White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Delightfully rich, nutty, and indulgent, these White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect fusion of two classic flavors. With their chewy centers, crispy edges, and pockets of sweet white chocolate, these cookies are destined to become a household favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, holiday celebration, or just because, this recipe ensures bakery-quality cookies every time.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet white chocolate is irresistibly delicious.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy edges, soft and chewy centers, and melty white chocolate chunks make for the ultimate cookie experience.
- Quick and Easy: No chilling required, meaning you’ll have warm cookies in under an hour.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are perfect for sharing or gifting during the holidays.
How to Make White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Measure Ingredients: Accurately measure all ingredients for consistent results. Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt into a medium-sized bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in Add-Ins: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and peanut butter chips (if using) with a spatula.
Step 3: Portion the Dough
- Scoop Dough: Use a medium-sized cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten Slightly: Lightly press down each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your palm to flatten slightly.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room-temperature butter and eggs ensure a smooth dough that mixes evenly.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies may look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Chill Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- Balance Sweetness: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of the cookies before baking to enhance the flavors.
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate for a rich and slightly bitter contrast to the peanut butter.
- Nutty Add-Ins: Fold in chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts for extra texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drizzle additional melted peanut butter over the cookies after baking for added flair.
Serving Suggestions
- Milk Pairing: Serve warm cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
- Holiday Treat: Package these cookies in decorative boxes or bags for gifting during holidays and special occasions.
Why These Cookies Work
The creamy richness of peanut butter creates a decadent base, while the white chocolate adds bursts of sweetness that balance the nutty flavor. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar ensures a chewy texture with just the right amount of crispness on the edges. These cookies are a testament to how simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re baking for a potluck, holiday party, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are a versatile and foolproof recipe. Enjoy the nostalgia of classic peanut butter cookies elevated by the luxurious addition of white chocolate.
Bake a batch today and experience pure cookie bliss!
White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Delightfully rich, nutty, and indulgent, these White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect fusion of two classic flavors. With their chewy centers, crispy edges, and pockets of sweet white chocolate, these cookies are destined to become a household favorite. Whether you're baking for a special occasion, holiday celebration, or just because, this recipe ensures bakery-quality cookies every time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Beat with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well incorporated.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips using a spatula.
4. Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop out 1 ½ tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork in a crisscross pattern.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- The cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center; this is normal as they will firm up while cooling.
6. Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Peanut Butter: Avoid natural peanut butter as it can alter the texture. Stick to creamy, shelf-stable varieties.
- Chilling: If your dough is too soft to roll, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
- Add a Twist: Sprinkle the tops with flaky sea salt before baking for a sweet and salty combo.