If there’s one combination that never fails to satisfy, it’s chocolate and peanut butter. The moment I take a bite of these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, the rich, nutty flavor envelops me like a cozy hug. Imagine the soft texture of the cookie giving way to a gooey peanut butter filling; it’s as if each cookie tells a delicious story.
I first whipped up this recipe on a rainy afternoon when the craving for something sweet struck out of nowhere. With just a handful of ingredients, I transformed the classic duo into a decadent treat that’s now a staple at potlucks and family gatherings. This recipe stands out for its simplicity and impressive flavor — perfect for anyone looking to escape the monotony of fast food.
So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the joy of homemade cookies that will wow your friends and family while filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baked chocolate bliss.
Why are Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies irresistible?
Decadent Layers: Each cookie boasts a tasty layer of gooey peanut butter filling that elevates it beyond the average cookie.
Simple Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip these up quickly, making them perfect for a spontaneous sweet tooth fix.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: They’re an instant hit at gatherings, ensuring you’ll be the star of any potluck or family get-together.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The rich chocolate and nutty peanut butter harmonize beautifully, creating a delightful taste that pleases anyone’s palate.
Versatile Options: Feel free to customize your cookies with extra toppings or mix-ins; they’re as adaptable as your cravings!
With all these reasons, you will not want to miss out on making these delightful cookies! For more delicious ideas, check out our guide on cookie baking essentials.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- ½ cup peanut butter – adds a creamy, nutty flavor that’s essential in this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.
- 1½ cups powdered sugar – sweetens the mixture while keeping the texture smooth.
- 1½ ounces whole milk – helps achieve the right consistency for the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the flavors and adds a warm aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – forms the base for these delicious cookies.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – brings a rich chocolate flavor to the dough.
- ¼ cup black cocoa powder – deepens the chocolate flavor for an extra indulgent cookie.
- 1 (3.4oz) box instant chocolate fudge pudding mix, unprepared – makes the cookies moist and fudgy.
- 2 tablespoons powdered milk – adds creaminess and richness to the texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt – ensures the sweetness isn’t overwhelming.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies rise and gives them a nice chew.
For the Cookie Cream Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the cookie dough while keeping it from being too dense.
- ½ cup salted butter, softened – creates a rich and buttery flavor that’s hard to resist.
- 1 large egg – adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 additional large egg yolk – contributes to a chewy texture, enhancing richness.
- 2 ounces whole milk – adds extra moisture for a perfect consistency.
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract – makes the filling aromatic and extra flavorful.
For Mixing In and Topping
- ¾ cup Reese’s Pieces – a delightful burst of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.
- ¾ cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips – intensifies the nutty flavor and adds a melty surprise.
- Additional Reese’s Pieces or chips for topping – for a sweet finishing touch that catches the eye.
With these ingredients, you’re on your way to baking a batch of cookies that will make everyone swoon! Remember, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are not just sweet treats; they’re delightful experiences that fill your home with warmth. Happy baking!
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
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Beat the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Beat until smooth and creamy, then set it aside while you prepare the cookie dough.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, black cocoa powder, chocolate fudge pudding mix, powdered milk, salt, and baking soda. This mix is the foundation of your cookie dough.
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Cream Together: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the granulated sugar and softened salted butter for about 1 minute. This step creates a light, airy base for your cookies.
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Add Eggs and Milk: Incorporate the large egg and mix until well combined. Follow with the additional egg yolk, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract, mixing just until they’re combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until incorporated, then add in the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined for a perfect cookie dough consistency.
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Fold in Treats: Gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces and Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding a delightful crunch and chocolatey burst.
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Shape the Cookies: Using a #10 cookie scoop, portion out the dough, about 4 to 4.2 ounces each. Flatten and shape each portion into a bowl, preparing for the filling.
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Stuff with Filling: Place a 1-ounce ball of the peanut butter filling into each cookie dough bowl and seal it by folding the dough around the filling, ensuring it’s completely covered.
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Roll and Place: Roll the dough balls between your palms to smooth them out. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them 3 to 4 inches apart. Optionally, sprinkle additional toppings on top for extra flair.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just set and the tops appear matte. This ensures a perfectly chewy texture!
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Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps set their shape.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an added layer of indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to streamline their baking without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the ingredients until combined, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The peanut butter filling can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough, add the filling, and proceed with baking as instructed. This way, you’ll enjoy deliciously gooey cookies with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture in your dough.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your cookies tender and light.
Chill the Dough: If possible, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking; this helps prevent spreading and keeps them fluffy.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes; they should be set on the edges, with a soft center for that gooey filling.
Customize Fillings: Feel free to swap out Reese’s Pieces for your favorite candies or nuts; personalize your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies to match your taste!
Use Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and perfect cookie patterns.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delicious cookies to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute almond or oat milk for whole milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a creamy, rich flavor without the dairy.
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Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, creating a similar texture with a delightful twist while keeping it nut-free.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a surprising warmth that plays beautifully with the chocolatey richness.
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Caramel Surprise: Insert a small chocolate-covered caramel candy instead of peanut butter filling for an indulgent sweet surprise every bite.
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Fruity Twist: Mix in some dried cherries or cranberries along with the Reese’s Pieces for a tart contrast that brightens up the flavors.
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Vegan: Substitute the butter with coconut oil, use flaxseed meal mixed with water in place of eggs, and choose vegan chocolate chips for a delightful vegan version.
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Chunky Cookie: Instead of rolling the dough around the filling, mix in chopped nuts or pretzels to the dough for extra texture and crunch.
With these fun variations, you’ll never get bored of your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies — feel free to mix and match or come up with your own delicious ideas!
What to Serve with Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies?
Imagine wrapping up your cookie-baking adventure with perfect pairings that enhance every bite of these gooey delights.
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Milkshake: A rich, creamy chocolate milkshake complements the cookies’ flavors while adding a delightful chill to your treat. The combination is nostalgic, evoking memories of classic ice cream shop visits.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, chewy cookies. It’s the ultimate indulgence after a cozy cookie experience.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries lend a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the cookies. Their tartness cuts through the sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
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Coffee: A hot cup of coffee offers an inviting warmth and enhances the chocolate notes of the cookies. Each sip pairs perfectly, wrapping each bite in cozy comfort.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Enhance the chocolate experience with a drizzly topping of melted chocolate sauce. It adds extra decadence and allows you to customize each cookie to your liking.
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Nut Butter Dip: A creamy peanut or almond butter dip for fun dunking takes the cookie experience to another level. It adds an extra touch of nuttiness that number-crunchers will adore.
These pairings will elevate your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies into a delightful dessert experience, making every bite even more memorable!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and flavors.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week; just ensure they’re sealed to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just scoop and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for storage.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake them directly from the freezer at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right peanut butter for these cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using a creamy, natural peanut butter without added sugar or hydrogenated oils. Look for one with minimal ingredients — just peanuts and salt; it helps create a rich and authentic taste.
How should I store the cookies after baking?
Very simply! Store your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, but make sure they are well-sealed to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! To freeze, scoop the unbaked cookie dough balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours, then transfer to a zip-top bag to store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just place them directly on a baking sheet and bake from frozen at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is a bit too sticky to work with, don’t worry! Simply sprinkle in a little more flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until it’s easier to handle. Remember, it’s crucial not to overmix as that can lead to tougher cookies; just add enough to get the right consistency.
Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Great question! If you or someone you love has a peanut allergy, feel free to substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a soy nut butter. For gluten-free options, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies!
Deliciously Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Beat until smooth and creamy, then set it aside while you prepare the cookie dough.
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, black cocoa powder, chocolate fudge pudding mix, powdered milk, salt, and baking soda.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the granulated sugar and softened salted butter for about 1 minute.
- Incorporate the large egg and mix until well combined. Follow with the additional egg yolk, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract.
- Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until incorporated, then add in the remaining dry ingredients.
- Gently fold in the Reese's Pieces and Reese's Peanut Butter Chips until they’re evenly distributed.
- Using a #10 cookie scoop, portion out the dough, about 4 to 4.2 ounces each. Flatten and shape each portion into a bowl.
- Place a 1-ounce ball of the peanut butter filling into each cookie dough bowl and seal it by folding the dough around the filling.
- Roll the dough balls between your palms to smooth them out. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them 3 to 4 inches apart.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just set and the tops appear matte.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
