Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup natural cocoa powder; ½ tsp Baking Soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup butter; ½ cup light brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup creamy peanut butter; 1 large egg; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 tbsp milk; 1¼ cups Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups; ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter

Indulge yourself in these decadent peanut butter and chocolate cookies. A perfect blend of the classic flavors, these cookies are soft and chewy, packed with Reese’s peanut butter cups and drizzled with creamy peanut butter. The bittersweet cocoa powder adds depth to the overall flavor. The chilling process allows the ingredients to mingle and the flavors to develop fully.

Photos of Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Most ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples in most households. However, you may need to source Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and natural cocoa powder. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are a type of chocolate candy filled with peanut butter, widely available in the candy section of most grocery stores. Natural cocoa powder, unlike Dutch-processed cocoa powder, is acidic and light in color, and it is the preferred choice when baking cookies.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies Ingredients

All-purpose flour: An incredibly versatile ingredient that provides the structure for the cookies.

Cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor to the cookies.

Baking soda: A leavening agent that makes the cookies rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the sweet flavors in the cookies.

Butter: Gives the cookies a buttery, rich flavor and tender texture.

Light brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the cookies and keeps them moist.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them spread.

Peanut butter: Adds a creamy, nutty flavor to the cookies. Used in the dough and as a drizzle on top.

Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the other ingredients together.

Vanilla extract: Provides a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the chocolate and peanut butter.

Milk: Adds moisture to the dough, helping it come together.

Reese’s peanut butter cups: Adds texture and a burst of peanut butter flavor within each bite.

One reader, Debera Mattingly says:

These peanut butter and chocolate cookies are a game-changer! The combination of rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter is pure bliss. The cookies are soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible. I highly recommend this recipe for a delightful treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Debera Mattingly

Essential Techniques for Baking Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies

How to prepare the dough: Mixing the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until a soft dough is formed.

How to chill the dough: Cover the dough tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

How to bake the cookies: Drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees F.

How to drizzle the peanut butter: Melt the peanut butter and drizzle it over the warm or cooled cookies, allowing it to set for about 10 minutes.

How To Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies offer soft and chewy treats packed with the goodness from peanut butter cups, melted peanut butter, and cocoa powder!

Preparation: 1 hour 15 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 1 hour 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1½cupsall-purpose flour,spoon and leveled
½cupnatural cocoa powder,unsweetened
½tspbaking soda
¼tspsalt
½cupbutter,(1 stick) unsalted, softened to room temperature
½cuplight brown sugar,packed
½cupgranulated sugar
¼cupcreamy peanut butter,or chunky
1large egg
1tsppure vanilla extract
2tbspmilk,(30 ml)
1¼cupsReese’s peanut butter cups,(about 16 Reese’s miniatures) chopped
⅓cupcreamy peanut butter,or chunky, for drizzle

Instructions

Toss the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed for about 1 minute until creamy.
Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl as needed.
Switch the mixer to medium speed and beat in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter until combined.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Turn the mixer off and pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
Turn the mixer on low and slowly beat until a soft dough is formed. Beat in the milk at medium speed.
Once mixed, beat in the peanut butter cups until evenly disbursed. The dough will be very thick and sticky.
Cover the dough tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
Drop 8 rounded balls of dough, about 1½ tablespoons of the dough each, onto prepared baking sheets.
Bake each batch for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven.
The cookies will not have spread much, so gently press down on them with the back of a fork or spoon.
Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
As the cookies are cooling, melt the peanut butter.
Drizzle over warm or cool cookies.
Allow peanut butter to set for about 10 minutes.

Recipe Notes

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Calories: 293.80kcal
Fat: 16.77g
Saturated Fat: 6.86g
Trans Fat: 0.24g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.49g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.48g
Carbohydrates: 33.13g
Fiber: 2.41g
Sugar: 20.10g
Protein: 6.14g
Cholesterol: 28.11mg
Sodium: 147.92mg
Calcium: 32.90mg
Potassium: 181.05mg
Iron: 1.38mg
Vitamin A: 57.36µg
Vitamin C: 0.05mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies

When melting the peanut butter for the drizzle, be sure to do it over low heat and stir constantly to prevent it from burning. If the peanut butter is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to achieve a smoother, more drizzle-friendly consistency.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least 1 hour helps to solidify the fats in the cookies, preventing them from spreading too much during baking.

Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures that each cookie is the same size, allowing for even baking and a uniform appearance.

Pre-measure ingredients: Pre-measuring all the ingredients before starting the recipe can help streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling for items.

Substitute Ingredients For Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe

all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the cookies, making them a bit healthier.
natural cocoa powder - Substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder will result in a smoother and less acidic flavor in the cookies.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda, but you may need to adjust the quantity.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies and can be a dairy-free alternative.
light brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar sweetness and caramel-like flavor, and it's a less refined option.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies, but you may need to adjust the quantity of other liquids in the recipe.
creamy peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can provide a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, and it's a good alternative for those with peanut allergies.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: A flaxseed egg can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs in the recipe.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can add a subtle nutty flavor and works well as a dairy-free substitute.
Reese's peanut butter cups - Substitute with chopped dark chocolate: Chopped dark chocolate can provide a rich and intense chocolate flavor without the peanut butter filling.
creamy peanut butter - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter is a good alternative for those with nut allergies and can provide a similar creamy texture and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present Your Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies

Elevate the cookie: Place the cookies on a sleek, modern plate or platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded. This will create a visually appealing presentation and allow each cookie to shine on its own.
Garnish with elegance: Sprinkle a light dusting of cocoa powder over the cookies for a touch of sophistication. This will add a subtle contrast to the rich chocolate and enhance the overall visual appeal.
Incorporate a touch of artistry: Drizzle melted peanut butter in a delicate, artistic pattern around the cookies, creating an eye-catching design that showcases the luscious combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
Add a touch of nature: Place a small, vibrant edible flower or a sprig of fresh mint alongside the cookies to introduce a pop of color and a hint of natural beauty to the presentation.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the cookies in a circular pattern, creating a visually pleasing and balanced display that will catch the eye of the judges and guests alike.
Utilize negative space: Leave a bit of empty space on the plate to allow the cookies to stand out and be the focal point of the presentation, emphasizing their delicious appeal.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies

Handheld or stand mixer: A handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment is used to cream the butter and mix the cookie dough.
Large bowl: A large bowl is used to mix the dry ingredients together before combining with the wet ingredients.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These are used to line the baking sheets to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Aluminum foil or plastic wrap: These are used to tightly cover the cookie dough before chilling it in the refrigerator.
Baking sheets: Large baking sheets are used to bake the cookies.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool the cookies after baking.
Fork or spoon: A fork or spoon is used to gently press down on the cookies after baking.

Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
To keep the cookies soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and keep the cookies from becoming too hard.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies:
- Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
If you prefer a slightly warmed cookie, microwave the thawed cookies for 10-15 seconds or until heated through.
Drizzle the peanut butter over the cookies just before serving for the best texture and appearance.

How To Reheat Leftover Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies

To reheat leftover peanut butter and chocolate cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy around the edges. This method will restore the cookies' original texture and bring out the flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate.
For a quicker option, you can use a microwave to reheat the cookies. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cookies to become too soft or even soggy.
If you want to enjoy your leftover cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, try warming them up in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the cookies in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy. Serve the warm cookies with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious and indulgent treat.
For a no-heat option, you can let the cookies come to room temperature naturally. This method works well if you prefer a softer, chewier texture. Simply remove the cookies from the refrigerator and let them sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes before enjoying them.
If you want to refresh the flavor of your leftover cookies, try drizzling them with some melted peanut butter or chocolate before reheating. This will add an extra layer of flavor and make the cookies taste like they were freshly baked.

Interesting Trivia About Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies

The peanut butter and chocolate cookies recipe is a delightful combination of flavors that creates a perfect balance between sweet and savory. These cookies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying the rich taste of peanut butter and chocolate.

Is Making Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this peanut butter and chocolate cookies recipe is moderate. While the ingredients are fairly common, the use of peanut butter cups may increase the overall cost. However, the yield of the recipe is substantial, making it suitable for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering the delightful combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and the joy it brings to the taste buds.

Are Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?

This peanut butter and chocolate cookie recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients contributing to its indulgent nature are:

All-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks fiber and nutrients
Cocoa powder, although rich in antioxidants, is often processed and stripped of its health benefits
Butter and peanut butter, both high in saturated fats
Brown sugar and granulated sugar, adding empty calories and potentially contributing to blood sugar spikes
Reese's peanut butter cups, which are high in sugar and unhealthy fats

However, this recipe can be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat. To make it slightly healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients
Reduce the amount of sugar by 25% to lower the overall calorie count
Use dark chocolate chips instead of Reese's peanut butter cups for a healthier chocolate option with less sugar and more antioxidants
Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter to reduce added sugars and unhealthy fats
Incorporate rolled oats for added fiber and texture
Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for healthy fats and protein

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced cookie that still satisfies your sweet tooth while providing some nutritional benefits. Remember, the key to enjoying treats like these is to practice portion control and balance them with an overall healthy lifestyle.

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies Recipe

The combination of rich cocoa, creamy peanut butter, and decadent Reese's peanut butter cups in this cookie recipe creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The addition of milk adds a touch of moisture, resulting in a soft and chewy cookie. The drizzle of melted peanut butter on top adds an extra layer of nutty goodness. Overall, this recipe is a delicious twist on classic chocolate cookies, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Enhance Your Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for balancing the rich and sweet flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate cookies.

Grilled Pineapple Slices: Caramelized grilled pineapple slices, adding a tropical and refreshing element to complement the decadent cookies.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Tangy and sweet balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts, providing a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

Delicious Alternatives to Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly day. It's rich, flavorful, and easy to make at home.

Mango Salsa: Fresh and vibrant, this mango salsa is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. It's great with grilled chicken, fish, or as a dip with tortilla chips.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Roasted broccoli gets a flavor upgrade with garlic and parmesan in this easy and delicious side dish. It's a great way to get your veggies in!

Appetizers and Main Dishes That Go Well with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a delicious mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. They're the perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with these flavorful bruschetta bites. Top crispy baguette slices with a fresh and zesty tomato mixture, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with basil for a burst of Italian-inspired flavors.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy and indulgent, this dish combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful alfredo sauce. The perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Beef Stroganoff: Tender strips of beef cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over a bed of buttery egg noodles. A classic and satisfying meal that never disappoints.

Why trust this Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe:

This recipe is a delightful combination of peanut butter and chocolate, two classic flavors that complement each other perfectly. The use of natural cocoa powder and creamy peanut butter ensures a rich and indulgent taste. The addition of Reese's peanut butter cups adds a delightful surprise in every bite. With a perfect balance of sweetness and depth of flavor, these cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet craving. The step-by-step instructions and use of quality ingredients guarantee a delicious outcome, making this recipe a trustworthy choice for any baking enthusiast.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in place of creamy peanut butter. Just make sure it's well mixed and not too runny to maintain the cookie dough consistency.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer some texture in your cookies. The crunchiness of the peanuts will add a nice contrast to the soft cookie texture.

Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of cocoa powder?

It's best to use natural cocoa powder for this recipe as it provides the right flavor and texture. Using a different type of chocolate may alter the consistency and taste of the cookies.

Can I substitute the peanut butter cups with another type of candy?

Certainly! You can substitute the peanut butter cups with your favorite candy, such as chopped chocolate bars or even caramel-filled chocolates. Get creative and use what you love!

Can I skip the chilling step for the cookie dough?

Chilling the dough is essential for the cookies to hold their shape and prevent excessive spreading while baking. It also enhances the flavor and texture, so I highly recommend not skipping this step.