Dreamy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery shortbread meets rich chocolate in this irresistible peanut butter chocolate chip shortbread cookies recipe that will steal your heart.

Crumbly edges and a melt-in-your-mouth texture define these delectable treats.

Peanut butter adds a creamy depth that perfectly complements the sweet chocolate chips nestled throughout.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of nutty and sweet flavors.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a cookie that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

These cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or a midnight snack.

Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate comfort cookie that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Can I use natural or crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use natural or crunchy peanut butter. Just ensure it’s well-mixed before adding to the recipe. Natural peanut butter might make the dough slightly less smooth, but the cookies will still taste delicious.

• How do I know if the dough is properly mixed?

The dough should look light and creamy when you beat the butter, peanut butter, and sugars. When you add flour, it should come together without being too dry or crumbly. If it seems too dry, add a tiny bit of softened butter.

• Can I freeze the cookie dough logs for later use?

Absolutely! Wrap the dough logs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and slice and bake as directed.

• What can I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?

If cookies spread too much, the butter might have been too soft. Make sure to chill the dough logs for at least an hour before baking. Also, ensure your baking sheet isn’t warm when placing the cookie slices on it.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Shortbread Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety texture and helps cookies hold their delicate shape with a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Peanut Butter: Delivers intense nutty flavor and creates a smooth, decadent foundation for the shortbread.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crisp cookie edges with perfect golden color.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances moisture and introduces a deep caramel-like undertone to the cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and adds warm, aromatic complexity to the shortbread.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structural integrity and classic shortbread crumbly texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• Mini Chocolate Chips: Provides delightful chocolate bursts and adds playful texture throughout the cookie.

Baking Tools to Craft That Perfect Crunch

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for creaming butter and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Essential for achieving light and creamy butter mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements guarantee delicious results.
• Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down sides of bowl and mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Plastic wrap: Used for wrapping and chilling cookie dough logs.
• Baking sheets: Required for baking cookie rounds.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Sharp knife: Used for slicing chilled dough into even rounds.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and maintain crisp texture.

How to Make Buttery Shortbread with Chips

• Whip Up The Base

Beat softened butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until super smooth and fluffy, creating a creamy foundation for your cookies.

• Blend In Flavor

Pour in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly, ensuring every bit of the mixture gets infused with delicious aroma.

• Create Cookie Dough

Gently fold flour and salt into the mixture, watching the dough come together. Sprinkle in chocolate chips and blend carefully.

• Shape And Chill

Roll the dough into two neat logs, wrap them snugly in plastic, and let them relax in the refrigerator for at least an hour until perfectly firm.

• Prepare For Baking

Heat your oven to 325F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, setting the stage for cookie.

• Slice And Arrange

Unwrap the chilled logs and cut into thin, elegant rounds. Arrange cookies on baking sheets with a little breathing room between them.

• Bake To Perfection

Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn a beautiful golden color, signaling cookie deliciousness.

• Cool And Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheets briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before devouring these irresistible treats.

Tips to Blend Chocolate and Peanut Butter Right

• Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to reach the perfect soft consistency without melting.
• Prepare cookie logs in advance and store wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months, allowing spontaneous baking.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising texture or taste.
• Experiment with different chocolate varieties like dark chocolate, white chocolate, or butterscotch chips to create unique flavor profiles that match personal preferences.
• Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia, and choose natural peanut butter with no added sugars for a healthier cookie version.

Serve Cookies with That Crumbly Finish

• Sweet Milk Pairing: Dunk these crumbly cookies into a cold glass of whole milk for a classic, nostalgic treat that enhances the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
• Dessert Platter Partner: Create an elegant dessert display by arranging these shortbread cookies alongside fresh berries, dark chocolate squares, and a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for visual appeal and complementary tastes.
• Coffee Companion: Serve these cookies with a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino, allowing the robust coffee notes to highlight the subtle sweetness of the peanut butter and chocolate chips.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies between parchment paper, tie with a rustic ribbon, and place in a decorative tin for a homemade gift that looks professionally crafted and tastes deliciously personal.

Store Shortbread Without Losing That Snap

• Keep these delightful cookies fresh and delicious with these smart tips.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their crumbly texture and rich flavor.
• Wrap cookie dough logs or already baked cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze raw dough for 3 months or baked cookies for 2 months for quick sweet treats anytime.
• Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper when storing to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect shape and crisp edges.
• Prepare dough logs up to 3 days before baking, keeping them refrigerated. When ready to enjoy, simply slice and bake for fresh, warm cookies with minimal effort.

Mouthwatering Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delightful peanut butter chocolate chip shortbread cookies blend rich flavors from classic Scottish shortbread traditions. Crumbly, buttery textures with chocolate chips create an irresistible treat you’ll savor with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (125 g) creamy peanut butter
• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
• ¾ cup (130 g) mini chocolate chips
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Mixing Base: Whip softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until achieving a light, airy texture with a pale cream color.
2. Flavor Enhancement: Blend vanilla extract thoroughly into the creamy mixture, ensuring uniform flavor distribution.
3. Dough Formation: Gently incorporate flour and salt, mixing until the ingredients transform into a cohesive, smooth dough. Fold mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Shaping Preparation: Divide the dough into two uniform logs, each measuring approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic film and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to solidify and intensify flavors.
5. Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 325F (165C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove chilled dough logs and slice into precise 1/4-inch rounds using a sharp knife.
6. Baking Process: Arrange cookie rounds on prepared sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until edges develop a delicate golden-brown hue.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely to achieve the classic shortbread’s signature crisp texture.

Notes

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate the dough logs for at least 1 hour to ensure clean, precise slices and prevent spreading during baking.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Soften butter and peanut butter to room temperature for smoother, more even mixing and better cookie texture.
• Slice Carefully: Use a sharp, non-serrated knife and gentle sawing motion to create uniform cookie rounds without crumbling the delicate dough.
• Adjust for Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version, or use alternative nut butters for those with peanut allergies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 212
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg