Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Ever feel like you’re running a short-order kitchen instead of a family dinner? I get it. One kid won’t touch anything green, another turns their nose up at “mixed” foods, and the third just wants buttered noodles. Again. Finding one thing that makes everyone happy feels like a miracle.

Well, I think I’ve found our family’s edible peace treaty: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. I know, calling a cookie a “win” might seem like cheating. But hear me out. These aren’t just dessert. They’re a secret weapon I use for lunchbox treats, after-school protein snacks, and yes, even a little bribe to get through homework. If you’re looking for more easy, crowd-pleasing cookie recipes, you have to try my brown butter pumpkin chocolate chip cookies next.

They hit that perfect savory-sweet spot that kids (and let’s be honest, adults) crave. The peanut butter makes them hearty, and the chocolate chips? Well, that’s the magic that gets everyone to the table. Let’s dig into this easy recipe that’s saved my sanity more than once.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Baked Good / Snack
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: About 30 minutes
• Servings: About 24 cookies

Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!

My kids are the kings and queens of the side-eye at new foods. But these cookies? They get a free pass every single time. I think it’s because they’re familiar and fun.

The texture is soft and chewy, not crumbly or weird. The flavor is a home run combo they already know and love from their sandwiches. Plus, they’re super forgiving. A little extra peanut butter or a few more chocolate chips never hurts. It feels like a treat, but I feel good knowing they’re getting a bit more protein and staying power than from a regular cookie.

Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List

No fancy trips to special stores needed. I bet you have most of this in your pantry right now. That’s the beauty of it!

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (see FAQ for nut-free ideas!)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• A big pinch of salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

That’s it! No flour, no butter to soften. It’s wonderfully simple.

How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This

Baking together is my favorite way to turn “I don’t like it” into “I made it!” It builds kitchen confidence and makes them more likely to try the final product.

For little hands, scooping the brown sugar and packing it into the cup is a great job. For older kids, cracking the egg (over a separate bowl, just in case!) and mixing everything together is perfect. But the best job for all ages is, of course, adding and “taste-testing” the chocolate chips. For another baking project that’s perfect for little helpers, check out these soft pumpkin white chocolate chip cookies.

The Full Step-by-Step Instructions

Don’t let baking scare you. This is one of the easiest recipes in my playbook. Just follow these simple steps.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, packed brown sugar, egg, baking soda, vanilla, and salt. Stir until it’s completely smooth and combined.
3. Now, fold in the chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly spread throughout the dough.
4. Scoop the dough. I use a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop for even cookies, but a regular spoon works too. Roll the dough into balls and place them on your prepared sheet. You can gently press them down a tiny bit with your fingers.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes. They might look a little soft in the middle—that’s perfect! They will firm up as they cool.
6. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This is the hardest part—waiting! Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fun Twists for Different Tastes

Got a kid who loves M&Ms? An adult who craves salty-sweet? This dough is your canvas. Here are some easy swaps we love.

For a different nut butter taste, try using almond butter. For a crunch, mix in some chopped pretzels with the chocolate chips. My husband loves when I press a few flakes of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking. For a fun holiday twist, use holiday-colored M&Ms instead of chocolate chips!

Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)

These cookies are lifesavers for busy weeks. I always make a double batch.

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months, or freeze the dough balls on a tray and then bag them up. Then, you can bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the bake time. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave makes them taste fresh-from-the-oven.

Nutrition Notes

I’m not a dietitian, but as a parent, I like to know what’s going into our snacks. Here’s the simple breakdown per cookie.

• Good source of protein from the peanut butter.
• More satisfying than a standard cookie, helping curb snack cravings.
• Contains healthy fats for energy.
• Naturally gluten-free since there’s no flour.
• Still a treat with sugar, so we enjoy them in balance!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make these nut-free for school?

Absolutely! Sunflower seed butter (often called “sunbutter”) works as a perfect one-to-one swap for the peanut butter. Just know it might make the cookies turn a slightly greener color as they cool—it’s a harmless chemical reaction and they still taste great!

My dough is really sticky. What did I do wrong?

Nothing! This is a sticky, no-flour dough. That’s normal. If it’s too hard to handle, pop the whole bowl in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. This will make it much easier to roll into balls.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

You can, but make sure it’s well-stirred. The oil separation in natural peanut butter can sometimes change the texture. For the most reliable results, I find the standard creamy peanut butter works best.

So there you have it. Our family’s go-to cookie that’s more than just a cookie. It’s a lunchbox hero, an after-school rescue, and a little bite of happiness that everyone agrees on. If you love the peanut butter and chocolate combo, you’ll adore my peanut butter chocolate banana muffins for a great on-the-go breakfast.

I truly hope this recipe brings a moment of peace (and deliciousness) to your table. I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below!