5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something truly magical about a cookie that requires just five ingredients. These 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are simple yet delicious, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping them up for a last-minute gathering or treating yourself after a long day, these cookies deliver on flavor without complicating your kitchen routine. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chips creates a comforting bite that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore this recipe for its simplicity and the delightful results it yields. With just five ingredients, it’s hard to believe something so delicious can come together so quickly. The natural sweetness of coconut palm sugar brings a unique flavor profile that complements the peanut butter perfectly. Plus, the cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips in every bite. It’s a great recipe to involve kids or friends in the baking process, making it a fun activity that results in a tasty treat.
What’s in the Bowl
To make these scrumptious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup coconut palm sugar
- 2 teaspoons coconut palm sugar (for topping)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips
These ingredients come together to create a cookie that is not only delightful but also boasts the rich flavor of peanut butter and the sweetness of chocolate.
Hardware & Gadgets
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following tools:
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine your ingredients.
- Measuring Cups: For accurate ingredient measurement.
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula: To blend the ingredients thoroughly.
- Baking Sheet: A flat surface for your cookies to bake on.
- Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Having the right tools on hand will make your cookie-making process efficient and enjoyable.
From Start to Finish: 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these delectable cookies.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter and coconut palm sugar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the beaten egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is the moment when your cookie dough starts to look irresistible!
Step 5: Scoop and Shape
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking. Sprinkle a bit of coconut palm sugar on top of each cookie for a sweet finish.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Tailor It to Your Diet
This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to fit different dietary preferences:
- Nut-Free: Substitute the peanut butter with sun butter or tahini for a nut-free option.
- Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly cookie.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your chocolate chips are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
- Refined Sugar-Free: Use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar in place of coconut palm sugar, adjusting the dry ingredients accordingly.
These adaptations allow everyone to enjoy these cookies without compromising on taste.
Steer Clear of These
While making these delicious cookies, here are a few things you might want to avoid:
- Overbaking: Keep a close watch on your cookies to prevent them from becoming dry.
- Substituting all ingredients: For best results, stick to the specified ingredients to maintain the cookie’s texture and flavor.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet helps them set properly.
Following these tips will ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time!
Shelf Life & Storage
To keep your 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh and delicious, consider the following:
- Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Refrigerator: For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Freezer: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking!
Proper storage will help maintain the flavor and texture of these delightful cookies.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use creamy or crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely! Both creamy and crunchy peanut butter will work well in this recipe. If you love a bit of texture, go for crunchy peanut butter!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the dough?
Yes! Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even coconut flakes for an added twist. Just be mindful of the total volume of mix-ins so that the dough remains balanced.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to scoop, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to handle.
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just double each ingredient, and you’ll have a larger batch to enjoy or share with friends and family. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them!
Wrap-Up
These 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fantastic option for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and delicious treat. Their minimal ingredient list makes them perfect for spontaneous baking moments, and the end result is a cookie that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or storing them for later, these cookies will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household.
The simplicity of this recipe doesn’t compromise on flavor, and with just a few adjustments, it can cater to various dietary needs. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in some homemade goodness!
5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter and coconut palm sugar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sun butter or tahini.
- To make it vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg.
