Chocolate peanut butter cookies combine the best of two classic favorites into one chewy, chocolatey, peanut-buttery treat. These rich, soft cookies are easy to make, perfect for freezing, and guaranteed to be devoured fast. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a holiday tray, or just because you need a chocolate fix, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture every time
- Classic flavor pairing of chocolate + peanut butter
- No chilling required (but you can for thicker cookies)
- Freezer-friendly dough and baked cookies
- Great for bake sales, parties, or weekday snacks
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Cream the Base
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). - Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. - Combine and Mix
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Fold in optional chocolate chips or chopped peanuts if using. - Shape the Cookies
Scoop dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls, roll between palms, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. - Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes or until edges are set but centers look soft. Don’t overbake. - Cool
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Nutrition Facts (per cookie, estimated)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 25g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
Tips & Variations
- Chill for thicker cookies: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes if you want less spread
- Use natural PB? Use at your own risk—texture may vary (Jif/Skippy preferred)
- Double chocolate: Stir in chocolate chips for an extra rich cookie
- Make cookie sandwiches: Spread with peanut butter frosting between two cookies
- Add crunch: Mix in crushed pretzels or chopped nuts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Equipment
- – Hand or stand mixer
- – Mixing bowls
- – Baking sheets
- – Parchment paper or silicone mats
- – Cookie scoop
Ingredients
- – 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- – 1 cup granulated sugar
- – 1 cup brown sugar
- – 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- – 2 eggs
- – 2 tsp vanilla extract
- – 2 cups all-purpose flour
- – ⅔ cup cocoa powder
- – 1 tsp baking soda
- – ½ tsp salt
- – Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugars, and peanut butter until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry into wet. Fold in chocolate chips or peanuts if using.
- Scoop dough into balls, flatten slightly, place on lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes.
- Let rest 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
– Not ideal for natural peanut butter
– Add 1 cup chocolate chips for extra richness
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s not recommended—natural peanut butter may separate and change the texture. Stick with creamy, processed varieties for best results.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
How do I store baked cookies?
Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I make them smaller or larger?
Absolutely. For mini cookies, reduce bake time by 1–2 minutes. For jumbo, add 2–3 minutes.
Conclusion
These chocolate peanut butter cookies are the perfect balance of soft texture, deep cocoa flavor, and rich peanut butter. Simple to make and easy to customize, they’re bound to become a go-to in your cookie lineup. Whether served fresh out of the oven or straight from the freezer stash, every bite satisfies.