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Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures your cookies don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and peanut butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will create a nice base for the cookie dough.
Step 3: Add the Sugars and Egg
Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the butter and peanut butter mixture, and continue beating until everything is well combined and the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the egg is fully incorporated into the dough.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate and Peanuts
Stir in the chocolate chunks and, if using, the chopped peanuts. You can use regular chocolate chips or roughly chop a bar of your favorite chocolate for bigger chunks. The extra bits of chocolate and peanuts will add texture and flavor to each bite.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough into evenly sized balls. Space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet, as the cookies will spread slightly as they bake.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. Keep an eye on them, as oven times may vary slightly. The cookies will continue to cook and firm up a bit after they’re out of the oven.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you can resist, try to wait until they’ve cooled a bit to experience that perfect melt-in-your-mouth moment.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for the best texture and even mixing.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer a thicker cookie, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading.
- Customize the Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chunks for a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the peanut butter, or try milk chocolate for a sweeter option. White chocolate can also be a fun twist if you’re a fan of it!
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough in individual cookie scoops for up to 3 months—just bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Why These Cookies Are the Ultimate Treat
- Sweet and Salty Goodness: The combination of the creamy, slightly salty peanut butter and the rich sweetness of the chocolate creates the perfect balance that makes these cookies totally addictive.
- Textural Delight: The soft interior and slightly crispy edges, combined with the chocolate chunks and optional peanut crunch, provide a wonderful variety of textures in every bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual afternoon snack or a special occasion, these cookies are the perfect treat for almost any event. They’re easy to transport, so they’re great for bake sales, potlucks, or holiday parties.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies are truly a treat for the senses. With their perfect balance of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy, they’re sure to satisfy any cookie craving. Plus, with minimal ingredients and easy preparation, they’re an accessible and reliable recipe that anyone can whip up. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies will not disappoint.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up the best peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies you’ve ever tasted! Your friends and family won’t be able to resist the first bite— and the next, and the next…
Happy baking! 🍪
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