodness of freshly baked cookies, you have a winner. These cookies are incredibly versatile—great for an afternoon snack, dessert, or even as a sweet addition to a lunchbox. Plus, they are easy to make, require no fancy equipment, and can be enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature.
Gather These Ingredients
Before you start baking, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 extra-large eggs (it’s really okay if you just use large!)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 16 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chunks
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The butter ensures a rich, tender cookie, while the sugars create that delightful sweetness and chewiness we all love.
Hardware & Gadgets
To make the baking process smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls – A large bowl for mixing your wet ingredients and a medium bowl for your dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugars effortless.
- Spatula – For folding in the flour and chocolate chunks.
- Baking sheets – Use non-stick or lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – For portioning out the cookie dough evenly.
- Cooling rack – To cool the cookies after baking.
Having these tools on hand will streamline your baking experience and ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Made Easy
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get into the baking process. Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step that helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the extra-large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Peanut Butter
Add the creamy peanut butter to the mixture and blend until smooth and well combined. The texture should be creamy and well integrated.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and Kosher salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chunks
Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 8: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie as they will spread while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy them warm or allow them to cool completely before storing.
Seasonal Flavor Boosts
Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun seasonal flavor boosts you can add to your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies:
- Chopped nuts – Add some crunch with chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Spices – Introduce a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor, perfect for fall.
- Oats – Stir in some rolled oats for a heartier, chewy texture.
- Sea salt – Sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty contrast.
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own!
Steer Clear of These
When baking your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Avoid using natural peanut butter, as it can alter the texture of your cookies.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best creaming results.
- Don’t skip the chilling step if you decide to chill the dough; this can prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Staying mindful of these tips will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
To keep your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Store – Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freeze – You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time.
- Reheat – If you want to enjoy a warm cookie, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
These tips will help you enjoy your cookies for days, or even weeks, to come!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies Q&A
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your cookies, giving them a bit of extra crunch.
What can I substitute for semi-sweet chocolate chunks?
If you prefer, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chunks. Each type will give the cookies a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have a delicious batch of gluten-free cookies.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to get baking! These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in a warm, soft cookie is simply irresistible. Whether you share them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself, you’re going to love every bite. Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the extra-large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Add the creamy peanut butter and blend until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and Kosher salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- You can freeze cookie dough before baking for later use.
- Reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
