Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Rich vanilla cookie dough is studded with peanut butter chips and baked to puffy perfection in these Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies! These cookies are not only delightful but also versatile, making them suitable for any occasion—from casual snacks to festive gatherings. With a soft texture that melts in your mouth, they stand out with their rich flavor and pleasant aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these cookies is a breeze for both beginners and experienced bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of peanut butter chips and warm vanilla creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Options: Feel free to swap peanut butter chips for butterscotch, chocolate, or white chocolate chips based on your preference!
• Puffy Texture: Chilling the dough ensures that your cookies come out fluffy and thick, giving you that bakery-style finish at home.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 24 servings, these cookies are great for parties or as homemade gifts to friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Cookie sheets
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows for easy blending of ingredients without mess.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: Using a cookie scoop helps in portioning out uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Plastic wrap: Covering the dough while it chills prevents it from drying out.

Ingredients

Rich vanilla cookie dough is studded with peanut butter chips and baked to puffy perfection! The ultimate soft peanut butter chip cookie with zero frills, just delicious flavor!

For the Dough

• 1/2 cup Crisco (or vegetable shortening)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Chips

• 3/4 cup peanut butter chips (or substitute with butterscotch, white chocolate, or chocolate chips if preferred)

How to Make Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your cookie sheets by lining them with Silpat liners or parchment paper. You can also spray them lightly with cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Crisco
2. Granulated sugar
3. Brown sugar
4. Egg
5. Water
6. Vanilla extract

Continue mixing until the batter becomes creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, add:
1. Cinnamon
2. Salt
3. Baking soda
4. All-purpose flour

Mix until everything is just combined; be careful not to over-mix.

Step 4: Fold in the Chips

Gently fold in the peanut butter chips by hand until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can freeze it for about 15 minutes. Chilling is crucial for achieving those puffy cookies!

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form approximately 1-inch balls of dough and place them on your prepared cookie sheets. Ensure enough space between each ball since they will spread slightly during baking.

Step 7: Bake Until Perfectly Puff!

Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until they are barely brown around the edges. Remove them from the oven when they look slightly under-baked since they will firm up while cooling on the sheets for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks.

Enjoy your delightful Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies!

How to Serve Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are not only delicious on their own but can also be enhanced with a variety of serving suggestions. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk or as part of a dessert platter, these cookies can fit into many occasions.

With Milk

• Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combination that enhances the peanut butter flavor.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delightful ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This makes for a fun and indulgent treat!

Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter with an assortment of other baked goods for a stunning dessert display at parties or gatherings.

Warm and Fresh

• Serve the cookies warm straight from the oven for an irresistible treat. The gooey peanut butter chips will melt in your mouth!

Drizzle with Chocolate

• Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

On Top of Yogurt

• Crumble the cookies on top of yogurt for a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack option.

How to Perfect Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

To achieve the best results when making Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, consider these helpful tips. Following these suggestions will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough before baking. Chilling helps prevent excessive spreading, resulting in puffier cookies.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially baking soda and flour, are fresh. This impacts both texture and flavor.

• Measure Properly: Use proper measuring techniques for flour to avoid dense cookies. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off.

• Do Not Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. Remove cookies when they look slightly under-baked; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to mix in different chips like white chocolate or butterscotch for variety and added flavor.

• Space Them Out: Give enough space between cookie dough balls on the baking sheet. This allows them room to puff up without sticking together.

Best Side Dishes for Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies can be paired with various side dishes that complement their sweet, rich flavor. Here are some excellent options to enhance your cookie experience:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances sweetness and adds creamy texture.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can provide a healthy contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

3. Chocolate Milkshake: A thick chocolate milkshake makes for a decadent treat alongside your cookies.

4. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea can enhance the flavors while providing a cozy experience.

5. Nutella Dip: Serve Nutella as a dip for an extra indulgent treat; it’s perfect for those who love chocolate and hazelnut flavors.

6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over your cookie plate as an exciting addition that enhances both presentation and taste.

7. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with fruits and crumbled cookies for a delightful breakfast or snack option.

8. Cheese Plate: Include a selection of cheeses that contrast sweet flavors, creating an intriguing snack board alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the dough can lead to flatter cookies. Always refrigerate or freeze the dough before baking for puffier results.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a soft texture.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Incorrect measurements can ruin your cookie consistency. Always use standard measuring tools for precise amounts.
• Using Old Ingredients: Expired baking soda or flour can affect rising and flavor. Check expiration dates to ensure freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag.
• For best results, freeze cookies in a single layer before transferring them to bags.

Reheating Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a plate for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies different?
Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are characterized by their soft and airy texture, achieved by using chilled dough and proper mixing techniques.

Can I substitute peanut butter chips?
Yes! You can use butterscotch, white chocolate, or regular chocolate chips if you prefer.

How do I know when my cookies are done?
Remove them from the oven when they are lightly golden but still look slightly under-baked. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cookies with chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes! You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough for later enjoyment without compromising quality.

Final Thoughts

These Puffy Peanut Butter Chip Cookies offer an irresistible combination of soft texture and rich peanut butter flavor. They are perfect for any occasion and can be easily customized with various mix-ins. Give this recipe a try and enjoy delicious homemade treats!