Description
These rich and chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies combine the classic flavors of creamy peanut butter and cocoa powder in a perfectly sweetened cookie. With a soft center and slightly crisp edges, they are easy to make and ideal for peanut butter lovers seeking a chocolate twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening (regular or butter flavor)
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once the cookie dough is prepared.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the shortening, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Egg: Incorporate the large egg into the wet mixture by mixing until just combined to avoid overbeating.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the cookie dough forms a uniform consistency with no flour pockets.
- Shape Dough: Scoop portions of dough about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter onto an ungreased cookie sheet, evenly spacing them to allow for baking expansion.
- Form Pattern: Press each dough ball gently with a fork to create a classic crisscross pattern on the surface of the cookies.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the center remains soft.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, use creamy peanut butter as it blends smoothly with the shortening for a tender cookie texture.
- If you prefer a crunchy texture, consider adding chopped peanuts to the dough.
- Do not overbake; cookies will firm up as they cool, maintaining a soft center.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container will keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- For a dairy-free option, use a nondairy milk substitute and a vegan shortening.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate peanut butter cookies, peanut butter cookies, chocolate cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade cookies, baked cookies, dessert
