Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. With their thick, chewy texture and a soft center, they make the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night at home. Their nutty flavor pairs beautifully with creamy peanut butter chips, creating a cookie that’s not only comforting but also irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Deliciously Chewy: The combination of all-purpose flour and cake flour gives these cookies their signature chewy texture.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as-is, or customize with chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 16 generous cookies, they’re ideal for parties or as gifts.
• Quick to Prepare: From mixing to baking, you can have these cookies ready in under 30 minutes!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these cookies, you’ll need some essential tools that make baking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming the butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to keep dry and wet ingredients separate until ready to combine.
• Cookie sheets: Good quality cookie sheets provide even baking for perfectly browned cookies.

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!

For the Cookies

• 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
• 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)
• 1 (10 oz.) bag peanut butter chips (I use Reese’s brand) ~2 cups
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• flaky sea salt (optional)

How to Make Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Mix 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 aside once mixed.

Step 3: Cream the Butter Mixture

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the cold unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and creamy peanut butter for about 2–3 minutes until smooth.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in:
1. One large egg
2. One large egg yolk
3. Vanilla extract
4. Milk (if using)
Blend until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed:
1. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture about ¼ cup at a time until well incorporated.

Step 6: Add Peanut Butter Chips

Fold in the peanut butter chips gently until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop, portion out about 2–3 tablespoons of dough per cookie:
1. Roll each portion into a ball.
2. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar before placing them on your prepared cookie sheets.

Step 8: Shape and Bake Cookies

Place 6–8 cookies on each sheet:
1. Use a fork to create a criss-cross pattern on top of each dough ball.
2. Bake for approximately 9–11 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9: Cool Down

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

Enjoy your freshly baked Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, sprinkled with additional granulated sugar or flaky sea salt if desired!

How to Serve Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These delicious Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a gathering or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, serving these cookies can elevate your dessert experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing! The creaminess of milk complements the rich peanut butter flavor perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a decadent treat that will impress anyone.

Warm from the Oven

• Serve them straight out of the oven for a gooey, melty experience. The warmth enhances the flavors and textures.

Drizzle with Chocolate

• Add a touch of elegance by drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite beverage. The nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with both coffee and tea.

Gift in Decorative Boxes

• Package them in beautiful boxes to give as gifts. Homemade cookies make heartfelt presents for friends and family.

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How to Perfect Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

To achieve the ultimate texture and flavor in your Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, follow these simple tips.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least an hour helps develop flavors and prevents spreading while baking.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder, baking soda, and flour are fresh. Old ingredients can affect the rise and flavor.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Pull them out when they are slightly underdone for a soft center.

• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor variation.

Best Side Dishes for Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

These cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their rich peanut butter taste. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness to balance the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: Offer a variety of cheeses; creamy cheeses like brie contrast nicely with the nutty cookie flavor.

3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip slices of fruit or cookie pieces into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat.

4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit alongside your cookies for a delightful dessert experience.

5. Nut Mix: A bowl of assorted nuts provides a crunchy contrast and complements the peanut butter flavor.

6. Coffee Cake: Serve slices of moist coffee cake for a comforting addition that pairs well with cookies.

7. Milkshake: Blend up a thick shake to accompany your cookies; flavors like vanilla or chocolate work best.

8. Pudding Cups: Individual cups of chocolate or vanilla pudding can make for an easy yet elegant side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies can be easy, but a few common mistakes can ruin your batch. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Not measuring flour correctly: Always spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dry results.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can create tough cookies instead of the soft, chewy texture you want.
• Skipping chilling time: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Chilling for at least an hour helps maintain their shape.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy and achieve perfectly baked cookies.
• Baking too long: Pull the cookies out when they look slightly underdone. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet and should be soft in the center.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

Reheating Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute; cover with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies so chewy?

The combination of all-purpose and cake flour along with cornstarch contributes to their chewy texture, making them delightfully soft.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies extra texture while maintaining that delicious peanut flavor.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Look for golden edges with slightly soft centers. They should look set but not overbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool.

What can I add to customize these cookies?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even oats for added flavor and texture. Get creative with your favorite mix-ins!

How should I store leftover Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer softer cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Best Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are truly irresistible! Their thick, chewy texture paired with nutty flavors makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients or toppings. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!