Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

A warm batch of cookies can brighten any day, and when those cookies are your favorite easy peanut butter chocolate chip variety, they’re irresistible. This delightful combination takes your taste buds on a delicious journey with its perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chips. Let’s dive into how you can effortlessly make these cookies at home.
One of the earliest memories I have is of baking in the kitchen with my grandmother. She adored this recipe, and it quickly became a cherished family tradition. Whenever I’d visit her, we would spend afternoons mixing, baking, and chatting, surrounded by the comforting smell of freshly baked cookies. To this day, every bite reminds me of those warm kitchen memories filled with laughter and love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true winner because it marries simplicity with scrumptious flavors. You’ll appreciate the minimal ingredients needed, making it a budget-friendly choice. It’s quick to assemble, perfect for when time is not on your side but a sweet treat is in need. The signature chewiness from the peanut butter paired with gooey chocolate chips is the perfect comfort food for all ages.
Ingredients Notes
Choosing the best ingredients ensures these cookies turn out perfect every time. Opt for creamy peanut butter without added sugar for a smoother consistency. Semi-sweet chocolate chips strike the right balance of sweetness, but feel free to experiment with milk or dark chocolate varieties. For a unique twist, replace regular flour with almond flour for a nuttier flavor.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gather all your ingredients for seamless preparation.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter and sugar, stirring until smooth. This ensures the sweetness is distributed evenly.
Step 3
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. This step incorporates moisture and enhances the flavor blend.
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Step 4
Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Distributing them evenly throughout the dough enhances every bite with chocolatey goodness.
Step 5
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden. Let them cool before transferring to a wire rack.
Storage Options
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For extended freshness, freeze them in a zip-lock bag for up to three months. Reheat frozen cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, or until they’re soft again.
Variations & Substitutions
If you’re looking for a gluten-free variation, swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free mix. For a nut-free version, sunbutter can replace peanut butter. To add a surprising twist, incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of crushed nuts.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are excellent as an afternoon snack paired with a glass of cold milk. They make a lovely treat for picnics or school lunches. Additionally, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unbeatable dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chunky peanut butter? Yes, using chunky peanut butter will add texture to the cookies, giving them a delightful crunch in each bite. It’s a great option if you like a bit more bite to your baked goods.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too thin? To keep cookies from spreading, ensure your peanut butter dough is chilled before baking. This helps the fats in the dough to stay firm, resulting in cookies that are perfectly chewy rather than flat.
Can these cookies be made vegan? Absolutely. Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg substitute, which involves mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water, letting it sit until thickened.

Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy or chunky, as preferred
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.