Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup shortening or butter flavored shortening; 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar; 3 Tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1 large egg; 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa (scoop and sweep only, do not pack); 3/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 9 reviews

If you’re a fan of the classic combo of peanut butter and chocolate (and who isn’t?), then you’re in for a treat with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter, delivering a soft, chewy texture with a hint of that classic crisscross fork pattern on top. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your new go-to whenever you’re craving something cozy and indulgent.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Texture: The combination of shortening and peanut butter creates a tender but soft cookie that melts in your mouth.
Balanced Sweetness: Using brown sugar adds a subtle molasses flavor that complements the earthy peanut butter and deep cocoa.
Simple Yet Flavorful: Just a handful of pantry staples come together for a complex flavor profile that feels indulgent.
Quick and Easy Prep: Straightforward mixing steps and a brief bake time make this a perfect go-to cookie for last-minute cravings.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, peanut butter chocolate cookies, homemade peanut butter cookies, soft chewy cookies, easy cookie recipe - A metal wire cooling rack filled with two rows of small, round, dark brown chocolate cookies, each with a crosshatch pattern pressed into the top. Below and around the rack, a white marbled surface partly covered with a blue and white striped cloth is visible. A few cookies are scattered near the bottom right edge of the rack, with one cookie showing a bite taken out of it. The overall feel is warm and fresh from baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, let’s talk about the ingredients that make this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe shine. Each one plays a role in texture or taste — and a few measuring tips can help you nail this recipe on your first try.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, peanut butter chocolate cookies, homemade peanut butter cookies, soft chewy cookies, easy cookie recipe - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of creamy peanut butter, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown sugar packed firmly, a small white ceramic bowl of all purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of unsweetened cocoa powder scooped and swept, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, one whole uncracked large brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl with a portion of solid shortening, a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, a small white ceramic bowl of baking soda, and a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shortening or Butter-Flavored Shortening: Gives the cookies a soft, tender crumb and helps retain moisture. You can use butter but expect a slightly different texture.
Creamy Peanut Butter: The star ingredient — creamy peanut butter blends smoothly, providing richness and that classic flavor without chunks interrupting the chew.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses that pairs beautifully with peanut butter and cocoa.
Milk: Helps keep the dough smooth and aids with tenderness in the final cookie.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors, especially the peanut butter and chocolate notes.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
All Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cookie; be sure to measure properly (spoon and level).
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness — but be careful to scoop and sweep to avoid packing too much, which can dry out your dough.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
Baking Soda: A small boost for rise and lightness without affecting flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe lends itself to easy customization. Whether you want to make them a little more decadent, swap ingredients for dietary needs, or try something new with toppings, there’s plenty of room to experiment and still get amazing results.

Variation: Once, I added a handful of mini chocolate chips right before baking — it gave the cookies a melty, gooey surprise that my family went crazy for.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter for sunflower seed butter, and it still bakes up perfectly with the same rich texture.
Extra Crunch: Toss in chopped roasted peanuts for a bit of bite — just be sure to adjust your expectations for chewiness!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients for Ultimate Smoothness

Start by combining the shortening, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. I like to use my stand mixer for this part, but a hand mixer works just as well. Beat everything on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Then add the egg and mix until just blended — overmixing here will make cookies dense, so be gentle!

Step 2: Sift and Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl. This helps distribute the cocoa and leavening agents evenly. Then add the dry mixture to your creamed peanut butter mixture, mixing on low speed to avoid kicking up too much flour. Stop mixing as soon as everything is incorporated — the last thing you want is tough cookies.

Step 3: Drop, Flatten, and Bake

Using a heaping tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop cookie dough balls onto ungreased, insulated baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Here’s a little trick that’s become my habit: gently flatten each dough ball with the tines of a fork in a crisscross pattern. It helps the cookies bake evenly and gives that classic peanut butter cookie look. Pop them in the oven at 375°F for 7–8 minutes. Keep a close eye during the last minute so they don’t overbake — you want them just set with a hint of browning. Let them cool for 2 minutes on the sheet before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Measuring Cocoa Powder: I learned the hard way that scooping cocoa leads to dry cookies. Always spoon and level gently to keep the right moisture.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies cook fast; they’ll look slightly underdone but will firm up as they cool, keeping them soft inside.
Scooping Uniform Cookies: Using a cookie scoop makes the process faster, and ensures even size so every cookie bakes evenly.
Fork Pattern Tradition: Flipping the fork once and pressing gently helps you avoid cracking and creates that iconic peanut butter look.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, peanut butter chocolate cookies, homemade peanut butter cookies, soft chewy cookies, easy cookie recipe - A row of thick, round chocolate cookies with a soft texture is neatly arranged inside a white rectangular tray lined with white parchment paper, each cookie showing a simple crisscross pattern pressed into the top. The cookies have a rich dark brown color and are packed closely together in two layers, filling the tray fully, set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve these cookies, I sometimes sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on each one right after baking — it amps up the peanut butter and chocolate flavor like magic. Another time, I sprinkled finely chopped peanuts on top before baking for a bit of texture and a gorgeous finish.

Side Dishes

Milk is the ultimate companion here — whether it’s cold whole milk or a creamy oat milk for a dairy-free option. I’ve also enjoyed these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream when I wanted a decadent treat. At brunches, they pair surprisingly well with fresh fruit or yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, I like to drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top. Lining them up on a wooden board with mini jars of peanut butter and dipping spoons makes for a charming and interactive dessert station. If you’re gifting, tie a stack with a rustic ribbon and slip in a handwritten note — everyone loves receiving a homemade cookie gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment paper between them to avoid sticking. They stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days, but honestly, mine never last that long!

Freezing

To freeze, I scoop the cookie dough before baking onto parchment-lined trays and freeze until firm, then transfer the scoops to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime you want, just add an extra minute or two to baking time.

Reheating

If you have leftover baked cookies, a quick 15-second zap in the microwave softens them back to that fresh-from-the-oven feel. Just don’t overheat or they could dry out. A warm cookie is the best cookie, trust me.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter for shortening in this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening, but keep in mind it might affect the texture slightly — the cookies may be a bit less soft but will still taste delicious. Using butter can also add a richer flavor.
How do I prevent the cookies from turning out dry?

The key is in how you measure your cocoa powder — avoid packing it tightly. Also, don’t overbake; the cookies should be just set when removed from the oven, as they continue to firm up while cooling.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding mini chocolate chips adds a melty surprise, and chopped nuts give extra crunch. Just fold them in gently after mixing the dough and before scooping.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and chewy for about 5 days at room temperature.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free milk and substitute shortening or vegan butter for the shortening to make a dairy-free version. For vegan, swap the egg with a flax egg or other egg replacer and adjust baking times slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe has become my comfort baking staple — it’s simple, forgiving, and delivers that perfect sweet-and-salty punch every time. I love how easy it is to whip up a batch on a weekday evening and how it fills the kitchen with the warmest aromas. If you try this recipe, I’m confident it’ll become a favorite for you and anyone lucky enough to snag one. Happy baking, friend!