Are you craving a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that satisfies your chocolate and peanut butter cravings? Look no further! This recipe for chocolate cookies with peanut butter chips is the perfect blend of rich, decadent chocolate and the delightful crunch of peanut butter chips. It's a fantastic recipe for homemade cooking, ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a quick dinner dessert or a satisfying treat. Get ready to dive into a world of gooey goodness!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups peanut butter chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Stir in Peanut Butter Chips
Gently fold in the peanut butter chips. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this will ensure that it creams properly with the sugars, resulting in lighter, fluffier cookies.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Chopped peanuts or pecans would add a delicious crunch.
- Different Chips: Try using chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or a combination of different chips.
- Espresso Powder: Add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients for an intense chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie – approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. Use a nutrition calculator for a precise analysis. Expect approximately:
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These chocolate cookies with peanut butter chips are a simple yet delicious treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for easy recipes, healthy meals (in moderation!), or quick dinner ideas, this recipe delivers a fantastic combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy!