Choco-Swirled Peanut Butter Cookies bring together the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a delightful, easy-to-make treat. These cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a sweet addition to your next gathering.
Peanut butter provides the creamy, nutty base that holds everything together. It's all about that rich, indulgent flavor we all know and love. The granulated sugar sweetens the mix, giving the cookies their sweetness and just the right amount of chewiness. A single egg acts as the binding agent, keeping the cookies from crumbling apart. The vanilla extract adds a layer of flavor that enhances the chocolate and peanut butter combo.
All-purpose flour helps to give the cookies structure, while cocoa powder brings in that essential chocolate twist. A bit of baking soda ensures the cookies rise just enough to stay light. Lastly, semi-sweet chocolate chips are the little pockets of melty goodness that make each bite extra special.
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra treat, sandwich a bit of marshmallow fluff between two cookies for a makeshift s'more.
First things first, let’s get the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. Trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peanut butter and sugar. Using a sturdy spoon, mix them until they come together in a smooth, velvety consistency. Once that's done, crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. This simple step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before they meet the wet ones. Gradually add this dry mixture to the peanut butter concoction, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we’re aiming for a dough that's just blended.
Now for the fun part: fold in the chocolate chips. These little gems will add bursts of chocolatey goodness. Using a spoon or a small scoop, form tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a bit of space between them as they will spread a touch while baking.
With a fork, gently press each ball down to create a crisscross pattern on top. This little touch gives them that classic peanut butter cookie look. Pop them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are firm but the centers are still a bit soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.