Puffy Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chips.
There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, look no further than these puffy peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips. They’re perfect for an afternoon snack or as a sweet treat to share with friends and family. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic that never disappoints, and with this recipe, you’ll create cookies that are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
Once you take a bite of these puffy peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips, you’ll understand why they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire. The texture is pillowy and soft, thanks to a perfect balance of butter and peanut butter. The chocolate chips melt just right, creating a delightful contrast to the rich, nutty flavor of the peanut butter. These cookies are not only easy to make, but they also come together quickly, making them perfect for any occasion. Plus, who doesn’t love a cookie that’s both indulgent and comforting?
What to Buy
Before you dive into baking, here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need to whip up these scrumptious cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 8 tablespoons of salted butter, melted and cooled
- 6 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Make sure to grab high-quality ingredients for the best results—especially the chocolate chips, as they really make a difference in flavor!
Cook’s Kit
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix ingredients until smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate measurements.
- Baking sheet: A non-stick or lined one works best.
- Cooling rack: To let your cookies cool evenly.
Having the right tools on hand will help you create the perfect batch of puffy peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips.
Puffy Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chips. Made Stepwise
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step that ensures your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the 8 tablespoons of melted butter and 6 tablespoons of melted peanut butter. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of sugar until well combined.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add 1 egg and 1 egg yolk (at room temperature) to the butter mixture, along with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet. Leave ample space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This will allow them to set perfectly. Enjoy your puffy peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips warm or at room temperature!
Healthier Substitutions
If you’re looking to lighten up your puffy peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips, consider these substitutions:
- Use almond flour or whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added nutrients.
- Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content.
- Opt for natural peanut butter with no added sugars or oils for a healthier option.
- Reduce the sugar by using a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia.
These tweaks can help create a healthier version of your favorite cookies while still keeping them delicious!
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
When making puffy peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips, keep these tips in mind:
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator for thicker cookies that hold their shape better.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or peanut butter chips, for a unique twist.
- These cookies can be a great base for adding nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
If you find yourself with leftover puffy peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips (if that’s even possible), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Place cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheat: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Your Top Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your cookies, making them even more interesting.
Why are my cookies flat rather than puffy?
If your cookies are flat, it may be due to overmixing the dough or not properly measuring the flour. Make sure to scoop flour instead of packing it into the measuring cup.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s a 1:1 swap for best results.
How can I make these cookies more chocolatey?
For an extra chocolatey kick, try adding cocoa powder to the dough or mixing in a variety of chocolate chips, like dark and milk chocolate.
Next Up in Your Queue
- Mini Peanut Butter Cookies
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Dulce De Leche Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the best puffy peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! The aroma of these cookies will fill your kitchen with warmth, and I guarantee they won’t last long once they’re out of the oven. Happy baking!
Puffy Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chips.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step that ensures your cookies bake evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Set this mixture aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the 8 tablespoons of melted butter and 6 tablespoons of melted peanut butter. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of sugar until well combined.
- Add 1 egg and 1 egg yolk (at room temperature) to the butter mixture, along with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Gently fold in the 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet. Leave ample space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This will allow them to set perfectly. Enjoy your puffy peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator for thicker cookies that hold their shape better.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or peanut butter chips, for a unique twist.
