Rich, chocolaty, and irresistibly peanut buttery, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests, this quick and easy recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cookie jar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect Flavor Pairing: Combines the classic duo of chocolate and peanut butter.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses a peanut butter cookie mix for convenience.
- Customizable: Add toppings or mix-ins to make it your own.
- Soft and Chewy: Delivers the perfect cookie texture every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 (17.5 ounce) bag peanut butter cookie mix
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 large egg
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- Sugar (optional garnish)
Directions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter cookie mix and cocoa powder. - Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and melted butter to the bowl. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the ingredients until a smooth dough forms, about 2 minutes. - Shape the Cookies
Use a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out balls of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. - Create the Criss-Cross Pattern
Using a fork, gently press a criss-cross pattern onto the top of each cookie. Be careful not to flatten the cookies completely. - Optional Sugar Garnish
Sprinkle a little sugar over the top of each cookie for added sweetness and texture. - Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. - Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack or enjoy them warm. - Serve
Indulge in the chocolaty peanut butter goodness!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 18 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 146 kcal per cookie
Variations
- Add-Ins: Mix in chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Drizzle: Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter for a gourmet touch.
- Double Chocolate: Use dark cocoa powder for an even richer chocolate flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free peanut butter cookie mix.
- Holiday Twist: Sprinkle colored sugar or add festive sprinkles before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking or serving.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them soft and gooey.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of the mix?
Yes, you can substitute with your favorite homemade peanut butter cookie dough and add cocoa powder.
2. Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, just add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
3. What type of cocoa powder is best?
Unsweetened cocoa powder works best, but you can use Dutch-processed for a smoother flavor.
4. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.
5. How do I make the cookies chewier?
Don’t overbake them—remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges are set.
6. Can I make these cookies without the criss-cross pattern?
Yes, the pattern is decorative and traditional but not essential.
7. Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Freeze either the baked cookies or raw dough for later use.
8. Can I make the cookies larger?
Yes, adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they cook through.
9. How can I make the cookies less sweet?
Omit the optional sugar garnish or use dark cocoa powder.
10. What pairs well with these cookies?
Serve with a glass of milk, hot coffee, or vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
Conclusion
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are a match made in dessert heaven. Their soft, chewy texture and rich flavors make them a must-try recipe for cookie lovers. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a simple indulgence, these cookies are guaranteed to delight. Bake a batch today and enjoy!
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies! A perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, these cookies are soft, buttery, and topped with a hint of sugar for extra indulgence. Quick and easy to make, they’re ideal for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 (17.5 oz) bag peanut butter cookie mix
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 large egg
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- Sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter cookie mix and cocoa powder.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Add the egg and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a hand or stand mixer to blend until the dough is smooth (about 2 minutes).
- Shape the Dough:
- Scoop dough using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop to form balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet(s).
- Press and Garnish:
- Use a fork to gently press a criss-cross pattern into the top of each cookie. Avoid flattening them completely. Sprinkle with sugar, if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the edges are set.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Serve warm or store for later.
- Enjoy:
- Perfect with a glass of milk or as an on-the-go treat!
Notes
- For extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or add chocolate chips to the dough.
- Use unsalted butter if preferred, and add a pinch of salt for balance.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
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