Peanut Butter Surprise Chocolate Chip Cookies

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 24
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Peanut Butter Surprise Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, bursting with creamy peanut butter and gooey chocolate. These cookies bring a playful element to your baking endeavors, thanks to the hidden mini peanut butter cups inside.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Surprise Chocolate Chip Cookies

Butter is the base of any good cookie, contributing to that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Granulated sugar and brown sugar work together for the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness, with the latter adding a hint of molasses flavor. The eggs help bind everything together, while a dash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile. All-purpose flour forms the structure of the cookies, and a little baking soda ensures they rise just right. Salt may seem minor, but it’s crucial for bringing out the sweetness and flavors. Creamy peanut butter infuses each bite with rich, nutty goodness, and the semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a classic, irresistible contrast. Finally, the mini peanut butter cups are the surprise element that elevates these cookies into something truly special.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
  • Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and texture.
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes and even baking.
  • If you prefer a chunkier texture, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can level up the experience by serving them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Pairing them with a cold glass of milk is a classic choice that never fails. For a fancier touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but keep in mind that natural peanut butter might alter the texture slightly due to its oil content.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for a few months.

Peanut Butter Surprise Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Walkthrough

First, set the stage by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready once your dough is prepared. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. You'll want to beat these until they're light and fluffy—think airy clouds of sweetness. Next, crack in your eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra aromatic touch.

Now, take another bowl and whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for even distribution and helps prevent any surprises of baking soda lumps in your cookies. Gradually blend these dry ingredients into your creamed mixture. It’s important to go slow here to maintain that lovely texture.

Add in the creamy peanut butter and mix until it’s thoroughly incorporated. The dough should start to look and smell irresistible at this point. Stir in the chocolate chips and mini peanut butter cups, folding them gently to distribute evenly throughout the dough.

Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets. Aim for uniform sizes so they bake evenly. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye out for those golden brown edges—the cookies should look set but still soft in the center. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A delightful combination of peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
  • Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.
  • Perfect for a surprise treat with hidden peanut butter cups.
  • Great for sharing at parties or enjoying as an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini peanut butter cups, halved

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
6. Fold in the peanut butter and mix until well incorporated.
7. Stir in the chocolate chips and mini peanut butter cups.
8. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
10. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

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