Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and sugar. Use a silicone spatula to blend everything together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes.
- Crack in the egg and add vanilla extract, then beat the mixture until it’s well incorporated, light, and slightly fluffy—about 1 minute. This helps develop a rich aroma and a cohesive base for the dough.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cookies tender.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips with your spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. The chips will start to melt slightly, creating tempting little pockets of chocolate.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This relaxes the gluten, prevents excessive spreading, and deepens the flavor—your dough will feel firmer and easier to handle.
- Use a cookie scoop or two tablespoons to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each for spreading. Slightly flatten each mound with the back of a spoon for even baking.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Your kitchen will fill with a warm, nutty aroma with hints of melting chocolate.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies sit for about 5 minutes—this allows them to set and prevents breakage. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, revealing their crinkly, gooey surface.
- Once cooled, enjoy these slightly chaotic, irresistibly gooey cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. The imperfect, melty treats are best enjoyed fresh but will keep in an airtight container for a few days.
Notes
Chilling the dough is key to controlling spreading and developing richer flavors. Feel free to experiment with adding chopped nuts or swapping white chocolate chips for a different twist.