Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

These Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in every bite. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply as an indulgent dessert, these cookies stand out with their gooey texture and balanced sweetness. The combination of Reese’s Pieces and Peanut Butter Chips elevates them to a new level of deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Decadent Flavor: The mix of chocolate and peanut butter creates a flavor explosion that satisfies any sweet tooth.
• Versatile Treat: Great for various occasions, whether it’s a picnic, birthday, or just a cozy night in.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or swap out the chips for different flavors!
• Perfect Texture: These cookies have a perfect balance between chewy and crunchy, making them irresistible.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows for easy combining of ingredients without spills.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for perfect cookies; they help maintain the right balance of flavors.
• Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Cooling rack: Using a cooling rack helps cookies retain their texture by allowing air circulation.

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Ingredients

To make these delectable Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• ½ cup peanut butter (130g)
• 1½ cups powdered sugar (150g)
• 1½ ounces whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (260g)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25g)
• ¼ cup black cocoa powder (30g)
• 1 (3.4oz) box instant chocolate fudge pudding mix (110g, unprepared)
• 2 tablespoons powdered milk (10g)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

For Mixing In

• 1 cup granulated sugar (220g)
• ½ cup salted butter (113g, softened)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 additional large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 2 ounces whole milk (room temperature)
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Topping

• ¾ cup Reese’s Pieces (167g, plus more for topping)
• ¾ cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips (126g, plus more for topping)

How to Make Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. ½ cup peanut butter
2. 1½ ounces whole milk
3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4. ½ cup salted butter

Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1½ cups powdered sugar
3. ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4. ¼ cup black cocoa powder
5. ¼ teaspoon baking soda
6. ½ teaspoon salt

Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Pudding Mix

Stir in the instant chocolate fudge pudding mix along with the powdered milk until fully mixed.

Step 6: Add Eggs and Final Ingredients

Mix in:
1. 1 large egg
2. 1 additional large egg yolk
3. 2 ounces whole milk
4. Additional vanilla extract

Finally, gently fold in:
1. Reese’s Pieces
2. Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until edges are firm but centers are still soft.

Step 9: Cool Down

Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies!

How to Serve Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

These Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for any occasion. They can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or served with various accompaniments that enhance their rich flavor.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, cold milk complements the cookies’ sweetness and balances the rich peanut butter.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess and a touch of elegance when serving.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of fresh strawberries or bananas for a refreshing contrast to the rich cookie flavors.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies with other desserts like brownies or cupcakes for a delightful dessert spread at parties.

How to Perfect Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs and milk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Combine ingredients until just blended for soft, chewy results.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking helps the flavors meld and improves texture.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or spoon-and-level method to measure flour correctly, ensuring you don’t add too much, which can make cookies dry.

• Rotate Baking Sheets: For even baking, rotate your cookie sheets halfway through the baking time, especially if your oven has hot spots.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that balances the richness of chocolate and peanut butter perfectly.
2. Chocolate Milkshake: This creamy drink adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness that complements the cookies well.
3. Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast that enhances the sweet flavors of the cookies.
4. Peanut Butter Dip: Serve with a simple peanut butter dip made from peanut butter mixed with yogurt for added creaminess.
5. Banana Slices: The natural sweetness of bananas offers a healthy contrast while complementing the cookie flavors nicely.
6. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage like coffee or tea makes for an excellent pairing, balancing sweetness with warmth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure the right proportions for the best texture and flavor.
• Not softening butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a creamy consistency that blends well with sugar.
• Skipping the chilling step: Don’t skip chilling the dough if indicated in the recipe. It helps prevent spreading and improves the overall texture of your cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than soft and chewy ones.
• Underbaking or overbaking: Keep an eye on baking time. Slightly underbaking will give you that perfect chewy texture, while overbaking can make them hard.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes to restore freshness.
• Microwave: Heat for about 10-15 seconds on low power. This method keeps them soft but can make them chewy if overheated.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies.

Can I use natural peanut butter in these cookies?

Yes! Natural peanut butter works well. Just ensure it’s well mixed before measuring for consistent texture.

How do I make my Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies more chocolatey?

To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or increasing the cocoa powder slightly in your recipe.

Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute nut butter with alternatives like almond or cashew butter for different flavors.

How long do Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies last?

Stored properly, they can last up to one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

What’s the best way to customize this cookie recipe?

You can add nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate chips. Feel free to get creative!

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! With their rich chocolaty flavor paired with creamy peanut butter, they are sure to please anyone. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins for an even more delightful treat!