Is there anything more frustrating than trying to find a snack that actually gets eaten? You know the scene. One kid turns their nose up at anything green, another only wants white foods, and the third changes their mind daily. It’s enough to make you want to serve cereal for every meal.
I’ve been there more times than I can count. That’s why our family’s secret weapon is a classic that never fails: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re the ultimate peace treaty in our kitchen. If you’re looking for another baked treat that combines similar flavors, you might enjoy these peanut butter chocolate banana muffins.
These aren’t just any cookies. They’re a magic trick disguised as a treat. They pack a protein punch, satisfy that sweet-and-salty craving everyone has, and are so simple to make that you can whip them up during naptime. Let’s get baking!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: About 24 cookies
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I call these my “yes” cookies. When I ask my kids if they want one, the answer is always a resounding YES. The magic is in the familiar flavors.
Peanut butter is a trusted friend for most kids. Chocolate chips are a guaranteed win. Put them together in a soft, chewy cookie, and you have a home run. The texture is just right—not too crunchy, not too cakey.
Best of all, they feel like a special treat, but I feel good about them being a bit more filling and nutritious than a standard cookie. It’s a win-win that makes snack time easy.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I bet you have most of this in your pantry right now. No fancy trips to the store needed!
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (see FAQ for nut-free ideas!)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt (if your peanut butter is unsalted)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
See? So simple. No flour, no butter to soften. This is a pantry recipe at its best.
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
My kids fight over who gets to help with these cookies. It’s a fantastic way to spend time together and get them excited about what they’re eating.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe!
Nutrition Information
For little hands, scooping the brown sugar and leveling it off is a great task. The absolute favorite job, though, is definitely adding the chocolate chips and stirring them in. I let them have a few chips as a “chef’s treat” to keep the mood happy.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the simplicity fool you. These steps make the most perfect, chewy cookies. Let’s walk through it.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, brown sugar, egg, baking soda, vanilla, and salt (if using).
- Use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer on low to mix everything until it’s completely smooth and well-blended.
- Now for the fun part! Stir in the chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed through the dough.
- Scoop dough by the tablespoonful and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.
- Use a fork to gently press down on each ball in a criss-cross pattern. This gives them that classic peanut butter cookie look.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies will look soft and puffy—that’s perfect! They will set as they cool. Do not overbake.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try to let them cool… if you can resist!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Got a kid who loves M&Ms? An adult who craves something extra? This dough is your playground.
For a lunchbox treat, swap half the chocolate chips for raisins or dried cranberries. For a more savory sweet kick that the grown-ups will love, mix in some chopped pretzel pieces or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking. This recipe is wonderfully versatile, much like our favorite banana muffin recipe with peanut butter and chocolate.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
These cookies are fantastic make-ahead snacks. I often double the batch.
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months, or freeze the dough balls on a tray before bagging them. Then you can bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Want a warm, gooey cookie after school? Pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. It’s like it just came out of the oven.
Nutrition Notes
While this is a treat, it’s nice to know what’s in it! Here’s a simple breakdown per cookie (approximate).
- Calories: ~140
- Protein: 3-4g (Thanks, peanut butter!)
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 11g
- Fat: 8g
The peanut butter makes it a more satisfying protein snack than many other sweets, which helps keep energy levels steadier.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make these without nuts?
Absolutely! For a school-safe or allergy-friendly version, use a nut butter alternative like sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. The method stays exactly the same.
My dough seems too sticky to roll. What did I do wrong?
Nothing! Different peanut butters have different oil contents. Just pop the dough in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm up. You can also lightly wet your hands before rolling the balls to prevent sticking.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
You sure can! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a little extra texture. You might even want to use a few less chocolate chips if you do, as the peanuts add their own crunch.
There you have it. Our family’s most-requested, no-fuss cookie that pleases everyone at the table. It turns a regular afternoon into a little celebration.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy (and peace!) to your kitchen as it has to mine. Baking should be fun, not stressful, and eating should be a happy experience for everyone. For another delicious way to use up ripe bananas and satisfy a chocolate craving, be sure to try these easy peanut butter chocolate banana muffins.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eater ask for seconds? Please leave a comment and rating below!
