If you’re searching for a sweet treat that’s reliably indulgent and comforting, the Chewy Peanut Butter Scotcheroo Cookies Recipe might just become your new go-to. These cookies fuse the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with a perfect chewiness that keeps you coming back for more. With chocolate chips woven throughout, every bite offers a delightful melody of flavors and textures that feels like a warm, satisfying hug. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create an irresistible cookie experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Chewy Peanut Butter Scotcheroo Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—flour adds structure, baking soda helps with rise, and a balance of sugars delivers just the right sweetness and moisture, while peanut butter brings that unmistakable creaminess and depth.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base for those chewy, soft cookies.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Gives the cookies a slight lift and helps them rise just enough.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness to every bite.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges and light sweetness.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Locks in moisture and adds a subtle caramel note.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together for that perfect chewy texture.
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter: The star ingredient that fills each cookie with creamy, nutty goodness.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Bring pockets of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate joy to every bite.
How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Scotcheroo Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures a non-stick surface so your chewy peanut butter scotcheroo cookies won’t lose their shape or stick awkwardly to the pan.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Setting this mixture aside ensures that your leaveners and seasoning are evenly distributed when mixed later, preventing any unpleasant clumps or uneven rising.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until your mixture is light and fluffy. This process isn’t just for show; it creates tiny air pockets that help make the cookies soft and chewy as they bake.
Step 4: Add Egg and Peanut Butter
Beat in the egg until fully combined, then mix in the smooth peanut butter. This step is what transforms the dough, infusing it with that luscious peanut butter flavor that defines the whole cookie experience.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips
Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly to ensure every cookie is studded with melty chocolate surprises.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to give the cookies room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for edges that turn golden while the centers still look soft. That’s your cue to take them out for ideal chewiness.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool slightly on wire racks before serving. This short waiting period lets the cookies set, locking in that signature chewy texture while ensuring the chocolate chips stay delightfully gooey.
How to Serve Chewy Peanut Butter Scotcheroo Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes a simple touch can elevate these cookies from great to unforgettable. Consider sprinkling a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to enhance both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add an attractive finish for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with classic beverages like cold milk or a frothy cup of coffee. For a fun twist, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of your favorite frozen yogurt to create a decadent dessert that melts delights on your tongue.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re packing these for a party or gifting them, try placing a stack inside a pretty tin or wrapping them individually with festive cellophane and a ribbon. For an extra burst of flavor, sandwich two cookies with a spread of marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, or chocolate ganache for an irresistible treat everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Chewy Peanut Butter Scotcheroo Cookies Recipe leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days, making it convenient to enjoy them over several days without losing quality.
Freezing
If you want to save these beauties for longer, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with layers separated by parchment paper. Frozen, they keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to regain their perfectly chewy texture.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to life after storage or freezing, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low preheated oven for a few minutes. This small effort revives that gooey chocolate and soft peanut butter center, making every bite as delicious as the first.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful bit of texture to the cookies, giving them an extra nutty crunch. Just keep in mind that the dough might be slightly less smooth, but the flavor will remain amazing.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This specific recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make them gluten-free, just be sure the blend you choose is suitable for baking cookies.
How do I make these cookies more chocolatey?
For chocolate lovers, try increasing the amount of chocolate chips or adding chunks of your favorite chocolate bar. You can also swirl melted chocolate on top after baking for an extra indulgent touch.
Can I substitute butter with oil or margarine?
Butter provides a depth of flavor and texture that’s hard to replicate, but you can substitute with margarine in a pinch. Using oil is less recommended as it may alter the texture significantly and make the cookies less chewy.
What causes cookies to be chewy instead of cakey or crispy?
The balance of ingredients like brown sugar, butter, and the right amount of baking soda, combined with baking time, creates that cherished chewiness. Taking the cookies out of the oven when the edges are golden but centers still soft is key for chewy perfection.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and rewarding about biting into a cookie that’s bursting with peanut butter and chocolate, yet remains perfectly chewy. The Chewy Peanut Butter Scotcheroo Cookies Recipe captures that sentiment brilliantly, blending simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to bake these cookies again and again—whether it’s for a special occasion or just because life tastes better with a little peanut butter and chocolate in it.
Print
Chewy Peanut Butter Scotcheroo Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Chewy Peanut Butter Scotcheroo Cookies are soft, flavorful treats combining the rich taste of peanut butter with bursts of semi-sweet chocolate. These easy-to-make cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Peanut Butter: Beat the large egg into the creamed butter mixture, followed by the smooth peanut butter. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Evenly fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough using a spatula or spoon, ensuring chocolate is distributed throughout.
- Portion Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately two inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for chewy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove cookies from oven and let them cool slightly on wire racks before serving warm to enjoy their soft, chewy texture.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove them while centers are still slightly soft.
- You can substitute natural peanut butter but expect a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Chocolate chips can be swapped with peanut butter chips or chopped nuts for variation.
- Storing the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature will keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- Allow cookies to cool fully before storing to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
