Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe – Easiest Step-by-Step Guide
There are some desserts that never lose their magic, no matter how old you get. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie fall into that category. The rich nutty flavor paired with a touch of sweetness makes them one of the most comforting treats you can bake. But when you add chocolate chips into the mix, something incredible happens—you get a cookie that’s chewy, gooey, and irresistible.
If you’ve been searching for the easiest peanut butter cookie recipe, you’re in the right place. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to make soft, chewy cookies that come together with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for your kids, surprising a friend, or simply treating yourself, this recipe will become your go-to.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
When it comes to baking, you don’t want complicated instructions or endless ingredients. You want something quick, simple, and rewarding. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Simple pantry ingredients – everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.
- Quick preparation – only 15 minutes of hands-on work.
- Perfect texture – crispy edges with a soft, chewy center.
- Versatile – you can customize with nuts, white chocolate, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Kid-friendly – easy enough for little hands to help with.
This isn’t just another cookie recipe. It’s one you’ll turn to whenever cravings hit because it’s foolproof and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies
The best cookies start with the right balance of ingredients. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll need.
Peanut Butter Cookie Ingredients (Table)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut Butter | 1 cup | Creamy gives smoother texture; chunky adds crunch |
| Granulated Sugar | ½ cup | Can replace with coconut sugar |
| Brown Sugar | ½ cup | Adds chewiness and depth of flavor |
| Egg | 1 large | Room temperature works best |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 ¼ cups | Sift for lighter cookies |
| Baking Soda | 1 tsp | Helps cookies rise slightly |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances the sweetness |
| Chocolate Chips | 1 cup | Semi-sweet or milk chocolate recommended |
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
- White or dark chocolate chips for variety.
- Sea salt sprinkled on top for a sweet-and-salty bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies Step-by-Step
Now let’s move into the process. Don’t worry—it’s straightforward, and I’ll guide you through every step.
Step 1 – Prepare Your Kitchen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together peanut butter, both sugars, and the egg until smooth and fluffy. This creates the base flavor.
Step 3 – Add Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies dense.
Step 4 – Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly spread throughout the dough.
Step 5 – Shape and Bake
- Scoop dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Place them on the baking sheet with at least 2 inches between each.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges turn golden.
Step 6 – Cool and Enjoy
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
- Serve warm for maximum gooeyness or store for later.
Baking Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
If you want bakery-style cookies, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overbake – cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Chill the dough – 30 minutes in the fridge gives thicker, chewier cookies.
- Use quality chocolate – better chocolate chips make a noticeable difference.
- Adjust sweetness – reduce sugar slightly if your peanut butter is already sweetened.
Delicious Variations You Can Try
This recipe is versatile, meaning you can adapt it to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies (No Chocolate)
- Skip the chocolate chips and press each cookie with a fork for the signature crisscross design.
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
- Use just peanut butter, sugar, and egg—great for gluten-free diets.
Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Swap refined sugar for honey or maple syrup.
- Use oat flour or almond flour instead of white flour.
Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
- Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Storage and Freezing Guide
Cookies taste best fresh, but you can definitely save them for later.
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 5–6 days.
- In the fridge: Keeps up to 2 weeks.
- In the freezer: Baked cookies last 2–3 months.
- Freezing dough: Scoop dough balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen (just add 2 minutes to bake time).
Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe Nutrition (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180–200 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbs | 20g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe without eggs?
Yes! Use a flaxseed egg or applesauce as a replacement.
How do I make my cookies softer?
Add an extra egg yolk or slightly underbake them.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but make sure it’s well-stirred so the oil doesn’t separate.
Why are my cookies dry?
Overbaking or too much flour usually causes dryness.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely—just swap in oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion – Bake Joy Into Every Bite
Baking doesn’t need to be complicated. With this peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe, you have a reliable treat that delivers every single time. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate chips creates a cookie that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.
Now it’s your turn—grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and bake a batch today. Share them with family, pack them in lunchboxes, or enjoy them with a glass of milk while they’re still warm.
Because sometimes, the simplest recipes are the ones that bring the most joy.