Description
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies combine the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter and unsweetened cocoa powder for a decadent treat. With a soft center, slightly crisp edges, and a signature crisscross pattern, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
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 reaches the proper temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Egg: Crack in the egg and mix it with the wet ingredients until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- 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 and cocoa.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring carefully until the dough is fully combined and uniform in color.
- Form Cookies: Scoop the cookie dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, forming balls about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter for uniform size and baking.
- Create Crisscross Pattern: Use a fork to gently press down each dough ball, making a distinctive crisscross pattern on top of each cookie.
- Bake: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a richer taste, you can substitute half of the shortening with unsalted butter.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake the cookies for an extra 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the centers soft and chewy.
- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest dough and best consistency.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container will keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- 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, soft cookies
