Get ready to indulge in a delightful twist on a classic favorite with these Chunky Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Cookies. Combining the creamy, nutty flavors of peanut butter with the rich, decadent taste of chocolate, these cookies are a treat for the senses. Perfect for peanut butter lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike!
Creamy peanut butter gives the cookies a smooth, rich texture and enhances the peanut flavor. Chunky peanut butter adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy base. Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps the cookies caramelize while baking. Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor and moisture, ensuring a soft interior. Egg acts as a binder, holding everything together. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile. Baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a nice texture. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. Semi-sweet chocolate chips introduce a rich, chocolaty contrast to the peanut butter. Finally, roasted peanuts bring in extra crunch and a burst of nutty flavor.
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but if you're feeling adventurous, try sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich. Alternatively, crumble them over a bowl of your favorite ice cream for added texture and flavor.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy and chunky peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until smooth and well-blended.
Next, add in the baking soda and salt. Stir the mixture until these dry ingredients are just combined with the wet ones. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage to keep the cookies tender.
Now, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the chopped roasted peanuts. This step is where the magic happens as you incorporate the delightful crunch and chocolatey goodness into your dough.
Using a tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye out for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown.
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them set before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.