Jump to Recipe Print RecipeStepping into the kitchen, I find myself instantly transported to my childhood as the aroma of melting chocolate mingles with the nutty scent of creamy peanut butter. This is where my love for homemade treats flourished, and today, I’m thrilled to share my easy recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies. Within just 55 minutes, these cookies transform mundane afternoons into a sweet celebration, making them the perfect quick indulgence. Whether you’re a chocolate aficionado or a devoted peanut butter lover, these delights won’t just satisfy your sweet tooth—they’ll become your go-to recipe for impressing family and friends. Are you ready to create a dessert that combines the best of both worlds? Let’s get baking! Why are These Cookies So Irresistible? Decadent Flavor Fusion: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates an unforgettable taste experience that will have everyone reaching for more. Quick and Easy: With just 55 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch perfect for surprise guests or an indulgent afternoon treat. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These cookies are a hit at gatherings, satisfying both chocolate lovers and peanut butter fans alike. Just serve with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate pairing! Soft and Chewy Texture: Each cookie features a perfect balance of chewiness with a fudgy center that bursts with creamy peanut butter, making each bite a blissful treat. Adaptable Recipe: Want to customize? Try using almond butter for a different flavor profile or add in some nuts for extra crunch! These cookies can easily cater to your preferences. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Dough • All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure necessary for balanced cookies. • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds a deep chocolate flavor; consider increasing it for more richness. • Black Cocoa Powder – Gives a darker color and unique taste; if unavailable, substitute with additional unsweetened cocoa. • Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise for a soft, chewy texture. • Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and aids in creating the perfect cookie consistency. • Salted Butter – Essential for rich flavor; ensure it’s softened for smooth mixing. • Large Egg & Egg Yolk – Acts as a binder, keeping the cookies moist and together as they bake. For the Peanut Butter Filling • Peanut Butter – Adds creamy richness and moisture; choose brands like Jif or Skippy for best results. • Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and helps create a stable filling texture. • Whole Milk – Ensures a creamy filling; substitute with non-dairy milk for a lactose-free option. • Vanilla Extract – Enhance the flavor; using pure extract yields the best results. • Salt – Balances the sweetness of the filling beautifully. For Optional Toppings • Reese’s Pieces – Add a delightful burst of chocolate and peanut butter flavor; press on top before baking. • Peanut Butter Chips – Enhance texture and taste; use extra for decoration. These delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies will dazzle your friends and family, making every occasion a little sweeter! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Step 1: Prepare Filling In a medium bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Beat together with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is velvety smooth without lumps. This peanut butter filling will create a delightful surprise in the center of your chocolate peanut butter cookies, so set it aside while you prepare the dough. Step 2: Make Cookie Dough Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, black cocoa powder, instant chocolate fudge pudding mix, powdered milk, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream softened salted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, then mix in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until combined. Step 3: Combine Mixtures Carefully add the dry ingredient mixture into the butter and egg mixture in thirds. Mix on low speed after each addition just until everything is combined. Be gentle to keep the texture tender for your chocolate peanut butter cookies. Once the dough is formed, fold in Reese’s Pieces and peanut butter chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for delightful bursts of flavor. Step 4: Form Cookies Using a cookie scoop, portion out 9 balls of dough. Flatten each ball slightly, then place a scoop of the peanut butter filling in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, pinching it to seal and smoothing the surface of the cookie. This will create a beautiful, filled chocolate peanut butter cookie that is ready to bake! Step 5: Bake Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them. If desired, press extra Reese’s Pieces into the tops for extra charm and flavor. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underdone. This will ensure that they remain soft and chewy after cooling. Step 6: Cool Once out of the oven, let the chocolate peanut butter cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes. This cooling time allows the cookies to firm up slightly before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy the irresistible aroma as they cool and get ready to indulge in a sweet treat! Expert Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Prevent Overmixing: Gently mix your chocolate peanut butter cookie dough; overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy delights. Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should appear slightly underdone in the center for that fudgy texture. Cool Properly: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them; this helps retain their softness and prevents breakage. Seal the Filling: When wrapping the dough around the peanut butter filling, ensure it’s completely sealed to avoid leaks during baking. Storage Awareness: Store your chocolate peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness; they can last up to 4 days. How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and chewy. Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, place them in the refrigerator, but make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly-baked taste with your chocolate peanut butter cookies! What to Serve with Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Indulge in a delightful and cozy meal that complements the rich flavors of these decadent cookies. Cold Glass of Milk: A classic partner, milk enhances the creamy peanut butter and chocolate flavors, making every bite heavenly. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies a la mode! The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream balances the warmth of the cookies beautifully. Fresh Berries: Brighten your plate with fresh strawberries or raspberries; their tartness beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the cookies. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For the ultimate treat, drizzle warm melted chocolate over your cookies for an indulgent flavor experience. As you savor your cookies, consider pairing them with a steaming cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate for that extra touch of warmth and joy. Creamy Fruit Smoothie: Blend fruits like bananas and spinach with yogurt for a refreshing sip that lightens the dessert feast. Peanut Butter Cup Milkshake: Elevate your cookie experience with a milkshake that echoes the peanut butter flavor—incredibly rich and decadent! Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle on top of cookies or ice cream for a sweet, salty balance that’ll have everyone swooning. Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the peanut butter filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and milk, then refrigerate in an airtight container. The cookie dough can also be made up to 3 days ahead; just store it in a covered bowl in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough, wrap it around your pre-made filling, and proceed with baking as instructed. This way, you’ll have freshly baked cookies that are just as delicious, with minimal effort on the day you serve them. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Variations Feel free to get creative and make these scrumptious cookies your own! Nut Substitution: Use almond butter or sunflower butter for a nut-free variation that’s just as creamy and delicious. Incorporating different nut butters can open a world of flavor, allowing each bite to surprise you with a different twist. Cookie Size Adjustment: Create mini cookies by halving the dough portions for fun-sized treats. Mini versions are perfect for parties or as bite-sized snacks, making them irresistibly cute and shareable! Mix-Ins: Add extra chocolate chips or chopped nuts for delightful texture variations. Tossing in some of your favorite mix-ins can create a unique flavor profile while having fun during the baking process. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising kick of heat. This unexpected twist can elevate your cookies and appeal to adventurous eaters who enjoy a spicy kick with their sweets. Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version. This modification ensures everyone can indulge in the joy of these cookies without worrying about lactose! Chocolate Overload: Increase the cocoa powder in the dough for an even richer chocolate flavor. Go all out with a deep chocolate love that will satisfy the most fervent chocolate cravings; just imagine that intense flavor melting in your mouth! Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities. Choosing a good gluten-free mix can maintain the cookie’s delightful texture while ensuring that everyone can enjoy them. Decorative Toppings: Top your cookies with a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for added flair. These finishing touches not only beautify your cookies but also add layers of flavor that make these treats even more irresistible. Explore these variations while baking and remember, the sky’s the limit! And if you’re looking for more delicious ideas, check out my recipes like Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies or try unique flavors with Pistachio Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies. Happy baking! Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of peanut butter should I use? Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Avoid natural peanut butter as it tends to have excess moisture, which can affect the filling’s texture. How should I store leftover cookies? To keep your chocolate peanut butter cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate them in the same container to prevent drying out. Can I freeze these cookies? Very! To freeze your cookies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, which usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked taste! What can I do if my cookies turn out too flat? If your cookies spread too much and turn out flat, there could be a few reasons. Ensure you use room temperature butter—not melted—and make sure you measure your flour correctly (spoon and level it into the measuring cup). You can also chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape. Are these cookies safe for pets? No, it’s important to keep these chocolate peanut butter cookies away from pets, particularly dogs, as chocolate is toxic to them. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly treat, consider making a separate batch using carob instead of chocolate and ensure any toppings are safe for pets, too. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies That Will Melt Your Heart Enjoy these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies that merge rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter for a delightful treat. Perfect for any occasion! Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 25 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 18 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Dough2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure0.75 cups Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Adds deep chocolate flavor0.25 cups Black Cocoa Powder For darker color and unique taste1 teaspoon Baking Soda Helps cookies rise1 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens and aids consistency0.5 cups Salted Butter Ensure softened for mixing1 large Large Egg Acts as binder1 large Egg Yolk Keeps cookies moistFor the Peanut Butter Filling1 cup Peanut Butter Choose creamy brands like Jif or Skippy0.5 cups Powdered Sugar Provides sweetness and stability0.25 cups Whole Milk For creamy filling1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Pure extract yields best flavor0.25 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetnessFor Optional Toppings0.5 cups Reese's Pieces Press on top before baking0.5 cups Peanut Butter Chips Use extra for decoration Equipment mixing bowlshand mixerOvenBaking Sheetparchment papercookie scoop Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPrepare Filling: Combine creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and whole milk in a bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth.Make Cookie Dough: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together flour, cocoa powders, baking soda, and salt. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in eggs, milk, and vanilla.Combine Mixtures: Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in thirds, mixing on low until just combined. Fold in Reese's Pieces and peanut butter chips.Form Cookies: Scoop out balls of dough, flatten slightly, place peanut butter filling in the center, and wrap the dough around to seal.Bake: Arrange cookies on a baking sheet, pressing extra Reese's Pieces on top. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesKeep the cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
