If you’re a fan of the classic peanut butter and chocolate combo, these Traditional Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are about to become your new favorite. They blend the creamy richness of peanut butter with the sweet decadence of chocolate chips, creating a cookie that’s both nostalgic and utterly satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are simple to make but deliver an unforgettable taste experience.
Peanut butter provides a creamy, nutty foundation that pairs perfectly with chocolate. Opt for creamy peanut butter to ensure even texture throughout the cookies. Unsalted butter adds richness and helps achieve that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Granulated sugar and brown sugar offer a balanced sweetness, with the brown sugar contributing to the cookies' chewy texture. Eggs are crucial for binding all the ingredients together, while vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. All-purpose flour gives structure to the cookies, and a bit of baking soda helps them rise just enough. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors, and finally, those semi-sweet chocolate chips add the perfect touch of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
These cookies are delightful on their own, but for a truly indulgent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Pairing them with a cold glass of milk is a classic choice that never disappoints. For an adult twist, try serving with a small glass of port or dessert wine.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup. Next, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. You’ll want to mix these until they're light and fluffy — this step is key for achieving that perfect cookie texture.
Now, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract next; it adds a lovely depth to the flavor profile. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour. Fold in the chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where the magic happens — every bite will have some chocolate.
Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This little rest allows them to firm up just right.