Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies
There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, and these Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies take that magic to a whole new level. The rich, creamy peanut butter flavor pairs perfectly with a luscious chocolate frosting, creating a cookie that is both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why It Deserves a Spot
These Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies deserve a spot in your baking repertoire for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Second, the texture is divine; they are soft and chewy with a slight crunch from the frosting. Lastly, they are a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both chocolate lovers and peanut butter enthusiasts alike. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll become a go-to recipe for years to come.
What to Buy
Before you dive into baking, here’s a detailed list of ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup unsalted butter (divided into two portions)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Heaping 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (brands like Skippy or Jif work best; avoid natural peanut butter that separates)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt, optional and to taste
- Chocolate sprinkles or jimmies, optional and to taste
Equipment Breakdown
Gathering the right tools can make your baking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer: To ensure a smooth batter and frosting.
- Baking sheet: For baking your cookies.
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Cooling rack: To cool cookies before frosting.
Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies — Do This Next
Ready to create some cookie magic? Follow these steps to make your Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent your cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter and Egg
Next, add in the heaping 3/4 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 large egg. Mix until everything is well combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Incorporate Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Step 7: Let Them Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Chocolate Frosting
While the cookies are cooling, you can whip up the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 cups of confectioners sugar, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add a touch more confectioners sugar.
Step 9: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each cookie. If you like, sprinkle some chocolate jimmies or sprinkles on top for extra flair.
Step 10: Enjoy
Now comes the best part! Enjoy your Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
No-Store Runs Needed
One of the best things about these Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies is that you likely have most of the ingredients already in your pantry. Here’s a quick list of items you should be able to find at home:
- Eggs
- Butter
- Peanut butter
- Flour
- Sugars (both brown and granulated)
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract
This makes these cookies a perfect last-minute treat to whip up when a craving strikes!
Flavor Logic
The flavor profile of these Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies is a delightful blend of sweet and nutty. Here’s what makes them special:
- The creamy peanut butter provides a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugars.
- The chocolate frosting adds a decadent twist, enhancing the overall taste experience with its deep, rich flavor.
- Vanilla extract in both the cookie batter and frosting elevates the flavors, tying everything together beautifully.
- The optional pinch of salt in the frosting balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
If you happen to have any cookies left (which is unlikely!), here are some tips:
Store your Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
For meal prep, consider making a double batch and freezing half of the dough. You can scoop out dough balls, freeze them, and then bake fresh cookies whenever the mood strikes — just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen!
Handy Q&A
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
It’s best to stick to creamy peanut butter brands like Skippy or Jif, which have a consistent texture. Natural peanut butters tend to separate and may not yield the same results.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers may look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft when you first take them out of the oven.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free without compromising texture or flavor.
What can I do if my frosting is too thick?
If your frosting is too thick, simply add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more confectioners sugar until it thickens up.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies are not just another cookie recipe; they are a delightful treat that combines two beloved flavors into one satisfying bite. The soft, chewy cookie base is perfectly complemented by the rich chocolate frosting, making these cookies irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face.
So, gather your ingredients and start baking! Your taste buds will thank you for this delicious journey into the world of Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies.
Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in 3/4 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 large egg, mixing until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 cups of confectioners sugar, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once cooled, frost each cookie with a generous layer of frosting and sprinkle with chocolate jimmies if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies!
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freeze for longer storage, ensuring cookies are completely cooled before wrapping.
- Consider making a double batch and freezing half of the dough for fresh cookies whenever desired.
