The Best Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: An Irresistible Homemade Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite cookie recipe! These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are truly a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that’s perfectly soft in the center, delightfully chewy around the edges, and bursting with the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter perfectly complemented by sweet, melty chocolate chips. Crafted with everyday pantry staples and remarkably quick to prepare, this foolproof recipe guarantees a batch of reliably perfect cookies every single time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find joy in creating these incredible treats that are sure to become a cherished family tradition.

There’s something uniquely comforting about a classic peanut butter cookie, but add chocolate chips, and you elevate it to an entirely new level of deliciousness. This isn’t just *another* peanut butter cookie recipe; it’s *the* peanut butter cookie recipe. It’s so good, it might just replace your current favorite. The combination of salty peanut butter and sweet chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven, creating a harmonious balance that keeps you reaching for more. This recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights, special occasions, or simply satisfying that sudden cookie craving.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

These cookies aren’t just good; they’re legendary in our kitchen. Here’s why this recipe stands out as a true crowd-pleaser and a staple for any cookie lover:

• Unbeatable Soft and Chewy Texture: Forget dry, crumbly cookies! These bake up with an irresistibly tender center and delicate, lightly crisp edges. The magic lies in the perfect ratio of fats and sugars, ensuring a delightful chewiness with every bite. They remain wonderfully soft for days when stored correctly, making them perfect for meal prepping your sweet treats.
• Made with Simple, Accessible Ingredients: No need for a special trip to a gourmet store. You likely have everything you need in your pantry and fridge right now. This recipe relies on common baking staples, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require exotic components. It’s a testament to the power of classic ingredients coming together in harmony.
• Infinitely Customizable to Your Liking: While we adore them with classic semi-sweet chocolate chips, this recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Feel free to swap in mini chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or even a mix! For an extra touch of sophistication, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking elevates the flavors beautifully. You can even add chopped nuts for extra crunch, or skip the chocolate entirely for a pure peanut butter experience.
• Reliably Foolproof and Universally Loved: This has been a cherished, go-to recipe for years, and it has never let us down. It consistently produces perfect results, earning rave reviews from kids and adults alike. It’s the kind of recipe you can trust when you need a guaranteed win for a bake sale, party, or a cozy night in. Its consistent success makes it perfect for novice bakers too!
• Whip Them Up in Under 30 Minutes: From mixing bowl to cooling rack, these cookies are incredibly quick to make. The dough comes together in minutes, and the baking time is short, making them ideal for satisfying a spontaneous cookie craving or preparing a last-minute dessert. Freshly baked cookies are always a good idea, and this recipe makes it effortlessly possible.

As much as I adore all kinds of cookies, these Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies aren’t just my favorite peanut butter cookie recipe; they are, without a doubt, my favorite COOKIE recipe of all time. Period. They are truly that good. Seriously, you just have to try them to understand the obsession! While I always add chocolate chips to mine because the combination is simply divine, they are absolutely delicious without them too—it’s totally up to your preference. And call me strange, but I often prefer mini chocolate chips over the regular-sized ones. I think it’s because I actually enjoy cookie dough almost as much as, or sometimes even more than, baked cookies, and I like just a hint of chocolate mixed throughout the dough. I don’t want the rich peanut butter flavor of my cookie or dough to be overshadowed by too much chocolate!

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Cookies

Crafting the perfect cookie starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide that classic, rich chocolatey bite that perfectly complements the peanut butter. However, feel free to experiment with your favorites! Mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly, giving you chocolate in every bite without overpowering the peanut butter. Dark chocolate chunks add a sophisticated bittersweet note, while milk chocolate chips offer a creamier, sweeter profile. You can even chop up your favorite chocolate bar for unique texture variations.
• Peanut Butter: This is the star of the show! For the best texture and consistency in these cookies, stick to creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter brands like Jif, Skippy, or a comparable store brand. It’s crucial to *avoid natural varieties* (those with oil separation that require stirring). Natural peanut butter often has a higher oil content and can make the cookie dough excessively oily, leading to cookies that spread too much, become dry, or have an unpredictable texture. The consistency of conventional peanut butter is key to these cookies’ success.
• Butter: Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, is essential for richness and moisture. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating air pockets that contribute to the cookies’ light texture. Do NOT use melted butter; it will cause your cookies to spread excessively and become greasy. If your butter isn’t perfectly softened, you can gently microwave it in short, 5-10 second bursts, flipping it between each burst, until it’s pliable but not melted.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The combination of these two sugars is what gives these cookies their incredible texture and balanced sweetness. Granulated (white) sugar contributes to the crispness around the edges and aids in spreading. Light brown sugar, with its molasses content, adds moisture, depth of flavor, and is crucial for that signature soft and chewy texture. This blend ensures the cookies are sweet without being cloying, and perfectly textured.
• Egg: A single large egg acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together. It also contributes to the rich flavor, provides moisture, and helps create that desirable soft, chewy texture by emulsifying the fats and liquids. Ensure your egg is at room temperature for better incorporation into the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
• Milk: Just a few tablespoons of milk add essential moisture to keep the dough soft, pliable, and perfectly workable. It helps achieve the ideal dough consistency, preventing the cookies from becoming too dense or crumbly. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract is a flavor enhancer, adding a warm, aromatic depth that beautifully complements both the peanut butter and chocolate. Don’t skip it; good quality vanilla makes a noticeable difference in the overall flavor profile.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of most cookie recipes, all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure and forms the classic cookie base. For best results, measure your flour by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly, which can compact the flour and lead to dry cookies.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent gives the cookies just the right amount of lift, ensuring they are tender and slightly puffy without becoming cake-like. It reacts when heated, creating gas bubbles that expand and lighten the dough.
• Salt: A small amount of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and truly bringing out the rich, nutty flavor of the peanut butter and the sweetness of the chocolate. It elevates all the other flavors, preventing the cookies from tasting one-dimensional.

Expert Baking Tips for Flawless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

While the full, detailed instructions are provided in the recipe card below, here are some additional helpful tips and tricks to ensure your cookies turn out absolutely perfect every single time:

• Always Use Conventional, Creamy Peanut Butter: This cannot be stressed enough. Stick with creamy, shelf-stable brands (like Jif, Skippy, Peter Pan, or most generic store brands) for the best texture and consistency. Natural peanut butter, with its separated oils, will likely lead to a crumbly, greasy, or overly dry cookie that doesn’t hold its shape.
• Properly Soften Your Butter: Room temperature butter is key for achieving that light, fluffy, creamy base when combined with sugar. If you’re short on time, use your microwave’s defrost setting in very short bursts (5-10 seconds) until it’s pliable but not melted. If it melts, the dough will be too greasy, and your cookies will spread too much.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour mixture, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. A few streaks of flour are fine; they’ll disappear during baking.
• Customize Your Chocolate Chips (or Add-ins): This recipe is highly adaptable! Mini chocolate chips offer a more even chocolate distribution, while dark chocolate chunks add a sophisticated depth. Peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts (like peanuts or walnuts) are fantastic swaps or additions. Feel free to use what you love!
• Avoid Overbaking at All Costs!: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for soft cookies. Peanut butter cookies should look slightly underdone and very soft in the center when you pull them out of the oven. The edges might be lightly golden, but the middle should still look a bit doughy. They will continue to set and firm up as they cool on the hot baking sheet. Overbaking will result in dry, hard cookies.
• Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Lining your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats helps prevent sticking and over-browning on the bottom. It also ensures even baking and makes cleanup an absolute breeze. Plus, it makes transferring the warm cookies much easier.
• Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity: For consistent size and even baking, a cookie scoop (about 1.5-2 tablespoons) is your best friend. Uniform cookies bake at the same rate, preventing some from being underdone while others are overbaked.
• Chill the Dough (Optional, but Recommended for Less Spread): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help prevent excessive spreading, especially if your kitchen is warm. This allows the butter to firm up and the flavors to meld, often resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

Storage Instructions: Keeping Your Cookies Fresh

These delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are so good, they rarely last long! But for those rare occasions you have leftovers, or if you want to prep ahead, here’s how to store them perfectly:

• Freezer (Baked Cookies): Once completely cooled, place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe zip-top bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Freezer (Unbaked Dough Balls): This is a fantastic option for fresh-baked cookies anytime! Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding 1-3 extra minutes to the baking time as needed, watching for that slightly underbaked center.
• Room Temperature (Baked Cookies): Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-6 days. For an extra tip to help maintain their softness, add a half-slice of plain white bread to the container. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them moist and chewy. Just replace the bread every couple of days.

THE BEST SOFT & CHEWY PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly soft, perfectly chewy, and loaded with rich peanut butter flavor and sweet chocolate chips. An easy, reliable recipe that delivers perfect results every time!

5 from 4 votes

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Course: Dessert, Cookies

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, Easy Cookies, Soft Cookies, Chewy Cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8-10 minutes minutes

Servings: 24 cookies

Calories: 229kcal

Author: Jessica & Nellie

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Ingredients 

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (e.g., Jif, Skippy – NOT natural)
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar packed
• 1 large egg at room temperature
• 3 Tbsp milk any type
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or mini chocolate chips)

Instructions

• Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and helps with even baking.
• Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Add Egg, Milk, and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg, milk, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Continue to beat for another 2-3 minutes until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and slightly increased in volume.
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt until thoroughly combined. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed.
• Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet peanut butter mixture. Mix on low speed, or by hand, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as no dry streaks of flour are visible. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your preferred add-ins) using a spoon or spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
• Scoop and Shape Cookies: Using a 1.5-2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out uniform balls of dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms. Place the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
• Create the Classic Fork Mark: Press each dough ball once with the tines of a fork in a criss-cross pattern. This classic step helps flatten the denser peanut butter dough for even baking and gives the cookies their traditional appearance.
• Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes. The key is NOT to overcook them! These cookies are best when they are just barely set around the edges and still look slightly underdone and soft in the very center. They will continue to cook and firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Cool and Enjoy: Let the freshly baked cookies cool on the baking sheets for at least 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial step allows them to firm up without breaking. Serve warm or at room temperature and savor every soft, chewy, peanut butter chocolate chip filled bite!

Notes

*IMPORTANT NOTE ON PEANUT BUTTER: For consistent and optimal results, it is highly recommended to use a regular creamy peanut butter (such as Jif, Skippy, or a generic store-brand alternative) that does not require stirring. Several readers and our own experience confirm that cookies made with natural peanut butter (which typically separates and has more oil) tend to be crumbly, dry, and spread excessively, not holding their shape well. Stick to the classic, conventional varieties for the best soft and chewy texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 107mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making these irresistible cookies:

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

It is strongly not recommended. Natural peanut butter (the kind that separates oil and requires stirring) has a different consistency and fat content. This can lead to cookies that are dry, crumbly, or spread too much and don’t hold their shape properly. For consistent, delicious results, please stick to creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter like Jif or Skippy.

Why do peanut butter cookies traditionally have fork marks?

Peanut butter cookie dough is generally denser and thicker than most other cookie doughs. Pressing them with a fork serves a practical purpose: it helps to slightly flatten and spread the cookie dough, ensuring a more even bake throughout. Without this step, the cookies might remain too thick and not cook thoroughly in the center, or they might not spread enough. Plus, it’s become a charming, classic aesthetic that signals “peanut butter cookie!”

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dough is great for making ahead. You can refrigerate the prepared dough, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 48 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking. Alternatively, you can scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen dough balls can be stored for up to 3 months and baked directly from frozen (add 1-3 extra minutes to the bake time).

Can I skip the chocolate chips or use different kinds?

Yes, you certainly can! While the chocolate chips add a fantastic layer of flavor, these peanut butter cookies are delightful on their own. If you prefer, you can omit them entirely. You can also experiment with other types of chocolate chips like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for an extra boost of peanut flavor. Chopped nuts like peanuts or pecans also make a wonderful addition!

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too thin?

Several factors can cause cookies to spread too much. Ensure your butter is softened, not melted. Use conventional peanut butter, not natural. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate (a thermometer can help). Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also significantly help firm up the butter and reduce spreading.

My cookies came out hard and dry. What went wrong?

The most common culprit for hard and dry cookies is overbaking. Remember to pull them out of the oven when the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft and underdone. They will continue to bake on the hot pan. Also, ensure you’re measuring your flour correctly (spoon and level, don’t scoop directly from the bag) and not overmixing the dough once the flour is added.

More Delicious Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies and are craving more nutty goodness, here are some other fantastic peanut butter-inspired cookie recipes from our collection that you simply must try:

• For lovers of the pure classic, we have two excellent options. Our Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies offer an incredibly easy, semi-homemade shortcut to soft, delicious peanut butter cookies. If you prefer a more traditional approach with rich, nuanced flavors, Grandma’s Peanut Butter Cookies features a few more ingredients but are absolutely worth the extra effort for their old-fashioned charm and taste.
• The timeless combination of chocolate and peanut butter extends beyond this recipe. Our Peanut Butter Cookie Pizza is a show-stopping dessert that starts with a giant, chewy peanut butter cookie base. It’s then generously topped with gooey melted marshmallows and finished with a cascade of melty chocolate chips, creating a fun, shareable treat that’s perfect for parties.
• For those with dietary considerations, some of our favorite peanut butter cookie recipes are naturally gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture. Our Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver all the rich taste and chewiness you expect, minus the gluten. And for a truly epic cookie experience, our Best Monster Cookies are packed with peanut butter, oats, M&Ms, and chocolate chips, also being a naturally gluten-free delight!

These BEST Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are truly a baking revelation—consistently soft, wonderfully chewy, and they turn out absolutely perfect every single time! This is the ultimate peanut butter cookie recipe, richly loaded with chocolate chips, promising pure delight with every bite. Gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake your new favorite cookie!