Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chunks (semi-sweet or dark chocolate)

Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough dough.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chunks: Gently fold in the chocolate chunks using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Baking the Cookies

1. Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
3. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, even dough.
• Measuring Flour: Properly measure the flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Excess flour can make the cookies dry.
• Chocolate Chunks: Using chocolate chunks instead of chips ensures pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cookie. For a personal touch, you can chop a chocolate bar.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough balls and bake them as needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
• Dipped in Milk: A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
• Drizzled with Chocolate: Melt some extra chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra chocolatey finish.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies combine the nutty richness of peanut butter with the sweet satisfaction of chocolate, making them an irresistible dessert. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures you can bake cookies that will delight anyone who tries them. Whether for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy baking and savoring these delectable treats!