Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla**: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

6. Fold in the Chocolate Chunks**: Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chunks until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Baking the Cookies

1. Shape the Cookies**: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

2. Bake : Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

3. Cool : Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

– Room Temperature Ingredients : Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, even dough.
– Measuring Flour : Properly measure the flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Too much flour can make the cookies dry.
– Chocolate Chunks: Using chocolate chunks instead of chips ensures pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cookie. You can chop a chocolate bar if you prefer.
– Storage : Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough balls and bake them as needed.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delicious on their own, but for an extra special treat, consider these serving ideas:
– Ice Cream Sandwiches : Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
– Dipped in Milk : Classic and always a hit.
– Drizzled with Chocolate : Melt some extra chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra chocolatey finish.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a decadent dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the nutty richness of peanut butter and the sweet satisfaction of chocolate. This easy-to-follow recipe will help you bake cookies that are sure to delight anyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful treats!

Continued on the next page