Chocolate-Peanut Butter Drops
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Drops are rich, chewy cookies with a delightful combination of cocoa and peanut butter chips. Perfect for chocolate lovers and those craving a sweet, nutty treat, these cookies are quick to make and great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened ⓘ
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 (8 oz.) package softened cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2/3 cup cocoa ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup peanut butter chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cream cheese until well combined.
- Stir in vanilla and egg.
- Add flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; mix until incorporated.
- Stir in peanut butter chips.
- Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9 to 12 minutes or until set but still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the sheet, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you don’t have peanut butter chips, you can substitute with semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing, and don’t overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender. For a unique twist, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate-Peanut Butter Drops are delightful on their own or served alongside a glass of cold milk. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For a festive touch, consider serving them at gatherings or holiday parties, especially with a spread of other American recipes like Cinnamon Rolls or Impossible Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, ensuring they stay soft and chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate-Peanut Butter Drops contains roughly 160 calories, with 5g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 585mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of peanut butter chips?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in the dough, but it will change the texture. If you prefer to keep the chips, consider adding 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter along with the butter, reducing the overall butter amount slightly.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to drop onto the cookie sheets. You can also lightly flour your hands when shaping the cookies.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, including baking powder and baking soda, are gluten-free as well. This will allow you to enjoy the same delicious flavors without the gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).