Hey there, fellow food lovers! Who doesn't adore a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie? But what if I told you that you could enjoy that classic comfort while also being a little kinder to your body? That's right! Today, we're diving into a delicious and slightly healthier version of the classic peanut butter chocolate chip cookie. Get ready for some serious flavor and feel-good baking!
The Magic of Peanut Butter and Chocolate
There's something undeniably magical about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. It's a flavor duo that brings joy to all ages. In this recipe, we're not just tossing these ingredients together; we're creating a symphony of tastes and textures. Think soft, thick, and a little chewy – these cookies are the definition of bliss.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
- Taste That Satisfies: These cookies are sweet and rich, thanks to the generous amount of peanut butter and a touch of butter. They're the perfect treat when you need something a little extra.
- Texture Heaven: We're talking a soft, thick cookie with a delightful chewiness. Say goodbye to flat, boring cookies!
- Easy to Master: I've tested this recipe multiple times to ensure consistency. As long as you avoid a few common mistakes (more on that below) you'll get perfect results every time.
- Time-Friendly: If you're organized, you can have these cookies ready in about 40 minutes! Who says you can't have a delicious homemade treat on a weeknight?
The Star Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dreams come true:
- Peanut Butter: One cup of creamy peanut butter is the base of our flavor. Feel free to use natural peanut butter, but ensure it's well stirred to avoid any oily separation. For a bit of crunch, consider adding some chopped peanuts instead of some chocolate chips.
- Chocolate Chips: One and a half cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the perfect balance to the peanut butter. Want a deeper flavor? Dark chocolate chips are a great substitute!
- Butter: One stick of softened butter is essential for a tender texture. Remember, softened, not melted. Leave your butter out for about 30 minutes before you start or use a microwave in short bursts if you forget.
- Sugars: We need 1/2 cup of granulated white sugar and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar to provide the perfect sweetness.
- Egg: One egg helps bind everything together.
- Milk: Three tablespoons of milk will add moisture to our dough. Use dairy or non-dairy milk – whatever works best for you.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor.
- Flour: One and a half cups of flour measured accurately using the scoop and level method
- Baking Powder and Salt: 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt helps with the rise and taste.
Getting Down to Baking
Here's a basic overview, for the full details see the recipe below:
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream the softened butter, peanut butter, and sugars until creamy. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop and Flatten: Use a tablespoon scoop to make even-sized balls. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet and gently press down with a fork.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be set, but the middle may still look a bit soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Baking Tips and Tricks for Success
- Butter Softness is Key: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. The right consistency is crucial for the perfect cookie texture.
- Flour Measurement Matters: Be precise when measuring your flour. Too much flour can make your cookies dry and dense.
- Don't Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges look set and the center is still slightly underdone. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
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Get Baking!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s a great way to satisfy that sweet craving while also having something you can feel good about. Happy baking!
Recipe
Yields: 24-28 cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Inactive Time: 10 minutes
Total time: 38 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Using a hand mixer, cream together the peanut butter, butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until well blended. Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture and mix together until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop out tablespoonfuls of the dough and roll into balls. Place the rolled balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Press each ball down with a fork.
- Place into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes at 375°F (191°C). They will look barely cooked on the top.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Nutrition Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 426
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 36mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 29g
- Protein: 8g
Disclaimer: Nutrition information may not always be accurate.
Enjoy your delicious and slightly healthier chocolate chip peanut butter cookies! Don’t forget to try Menuistia for all your other meal planning needs!