Cookies are one of the most universally loved treats, and among them, the Classic Peanut Butter Chip Cookie holds a very special place. These cookies combine the nutty richness of creamy peanut butter with the irresistible sweetness of peanut butter chips, creating a melt-in-your-mouth indulgence that is both comforting and nostalgic. Slightly crisp around the edges, soft and chewy in the center, and studded with buttery chips, these cookies are a perfect companion to a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or simply on their own.
The magic of these cookies lies in their balance – the warm roasted flavor of peanut butter meets the buttery goodness of cookie dough. The aroma while baking alone is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen, and once they’re out of the oven, it’s hard to resist taking that first warm bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers comfort in every bite. Peanut butter has a naturally creamy, nutty richness, and when baked into cookies, it transforms into something absolutely soul-satisfying. The addition of peanut butter chips adds an extra punch, ensuring every mouthful is studded with soft, sweet bursts of flavor.
Another reason I adore these cookies is their versatility – they’re perfect for everyday snacks, gifting during holidays, or bringing to parties. They’re quick to whip up, freeze well, and taste just as delicious days later as they do fresh out of the oven.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This is a must-try recipe because:
- It’s a classic twist on the beloved chocolate chip cookie.
- It’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- The cookies are soft, chewy, and flavorful – everything you want in a perfect cookie.
- They are crowd-pleasers – loved by kids and adults alike.
- The dough can be made ahead and stored, making it perfect for busy days.
If you’re a peanut butter lover, this recipe is an absolute dream!
Time & Servings:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time (optional): 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: ~45–55 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies (depending on size)
- Calories per Cookie: ~180 kcal
Course & Cuisine
- Course: Dessert / Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups
- Baking soda – 1 tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
Wet Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup (softened)
- Granulated sugar – ½ cup
- Brown sugar – ½ cup, packed
- Creamy peanut butter – ½ cup
- Egg – 1 large
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
Add-Ins:
- Peanut butter chips – 1 cup (plus extra for topping)
Quick Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter, sugars, and peanut butter until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla, mix well.
- Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in peanut butter chips.
- Scoop dough, place on baking sheet, and bake 10–12 minutes.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Step-by-Step Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add peanut butter and mix until well combined.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine the Dough
- Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Mix until just combined – do not overmix.
- Fold in peanut butter chips.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop about 1–1.5 tbsp of dough per cookie.
- Roll into balls and place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches apart.
- Optionally press a few extra peanut butter chips on top for presentation.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers look slightly soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort treat.
- Pair with coffee or tea as an afternoon snack.
- Pack into cookie tins for gifting during the holidays.
Tips for the Recipe
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture, but crunchy peanut butter works for extra bite.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the peanut butter chips before adding them.
- Don’t overbake – cookies should look slightly underdone in the center.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker, chewier cookies.
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty balance.
Variations:
- Double Trouble: Add chocolate chips along with peanut butter chips.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped roasted peanuts.
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: Substitute ½ cup flour with oats.
- Stuffed Cookies: Wrap dough around a mini peanut butter cup before baking.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Freezing & Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 10 days.
- Freezer (Baked Cookies): Freeze up to 3 months in sealed bags.
- Freezer (Dough): Freeze shaped dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from freezer, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Special Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Wire cooling rack
FAQ:
Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture may be more crumbly. Stir well before using.
Q2: Can I skip peanut butter chips?
Yes, you can use chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or nuts instead.
Q3: Why are my cookies too flat?
Dough may be too warm – chill before baking for thicker cookies.
Q4: How do I make them chewier?
Use more brown sugar than white sugar for a softer, chewier texture.
Conclusion
The Classic Peanut Butter Chip Cookie is everything you want in a cookie – soft, chewy, nutty, and deliciously comforting. Whether you’re baking them for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy. Their rich peanut butter flavor paired with buttery sweetness makes them unforgettable. With easy steps, flexible variations, and great storage options, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Classic Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
Course: Desserts, SnackCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy24 cookies
servings15
minutes10
minutes25
minutesCookies are one of the most universally loved treats, and among them, the Classic Peanut Butter Chip Cookie holds a very special place.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups
Baking soda – 1 tsp
Salt – ½ tsp
- Wet Ingredients:
Unsalted butter – ½ cup (softened)
Granulated sugar – ½ cup
Brown sugar – ½ cup, packed
Creamy peanut butter – ½ cup
Egg – 1 large
Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Add-Ins:
Peanut butter chips – 1 cup (plus extra for topping)
Directions
- Preheat and Prep Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Wet Ingredients In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add peanut butter and mix until well combined. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dough Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined – do not overmix. Fold in peanut butter chips.
- Shape the Cookies Scoop about 1–1.5 tbsp of dough per cookie. Roll into balls and place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches apart. Optionally press a few extra peanut butter chips on top for presentation.
- Bake Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers look slightly soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.