There's something deeply satisfying about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. These chunky peanut butter and chocolate cookies are the perfect embodiment of this classic pairing. The crunchy texture of the peanut butter and the richness of the chocolate make these treats irresistible. They're soft, chewy and incredibly tasty.
The main ingredients for this recipe are generally common and can be found in most households. However, one ingredient that stands out is the crunchy peanut butter. This type of peanut butter has a more pronounced texture as compared to its smooth counterpart, which will give the cookies their characteristic chunkiness. If you're unable to find it in your local supermarket, regular peanut butter can be substituted, although the texture of the cookies will be slightly different.
Chunky Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies Ingredients
All purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough.
Rolled oats: Adds texture and heartiness to the cookies.
Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Crunchy peanut butter: Provides texture and rich, nutty flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps keep the cookies moist.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the cookies.
Honey: A natural sweetener that adds a distinct flavor.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
Vanilla extract: Gives the cookies a sweet, aromatic flavor.
Semisweet chocolate: Adds a burst of chocolatey goodness.
One reader, Gabie Thurston says:
These chunky peanut butter and chocolate cookies are a delightful treat! The combination of crunchy peanut butter and rich chocolate creates a perfect balance of flavors. The cookies are easy to make and turn out wonderfully chewy with a satisfying crunch. They're a hit with everyone who tries them!
Techniques Required for Making Chunky Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies
How to mix the dry ingredients: Combine the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, and mix until well combined.
How to blend the wet ingredients: Using an electric mixer, beat the peanut butter, brown sugar, butter, honey, egg, and vanilla in a large bowl until well blended.
How to incorporate the dry ingredients: Stir the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture in two additions until fully combined.
How to chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until it is firm and no longer sticky.
How to shape the cookies: Roll 1 heaping tablespoonful of dough for each cookie into 1¾ inch diameter balls using your hands.
How to bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and butter two heavy large baking sheets. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2½ inches apart. Bake for about 12 minutes until puffed, beginning to brown on top, and still very soft to touch.
How to cool the cookies: Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a rack and allow them to cool completely.
How to serve: Serve and enjoy!
How To Make Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chunks
Peanut butter cookies are a classic dessert, and this recipe takes them to the next level with added oats, honey, and chunks of semisweet chocolate!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½cupsall purpose flour,unbleached
- ⅓cuprolled oats
- 1tspbaking soda
- ¼tspsalt
- 1cupcrunchy peanut butter
- 1cupbrown sugar,packed
- ½cupunsalted butter
- ¼cuphoney
- 1egg
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 1ozsemisweet chocolate,(5 squares)
Instructions
-
Mix the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl.
-
Using an electric mixer, beat the peanut butter, brown sugar, butter, honey, egg, and vanilla in large bowl until well blended. Stir the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture in 2 additions. Stir in the chopped chocolate.
-
Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until the dough is firm and no longer sticky.
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two heavy large baking sheets.
-
With hands, roll 1 heaping tablespoonful of dough for each cookie into 1¾ inch diameter balls. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2½ inches apart.
-
Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes until puffed, beginning to brown on top and still very soft to touch.
-
Cool the cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Using a metal spatula, transfer cookies to rack and cool completely.
-
Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 173.18kcal
- Fat: 10.03g
- Saturated Fat: 3.83g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.99g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.59g
- Carbohydrates: 18.75g
- Fiber: 0.93g
- Sugar: 10.60g
- Protein: 3.68g
- Cholesterol: 16.83mg
- Sodium: 83.72mg
- Calcium: 14.74mg
- Potassium: 90.38mg
- Iron: 0.73mg
- Vitamin A: 35.21µg
- Vitamin C: 0.02mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Chunky Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies
When making these chunky peanut butter and chocolate cookies, it's important to remember not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Instead, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet ingredients. This will ensure your cookies are soft and chewy. Additionally, chilling the dough before baking helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in a thicker, more satisfying cookie.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Chunky Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and equipment before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly mix the dough and save time on manual mixing.
Chill the dough: Place the dough in the freezer for a shorter time to firm it up quickly before baking.
Batch baking: Bake multiple trays of cookies simultaneously to save time and energy.
Silpat or parchment: Use a Silpat or parchment paper on baking sheets for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Substitute Ingredients For Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chunks Recipe
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture to the cookies, while also providing additional fiber and nutrients.
rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes can provide a similar texture and nutty flavor, while also adding a boost of protein and nutrients to the cookies.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda in this recipe, but it may affect the texture and rise of the cookies, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
crunchy peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can provide a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture, while also offering a different flavor profile to the cookies.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for brown sugar, providing a similar sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor, and it has a lower glycemic index.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free substitute for butter, adding a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener alternative to honey, providing a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the cookies.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed gel: Flaxseed gel can be used as an egg substitute in baking, providing moisture and binding properties to the cookies.
semisweet chocolate - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for semisweet chocolate, providing a rich and slightly less sweet chocolate flavor to the cookies.
Presentation Ideas for Chunky Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies
Elevate the cookie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream: Place a small scoop of rich and creamy vanilla bean ice cream on a small plate. Gently place the warm cookie on top of the ice cream, allowing the heat to slightly melt the ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar and cocoa: Using a fine mesh sieve, delicately dust the plate with a mixture of powdered sugar and cocoa to add a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness to the presentation.
Create a drizzle of caramel sauce: Using a small spoon, carefully drizzle a luscious caramel sauce in an artistic pattern on the plate, adding a touch of decadence and enhancing the flavor profile of the cookie.
Accompany with a dollop of whipped cream: Place a small dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side of the plate, adding a light and airy element to complement the rich and chunky peanut butter and chocolate cookie.
Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and chocolate shavings: Sprinkle a small amount of crushed peanuts and finely shaved chocolate over the cookie and plate, providing a delightful crunch and an extra burst of chocolate flavor.
Serve with a side of fresh berries: Arrange a small selection of vibrant and fresh berries, such as raspberries and blueberries, on the plate to add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the indulgent flavors of the cookie.
Essential Tools for Making Chunky Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies
- Mixing bowl: A large, sturdy bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs.
- Electric mixer: A kitchen appliance used to mix, beat, and whip ingredients, often with various speed settings.
- Baking sheets: Flat, rectangular metal sheets used to bake cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
- Metal spatula: A flat, thin, and flexible kitchen utensil used for lifting, flipping, and transferring foods.
Storing and Freezing Chunky Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their crispy texture, place a piece of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb any excess moisture, keeping the cookies fresh and crunchy.
For longer storage, you can freeze these chunky peanut butter and chocolate cookies. Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour, or until they are frozen solid. This initial freezing step prevents the cookies from sticking together when stored.
After the cookies are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
When stored properly in the freezer, these cookies will maintain their quality for up to 3 months. To thaw the frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. You can also warm them up slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture.
If you prefer to enjoy these chunky peanut butter and chocolate cookies warm, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This will give them a freshly-baked taste and texture, even after being stored or frozen.
How To Reheat Leftover Chunky Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies
To reheat leftover chunky peanut butter and chocolate cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cookies are warmed through and slightly crisp around the edges. This method will help 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 the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 10-15 seconds. Check the cookies and continue heating in 5-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the cookies, as this can cause them to become too soft or rubbery.
If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, you can wrap the cookies in a slightly damp paper towel before microwaving them. This will help introduce moisture back into the cookies, making them more pliable and chewy. Microwave the wrapped cookies for 10-15 seconds, then check and adjust the heating time as needed.
For a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey center, you can use a toaster oven to reheat the cookies. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies directly on the wire rack. Toast the cookies for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method works particularly well for bringing out the nuttiness of the peanut butter and the richness of the chocolate.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to quickly reheat the cookies while maintaining their texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Air fry the cookies for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crisp. This method is perfect for achieving a balance between a soft center and a crispy exterior.
Random Fact About Chunky Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies
Peanut butter and chocolate are a classic flavor combination that has been enjoyed for centuries. Peanut butter was first introduced at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, and it quickly became a popular ingredient in many recipes. Similarly, chocolate has been consumed for thousands of years and is a beloved treat around the world. When combined in a cookie, these two ingredients create a delicious and indulgent treat that is loved by many.
Is Making Chunky Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this chunky peanut butter and chocolate cookies recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in households, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of peanut butter and rolled oats adds nutritional value, making it a good choice for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an affordable treat. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Chunky Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for chunky peanut butter and chocolate cookies, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side. The main culprits are the high amounts of sugar (brown sugar and honey), butter, and the inclusion of semisweet chocolate. These ingredients contribute to the cookie's high calorie, fat, and sugar content, which, when consumed in excess, can lead to various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart problems.
However, there are some redeeming qualities to this recipe. The use of peanut butter provides a good source of protein and healthy fats, while the rolled oats offer some fiber. The recipe also uses all-purpose flour, which is not the most nutritious option.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising too much on taste and texture, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey, or replace them with natural sweeteners like dates or applesauce
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content
- Opt for dark chocolate (70% or higher cocoa content) instead of semisweet chocolate, as it contains less sugar and more antioxidants
- Replace some of the butter with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or mashed avocado
- Increase the amount of rolled oats for added fiber and nutrients
- Consider adding some chopped nuts or seeds for extra protein, healthy fats, and crunch
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious cookie that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Remember, moderation is key, and even with healthier ingredients, cookies should be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Cookie Recipe
The chunky peanut butter and chocolate cookies recipe is a delightful combination of crunchy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and wholesome oats. The addition of honey adds a lovely depth of flavor, while the rolled oats provide a satisfying texture. The cookies are perfectly balanced, with a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior. The recipe's straightforward instructions make it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Overall, these cookies are a delightful treat that will surely impress anyone with a sweet tooth.
Enhance Your Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chunks Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to Chunky Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies
Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Chunky Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies
Why trust this Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chunks Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful combination of peanut butter and chocolate, creating a perfect balance of nutty and sweet flavors. The use of crunchy peanut butter adds a satisfying texture, while the addition of rolled oats brings a wholesome element to the cookies. The incorporation of honey lends a natural sweetness, and the inclusion of semisweet chocolate provides a rich and indulgent touch. With carefully selected ingredients and precise instructions, these cookies are sure to impress and satisfy any craving for a delectable treat.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Buckeye Balls Recipe
Reese’s Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
No-Bake Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Mini Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Flourless Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies Recipe
Spice Date Cookies Recipe
Copycat 6-Ingredient Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe
Cookies and Cream Milkshake Recipe
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe
