These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are rich, chewy, and full of indulgent flavor. With creamy peanut butter, cocoa powder, and just the right touch of sweetness, these cookies strike the perfect balance between fudgy and nutty. They’re quick to make, easy to bake, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, this recipe is a dream come true. These cookies are decadent enough for special occasions yet simple enough for everyday baking.

• Ready in under 30 minutes

• Made with simple pantry ingredients

• Rich chocolate-peanut butter flavor combo

• Chewy and fudgy texture

• Naturally gluten-free (no flour required)

• Perfect for kids and adults alike

• Ideal for parties, holidays, or afternoon snacks

• Easy one-bowl recipe

• Freezer-friendly dough

• Guaranteed crowd-pleaser

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ⅓ cup cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter and sugar until smooth.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the peanut butter base and stir until well combined.

6. Roll dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern onto each cookie, flattening them slightly.

8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 cookies.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

• Double chocolate: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the dough.

• Crunchy texture: Use chunky peanut butter or add chopped peanuts.

• Salted twist: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before baking.

• Healthier option: Replace sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.

• Vegan version: Swap egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).

• Spicy kick: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.

• Nut-free: Replace peanut butter with almond, sunflower seed, or cashew butter.

• Frosted: Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter glaze.

• Sandwich cookies: Spread peanut butter or ganache between two cookies.

• Espresso flavor: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder for a mocha twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 10 days for extra chewiness.

• Freeze dough: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.

• Freeze baked cookies: Store baked cookies in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without cocoa powder?

Yes, but they’ll taste more like classic peanut butter cookies.

Why are my cookies crumbly?

Overbaking can make them dry—remove when edges are set but centers are still soft.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred, as excess oil can affect texture.

How do I make them chewier?

Slightly underbake and let them firm up on the baking sheet.

Can I make a bigger batch?

Yes, simply double or triple the recipe.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, but chilling for 20 minutes can make rolling easier.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, coconut sugar, brown sugar, or granulated sweetener all work.

How can I make them gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally flourless, so it’s already gluten-free.

Can I add mix-ins?

Yes—chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or nuts work well.

How do I know they’re done?

The edges should look set while the centers remain slightly soft—they’ll firm as they cool.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are an easy, decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their chewy texture, bold peanut butter flavor, and rich chocolate notes, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Bake a batch for family, friends, or yourself—you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!