Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves a sweet treat. These cookies combine the rich flavors of chocolate with the creamy goodness of peanut butter, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply satisfying a craving, these cookies will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. They’re easy to whip up, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies ready in no time.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a rich taste that’s irresistible.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, bake sales, or even as a cozy snack at home.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to be a hit among family and friends.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to make them your own!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients; having multiple sizes helps manage different mixtures easily.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking; a good quality baking sheet prevents sticking and promotes browning.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, resulting in better texture.

Ingredients

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are an over-the-top treat that’s easy to make and packed with delicious chocolaty peanut butter flavor!

For the Cookie Dough

• ½ cup peanut butter (130g)
• 1½ cups powdered sugar (150g)
• 1½ ounces whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (260g)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25g)
• ¼ cup black cocoa powder (30g)
• (1) 3.4oz box instant chocolate fudge pudding mix (110g, unprepared)
• 2 tablespoons powdered milk (10g)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup granulated sugar (220g)
• ½ cup salted butter (113g, softened)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 additional large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 2 ounces whole milk (room temperature)
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Topping

• ¾ cup Reese’s Pieces (167g, plus more for topping)
• ¾ cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips (126g, plus more for topping)

How to Make Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and peanut butter. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Then add granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powders, instant pudding mix, powdered milk, salt, and baking soda until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in Reese’s Pieces and Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips into the cookie dough until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart. Press additional pieces on top if desired.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains soft.

Step 9: Cool Down

Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delightful Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies!

How to Serve Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

These Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies are delightful on their own but can be elevated with a few serving suggestions. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat at home, here are some ideas to enjoy these delicious cookies.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair the cookies with cold whole milk for a classic combination that enhances the rich flavors.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor for a fun dessert twist.

Topped with Extra Peanut Butter

• Spread a layer of creamy peanut butter on top of each cookie for an extra indulgent experience.

Crumbled Over Yogurt

• Crumble the cookies over vanilla or chocolate yogurt to add crunch and flavor to your snack.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a platter alongside fresh fruits and other desserts for a beautiful display at gatherings.

How to Perfect Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

Achieving the perfect Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for outstanding results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accurate measurements, which helps prevent dry cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: After combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated to maintain a tender cookie texture.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Rotate Baking Sheets: Halfway through baking, rotate the sheets in your oven for even cooking and browning.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of berries, bananas, and apples provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.
2. Chocolate Milkshake: Blend chocolate ice cream with milk for a creamy drink that complements the flavors of the cookies.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that balances out the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
4. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy mix of nuts and dried fruits adds texture and nutrition alongside your sweet treat.
5. Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors in coffee pair well with chocolate, enhancing your overall dessert experience.
6. Whipped Cream: Top your cookies with whipped cream for added fluffiness; consider flavored creams like vanilla or chocolate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies is fun, but it’s easy to make errors that affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Skipping the flour sifting: Not sifting the flour can cause clumping. Sift your flour and cocoa powder to ensure even distribution.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little can drastically change the outcome. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups precisely.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can either burn or undercook cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies special?

These cookies combine rich chocolate flavor with creamy peanut butter, creating an irresistible treat that’s both chewy and satisfying.

Can I customize the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap out different types of chocolate chips, or even mix in dried fruit for variety.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape during cooking.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?

Yes, but natural peanut butter may alter the texture slightly. It might be less sweet or have more oil separation.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields about nine delicious Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying yourself!

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies are an indulgent treat that combines two beloved flavors into one delicious bite. Their versatility allows you to experiment with different tastes, making them perfect for any occasion. Try adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings to create a unique twist on this classic recipe!