Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (Chewy, Easy, Crowd-Pleaser) – Perfect for Potlucks & Snacks 🍪
These peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are a universally loved treat that combines creamy peanut butter, melty chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt for a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Perfect for potlucks, school lunches, or any day you need a crowd-pleasing snack!
Looking for a cookie that satisfies both peanut butter fans and chocolate lovers? These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are your answer! With a soft, chewy center and a perfect balance of sweet and salty, they’re ready in 20 minutes and require no special tools. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a school lunch, or just craving a cozy snack, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. The addition of sea salt elevates the flavors, while the peanut butter adds a rich, nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips.
What makes these cookies stand out is their simplicity and versatility. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them at a potluck, freezing batches for later, or just enjoying them with a glass of milk. The recipe uses everyday pantry staples, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic that never goes out of style!
The key to their chewy texture lies in the balance of brown sugar and peanut butter, which creates a soft, gooey center. The sea salt adds a subtle crunch and enhances the flavors without overpowering the sweetness. These cookies are also incredibly customizable—add nuts, switch out the chocolate chips, or even sprinkle a little extra salt on top for a gourmet touch.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies are easy to make and consistently delicious. They’re a crowd-pleaser that brings people together, making them a must-have for any gathering. Read on to discover how to make these irresistible treats that everyone will love!
For best Pinterest visibility, post this cookie pin as part of a complete meal series: pair them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa for a comforting treat. These cookies are the perfect anchor for a cozy snack spread!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: 1
Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
💡 Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Step 2: 2
Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
💡 Room temperature butter ensures smooth mixing.
- Step 3: 3
Add Eggs & Peanut Butter: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in peanut butter until well combined.
💡 Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture.
- Step 4: 4
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
💡 Sifting the dry ingredients ensures no lumps.
- Step 5: 5
Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
💡 Don’t overmix to keep cookies tender.
- Step 6: 6
Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons onto prepared sheets. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top. Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden.
💡 Let cookies cool slightly before transferring.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick & Easy
Ready in 20 minutes with just 6 simple steps. No special tools or techniques required.
💰 Affordable
Costs under $7 for 24 cookies using pantry staples. Perfect for budget-friendly baking.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Combines peanut butter and chocolate—a universally loved flavor combo that satisfies all ages and tastes.
🌟 Versatile
Perfect for potlucks, school events, or personal snacks. Store leftovers cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chewy, easy, and universally loved—these cookies are a must-have for any occasion!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- - 2 large eggs
- - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1 teaspoon baking soda
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes (for topping)
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
💡 Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
💡 Room temperature butter ensures smooth mixing.
Add Eggs & Peanut Butter: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in peanut butter until well combined.
💡 Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
💡 Sifting the dry ingredients ensures no lumps.
Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
💡 Don’t overmix to keep cookies tender.
Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons onto prepared sheets. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top. Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden.
💡 Let cookies cool slightly before transferringing.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter
Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies. The sea salt on top adds a savory contrast.
Substitutions: Use salted butter and reduce added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
Brown Sugar
Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor. Light brown sugar works best for a balanced sweetness.
Substitutions: Substitute with 1 cup packed dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Peanut Butter
The star ingredient! Creamy peanut butter ensures a smooth texture and nutty flavor. Avoid chunky varieties for even distribution.
Substitutions: Use almond butter or cashew butter for a nut-free option.
Chocolate Chips
Semisweet or milk chocolate chips work well. They melt into gooey pockets of chocolate.
Substitutions: Use dark chocolate chips for a bolder flavor or white chocolate for a sweet twist.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
🍪 For Maximum Chewiness
Use a 1:2 ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar. Brown sugar retains moisture, ensuring a soft center.
🥄 Mixing Technique
Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
❄️ Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
☕ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Variations & Customizations
Add Nuts
Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Swap Chocolate
Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste or white chocolate for a sweet contrast.
Add Spices
Mix in 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm, spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure chocolate chips are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- A cold glass of whole milk to complement the richness.
- A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- A slice of zesty lemon cake for a sweet-and-sour contrast.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a cup of hot cocoa, a glass of milk, or a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Chill the dough in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Refrigerator Storage
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen for 2 extra minutes.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: Chilled dough prevents spreading. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Q: How to make them extra chewy?
A: Use more brown sugar and avoid overbaking. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.
Q: Can I use a stand mixer?
A: Yes, but switch to a paddle attachment for easier mixing. Dough should be thick and not too sticky.
Q: How to store for longer?
A: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2 minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a timeless classic that brings joy to everyone who bites into them. With their perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate, they’re a versatile treat that fits any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, a school event, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to be a hit. The combination of creamy peanut butter, melty chocolate, and a hint of sea salt creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
Don’t forget to pair them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa for an extra special treat. For best Pinterest visibility, post these cookies as part of a complete meal series—share them alongside your favorite milk or cocoa recipe to create a cohesive, cozy theme. These cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the joy of baking and sharing with others.
