Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Sharing is caring!

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. When you introduce a little sprinkle of sea salt into the mix, you create an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor, making them an essential addition to your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a casual afternoon snack or for a holiday gathering, these cookies will surely impress both family and friends.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

This recipe for Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating a delightful experience. The rich, creamy peanut butter paired with luscious chocolate creates a flavor combination that is both comforting and indulgent. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced bakers. The addition of coarse salt elevates these cookies to gourmet status, providing a perfect balance to the sweetness. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself coming back for more, and they’ll quickly become a favorite in your cookie rotation.

Your Shopping Guide

Before you get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious cookies. Here’s a detailed shopping list:

• All-purpose flour: 1 cup (156.25g) – This is the base for your cookies.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: ½ cup (43g) – For that double chocolate goodness.
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon – Helps the cookies rise.
• Baking soda: ½ teaspoon – Adds a little extra lift.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon – Enhances flavor.
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (113.5g) – At room temperature for easy mixing.
• Creamy peanut butter: ¾ cup (193.5g) – The star ingredient!
• Light brown sugar: ⅔ cup (146.67g) – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Granulated sugar: ⅓ cup (66.67g) – For sweetness and texture.
• Eggs: 2 – For binding the ingredients together.
• Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons – A classic flavor enhancer.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (180g) – For pockets of chocolate in every bite.
• Peanuts: ½ cup (73g) – For a delightful crunch.
• Coarse salt: For sprinkling – To finish off your cookies perfectly.

Equipment & Tools

You’ll need a few essential tools to make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable:

• Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
• Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugars easily.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking sheets: To bake your cookies on.
• Parchment paper: To line your baking sheets for easy cleanup.
• Cooling rack: For cooling your cookies after baking.

Cooking Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: The Process

Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create these delectable cookies.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Peanuts

Using a spatula, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and peanuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Sprinkle a small pinch of coarse salt on top of each cookie before baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies warm, or store them for later!

Holiday-Friendly Variations

These cookies are versatile, and you can easily adapt them for different occasions with these variations:

• Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Substitute chopped nuts for peanuts, like walnuts or almonds, for a different texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy chocolate experience.
• Festive Sprinkles: Top with holiday-themed sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.

Things That Go Wrong

Even the best bakers face challenges. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:

• Cookies Spread Too Much: Ensure your butter is not too soft. If it’s overly melted, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Dry Cookies: Be careful not to overmix the dough, and measure your flour accurately to avoid adding too much.
• Burnt Edges: Keep a close eye on baking time; ovens can vary in temperature.
• Uneven Baking: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time for even results.

Shelf Life & Storage

Once you’ve baked your Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh. Here are some tips for storage:

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
• Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Popular Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies a delightful texture, but it may alter the dough consistency slightly. Adjust as needed.

What if I don’t have cocoa powder?

You can substitute with additional all-purpose flour, but the cookies will not have that rich chocolate flavor. Alternatively, you can use carob powder for a different taste.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How can I make these cookies less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet. However, keep in mind that this will alter the overall flavor.

If you enjoyed making these cookies, you might also want to try:

Wrap-Up

Creating the perfect Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies is not just about following a recipe; it’s about enjoying the process and indulging in the delicious results. With rich flavors, a tender texture, and that delightful sprinkle of salt, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and bake up a batch today—your taste buds will thank you!

Share on Pinterest