Description
Delight in these rich and chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, combining the smooth creaminess of peanut butter with the deep flavor of cocoa. Perfectly soft with a slight crisp on the edges, these cookies are easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening (regular or butter flavor)
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup 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 prepare for baking the cookies.
- 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: Incorporate the large egg into the wet mixture and mix only until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Prepare 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 flavor.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until the dough is fully combined without over-mixing.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out the dough into 1 to 1 1/2 inch balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them adequately for spreading.
- Shape Pattern: Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, creating the classic crisscross pattern on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 8 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft for optimal chewiness.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps set the texture.
Notes
- Ensure not to overbake to keep the cookies chewy and soft inside.
- You can substitute the shortening with butter for a richer flavor.
- Using creamy peanut butter gives the best texture; chunky peanut butter may alter the mouthfeel.
- For crispier cookies, bake an additional 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate peanut butter cookies, easy cookies, chewy chocolate cookies, peanut butter dessert, homemade cookies