Peanut Butter-Chunk Cookies
Chewy, chunky peanut butter cookies with melted milk chocolate chunks, perfect for peanut butter lovers and chocolate enthusiasts seeking a rich, satisfying treat.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chunky peanut butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 1 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 8 ounces milk chocolate bar, broken into 1/4 to 1/2-inch chunks ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the peanut butter and softened butter in a large mixing bowl.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl; stir into the creamed mixture.
- Stir in the milk chocolate chunks.
- Drop heaping teaspoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 14 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on these cookies, try using almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a healthier version, substitute half the granulated sugar with applesauce. Ensure your butter is truly softened for better mixing; if it's too cold, the dough will be tough. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you want thicker cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Peanut Butter-Chunk Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a classic pairing. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside Family Favorite Pecan Pie. For a fun twist, try sandwiching two cookies with a layer of vanilla ice cream for a delicious ice cream sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a delightful cold treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter-Chunk Cookies contains roughly 905 calories, with 24g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (88% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and protein (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2464mg per serving (107% 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 creamy peanut butter instead of chunky?
Yes, you can substitute creamy peanut butter for chunky if you prefer a smoother texture. However, the chunkiness adds a nice bite, so consider using a mix of both for added flavor and texture in your cookies.
What can I use instead of milk chocolate chunks?
If you want to change things up, dark chocolate or even white chocolate chunks work well as substitutes. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture, depending on your preference.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies will be done when they turn golden brown around the edges but may still look slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so avoid overbaking for the best chewy texture.
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).