The perfect blend of sweet and salty, these Puffy Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chips are a true bakery-style delight right from your home oven. Their signature puffiness gives them a thick, cakey bite while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. Every mouthful is dotted with melty chocolate chips that pair beautifully with rich, creamy peanut butter. Ideal for both casual snacking and festive gatherings, these cookies are crowd-pleasers that offer a nostalgic flavor with a luxurious twist. Their irresistibly soft texture and comforting aroma make them a go-to recipe for bakers of all levels. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or store them in an airtight container for a sweet treat all week long.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup light brown sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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Extra chocolate chips for topping (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until creamy and smooth.
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Add both sugars and mix until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
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Add baking soda, salt, and flour gradually, mixing until just incorporated.
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Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
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Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
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Lightly press the tops with your hand or a fork.
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Add a few extra chocolate chips on top for presentation, if desired.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes until puffed and lightly golden on the edges.
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Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 18 cookies
Puffy Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chips – A Bakery-Style Delight in Every Bite
Few things in the world of baking evoke as much universal joy as a warm, soft, chocolate chip cookie. Add the creamy, nutty richness of peanut butter and a pillowy texture, and you’ve got a comfort food masterpiece: Puffy Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chips. These cookies combine the timeless charm of two beloved flavors peanut butter and chocolate into a decadent, thick, chewy treat that’s perfect for every occasion.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, this cookie recipe is the kind of easy-to-make, high-reward creation that becomes a go-to favorite. Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes these cookies so special, how they stand apart from the average cookie, and why they deserve a spot in your baking repertoire.
The Allure of the Puffy Cookie
Texture plays a huge role in how we enjoy baked goods. The classic flat chocolate chip cookie has its charm crispy edges with a gooey center but the puffy cookie is a whole different experience. It’s softer, chewier, and more substantial, giving each bite a bit of weight and body.
The puffiness of these cookies isn’t accidental; it’s the result of a carefully balanced dough that incorporates enough flour to give lift without becoming cakey, just enough leavening to rise without crumbling, and the right ratio of wet-to-dry ingredients to maintain chewiness. When combined with the natural density and moisture of peanut butter, the result is a thick, cloud-like cookie that holds its shape and remains soft for days.
This texture makes these cookies perfect for dunking in milk, pairing with coffee, or enjoying warm right out of the oven with gooey chocolate chips still melting.
Why Peanut Butter and Chocolate Are a Power Couple
It’s no coincidence that peanut butter and chocolate are among the most loved flavor combinations in desserts. The rich, salty-sweet flavor of peanut butter complements the deep, semi-sweet intensity of chocolate in a way that satisfies multiple cravings at once.
Peanut butter contributes not just flavor but also moisture and fat to the dough, which helps create that indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Chocolate chips, especially semi-sweet ones, add bursts of sweetness and richness that contrast perfectly with the slightly savory peanut butter base. Together, they create a flavor profile that is both familiar and irresistible.
This cookie recipe makes the most of that flavor partnership by not skimping on either ingredient. The peanut butter is prominent, bold, and creamy, while the chocolate chips are generously sprinkled throughout so every bite offers a bit of both.
Home-Baked Goodness with a Bakery-Style Finish
One of the best things about these cookies is how professional they look and taste without requiring any complex techniques or ingredients. You don’t need a stand mixer, a long chilling process, or specialty equipment to achieve cookies that rival those found in boutique bakeries.
These cookies puff beautifully as they bake, thanks to a well-structured dough and perfectly balanced leavening agents. A light press before baking ensures they retain their thick shape while spreading just enough to form classic cookie edges. The final touch adding a few chocolate chips to the tops before baking creates that “Instagram-worthy” appearance that makes them look as good as they taste.
If you’re baking for a party, school event, or even just to fill the cookie jar at home, these puffy peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are sure to earn rave reviews.
Customizing to Fit Your Preferences
One of the beautiful aspects of a recipe like this is its versatility. While the classic combination of peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips is a winner, there’s no rule that says you can’t experiment to match your personal taste.
Here are a few easy customizations you can try:
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Chunky Peanut Butter: For added texture, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
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Different Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet for milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor experience.
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Add Nuts: Add chopped roasted peanuts, pecans, or walnuts for extra crunch.
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Stuffed Center: Wrap the dough around a chocolate square or a dollop of peanut butter for a filled cookie surprise.
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Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate or a peanut butter glaze on top for added decadence.
Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, this base recipe supports creativity while remaining easy and approachable.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These cookies store incredibly well, which makes them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks or unexpected guests. When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll remain soft and flavorful for up to five days. You can also freeze them either as dough balls or fully baked cookies for longer storage.
To serve, consider these delicious ideas:
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Classic with Milk: Enjoy with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort snack.
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Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
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Holiday Cookie Trays: Include them in holiday assortments; they’re a hit at every festive table.
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Gifting: Package in cellophane bags or cookie tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.
These cookies transition beautifully between everyday snacking and special celebrations, making them a flexible favorite in any baker’s collection.
What Makes These Cookies Stand Out
With so many cookie recipes out there, it’s fair to ask: what makes this one different? The answer lies in its combination of texture, flavor, and ease. The puffiness provides a more satisfying chew than flat cookies, while the combination of peanut butter and chocolate ensures every bite hits all the right notes nutty, sweet, rich, and slightly salty.
Additionally, these cookies require no refrigeration or special techniques. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a batch of warm, fresh cookies on the table. That’s the kind of recipe every home baker can appreciate quick, foolproof, and always delicious.
Conclusion:
In the world of baked goods, there are few things as comforting as a homemade cookie. Puffy Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chips take that comfort to the next level with their soft texture, rich flavor, and satisfying bite. They’re a cookie that feels nostalgic and new at the same time familiar in flavor but surprising in their thick, puffy form.
Perfect for afternoon cravings, late-night snacks, lunchbox treats, or holiday gatherings, these cookies check every box. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and universally loved. Whether you’re baking for yourself or to share, this recipe delivers bakery-level results from your own kitchen.