If you are anything like me and have a serious sweet tooth, then the Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaway Cookies Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies capture that perfect balance of rich, creamy peanut butter and decadent chocolate, all wrapped into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite that simply disappears as soon as you take a nibble. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving something special for yourself, this recipe delivers pure comfort and joy with every cookie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these meltaway cookies so irresistible is the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to bring out the perfect textures and flavors, from the creamy peanut butter to the smooth chocolate chips. Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:
- Butter (1 1/4 sticks or 10 Tbsp, soft): Using softened butter helps mix everything smoothly and creates that tender crumb texture.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Adds rich, nutty flavor and moistness to the cookies.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): For subtle sweetness and a delicate texture without grittiness.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): A little vanilla goes a long way in enhancing all the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base that gives the cookies structure while keeping them soft.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): The secret ingredient for that classic meltaway, tender softness.
- Kosher salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
- Chopped peanuts (1 cup): Adds a delightful crunch and extra peanut punch.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Brings that luscious swirl of chocolate that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaway Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter and Sugar
Start this delicious journey by combining the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and beautifully smooth. This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies will have that signature meltaway texture and subtle sweetness.
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract and Dry Ingredients
Next, add the pure vanilla extract to the wet mixture, then gradually mix in your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and kosher salt. The cornstarch is the secret trick here—it gives these cookies their incredibly tender bite that almost melts on your tongue. Stir everything until just combined; be careful not to overmix since you want those cookies to be tender, not tough.
Step 3: Fold in Peanuts and Chocolate Chips
Now comes the fun part—gently folding in the chopped peanuts and semi-sweet chocolate chips. These ingredients add both texture and bursts of flavor in every single bite. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough to guarantee a perfect chewy and crunchy combination in every cookie.
Step 4: Portion and Chill the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion your dough into small mounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Because the dough is fairly soft, chilling it for about 15-20 minutes before baking helps the cookies keep their shape in the oven and develop that meltaway tenderness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for about 11 minutes or until the edges are firm but not browned, because these cookies are best enjoyed soft and tender, with just the right hint of chewiness. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaway Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cookies, try sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top after baking. The salt perfectly contrasts the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter and chocolate flavors beautifully. If you want a little extra decadence, drizzle some melted chocolate right over the cooled cookies.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a steaming hot cup of coffee or tea. The creamy beverage cuts through the richness, making each bite feel even more indulgent. For a fun twist, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your cookie presentation unforgettable by stacking them on a pretty platter with a few whole peanuts and mini chocolate chips scattered around for a rustic touch. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of peanut butter or chocolate ganache for an irresistible treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked, store your Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaway Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for weekday treats or sharing with neighbors and friends.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, the cookie dough freezes beautifully wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months without losing their meltaway magic.
Reheating
To enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or briefly warm in a low oven. This quick heat-up revives the soft, gooey texture and fresh-baked aroma that makes these cookies truly irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
While creamy peanut butter gives these cookies the smooth texture that melts in your mouth, crunchy peanut butter can add an extra surprise crunch. Just be aware it may slightly change the tenderness of the cookie.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best results.
Can I substitute the peanuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts would all be delicious alternatives and add their own unique texture and flavor to the meltaway cookies.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking is key to preventing too much spreading. Also, be sure not to over-soften your butter to keep the dough firm enough to hold its shape.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To veganize this recipe, use a plant-based butter substitute and make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The texture may be slightly different, but the rich flavor combination will still shine through!
Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaway Cookies Recipe is truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. It manages to be simple yet luxurious, comforting yet exciting with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make these meltaway wonders a new staple in your baking repertoire. Trust me, once you do, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaway Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight your taste buds with these rich and buttery Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaway Cookies. Featuring a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, chopped peanuts, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are soft, sweet, and irresistibly chewy. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies combine classic flavors with a tender crumb texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 1/4 sticks (10 Tbsp) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup peanuts, chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This creates the rich base for your cookies.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and kosher salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to form a soft dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Add peanuts and chocolate chips: Fold in the chopped peanuts and semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly through the dough to incorporate crunch and chocolate bursts in every bite.
- Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls and roll into balls, then place on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The cookies will firm up further once cooled.
- Cool thoroughly: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set properly for the perfect meltaway texture.
Notes
- If you prefer, substitute crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading and improve shape.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- To enhance chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips or chunks.
