Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Chocolate and peanut butter dance together in these irresistible, gooey chocolate peanut butter cookies that melt hearts.

Rich cocoa swirls through soft, pillowy dough, creating a decadent treat everyone craves.

The combination of smooth peanut butter and deep chocolate notes creates pure magic in every bite.

Warm from the oven, these cookies promise an indulgent experience that sparks joy.

Crisp edges give way to a tender, melting center that beckons you closer.

Each cookie whispers comfort and pure deliciousness.

Bake a batch and watch smiles bloom around the table.

Tools You’ll Want for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

  • Mixing bowls: Medium-sized for wet and dry ingredients mixing.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
  • Whisk: Quickly blend dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Baking sheet: Flat surface for cookie placement and baking.
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray: Prevents cookies from sticking.
  • Spoon or hands: Scoop and shape cookie dough.
  • Fork: Create signature crisscross pattern on cookies.
  • Wire rack: Perfect for cooling cookies evenly.
  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and prep a baking sheet with a quick spray or parchment paper.

  • Blend Wet Wonders

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together creamy peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until silky smooth.

  • Marry Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold this mix into the wet ingredients until perfectly combined. Chocolate chip lovers can toss in extra chips now.

  • Shape Cookie Magic

Scoop out tablespoon-sized dough balls and roll them into cute rounds. Place them on the baking sheet with some breathing room between each.

  • Create Signature Design

Use a fork to gently press a classic crisscross pattern on top of each cookie dough ball.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pop the sheet into the oven for 8-10 minutes. Cookies will look soft but will firm up while cooling.

  • Cool and Devour

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy the chocolate-peanut butter explosion!

Tips to Boost Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Mastery
  • Room Temperature Magic: Let ingredients like eggs and peanut butter sit at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother cookie texture.
  • Chocolate Chip Power-Up: Swap dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for different flavor profiles that complement the rich chocolate-peanut butter base.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without losing delicious taste.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months, giving you fresh cookies anytime you crave them.
  • Texture Tricks: For chewier cookies, slightly underbake by 1-2 minutes; for crispier edges, extend baking time by 2-3 minutes and watch carefully to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

  • Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk for the ultimate sweet treat experience.
  • Gourmet Ice Cream Pairing: Top a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream with a crumbled cookie for a rich, indulgent dessert.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies and sprinkle with chopped peanuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
  • Coffee Break Delight: Enjoy these cookies with a hot espresso or cappuccino for a perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up that balances sweet and bitter notes.

Storing Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies the Right Way

  • Quick Cool-Down Strategy: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes to stabilize their structure before moving to a wire cooling rack, preventing potential crumbling.
  • Fridge Storage Hack: Stack cookies between parchment paper layers in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days at refrigerator temperatures between 35-40°F.
  • Freezer Friendly Method: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, extending their delicious life for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Room Temperature Trick: Store cookies in a sealed container with a small piece of bread to maintain moisture and softness, preventing them from becoming dry or crumbly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 195 kcal

Servings: 24

Ingredients List for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

For Base and Binding Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy foundation that adds richness and signature nutty depth, choose natural or no-stir varieties for consistent texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crisp cookie edges, opt for fine-grain sugar for smooth mixing.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure, select fresh room-temperature eggs for best results.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity, use pure extract for more robust taste.
For Dry and Texture Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structural base for cookies, select unbleached flour for better consistency.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor, Dutch-processed cocoa offers deeper color and smoother taste.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly, ensure freshness by checking expiration date.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
For Optional Enhancement:
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate bursts, dark or semi-sweet chips complement peanut butter wonderfully.
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Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Irresistible chocolate peanut butter cookies blend rich cocoa with creamy peanut butter for an indulgent treat. Crisp edges and chewy centers make these cookies a delightful snack you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup (125 g / 4.4 oz) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) brown sugar, packed
  • ⅓ cup (40 g / 1.4 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (90 g / 3.2 oz) chocolate chips
  • ½ cup (90 g / 3.2 oz) peanut butter chips
  • Flaky sea salt (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 350F (175C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface.
  2. Wet Mixture Creation: Blend peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Whisk until the ingredients merge into a smooth, glossy consistency.
  3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring consistently to create a uniform dough. Incorporate chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
  4. Cookie Shaping: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into smooth spheres. Arrange the balls approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Imprint a classic crisscross pattern on each cookie using a fork.
  5. Baking Process: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for slightly golden edges as a sign of completion. The cookies will continue to set during the cooling phase.
  6. Cooling and Serving: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let cookies rest briefly. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and develop their final rich, decadent texture before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust Peanut Butter Consistency: Use room temperature, creamy peanut butter for smoother dough and better cookie texture. Avoid natural or separated peanut butter as it can make cookies dry or crumbly.
  • Prevent Spreading: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to minimize cookie spread and maintain compact, structured shape. Cold dough helps cookies retain their form during baking.
  • Chocolate Chip Distribution: Fold chocolate chips gently to prevent overmixing, which can toughen the dough. Ensure even chip placement for consistent chocolate flavor in every bite.
  • Dietary Modifications: Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for gluten-sensitive individuals. Replace egg with mashed banana or flax egg for vegan version, maintaining similar moisture and binding properties.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 158
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 14 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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