Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Last Tuesday afternoon, my youngest daughter burst through the kitchen door with her best friend, both craving something sweet. I opened my pantry, expecting to find my usual baking arsenal, only to discover I was down to basics. No flour.

No butter. Yet somehow, I managed to whip up a batch of Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies that had both girls calling me a kitchen magician. My husband Mateo wandered in from his home office, drawn by the irresistible aroma, and declared these simple cookies better than my elaborate recipes. That’s when I realized that sometimes the best recipes aren’t complicated at all.

These Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies have become our go-to treat when time is short but cravings are strong. They require no special equipment, no fancy techniques, and absolutely no flour. Just five simple ingredients that you probably already have sitting in your pantry right now. Furthermore, these cookies bake up soft, chewy, and utterly addictive in just about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Why You’ll Love These Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies solve so many kitchen dilemmas at once. First, they’re naturally gluten-free, which means friends with dietary restrictions can enjoy them without hesitation. Second, they come together in one bowl with minimal cleanup. As a busy mom, I appreciate recipes that don’t leave my kitchen looking like a tornado hit it.

Moreover, these cookies deliver incredible flavor despite their simplicity. The peanut butter provides rich, nutty depth, while the chocolate chips add pockets of melty sweetness. The texture hits that perfect balance between crispy edges and soft, chewy centers.

Additionally, you can make the dough ahead and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes. My 19-year-old daughter often makes a batch between study sessions, which tells me just how foolproof this recipe truly is.

Another reason to love these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies? They’re incredibly budget-friendly. You don’t need specialty ingredients or expensive add-ins. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable, allowing you to make them your own with simple swaps and additions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in their minimalist ingredient list. Here’s everything you need:

That’s it! Just five simple ingredients create these magnificent Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. I always use conventional peanut butter rather than natural because it contains stabilizers that help the cookies hold together better. The natural oils in organic peanut butter can make the cookies spread too much during baking.

Substitutions & Variations

While these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect as written, I love experimenting with variations. Here are some ideas that work beautifully:

For the peanut butter, you can substitute almond butter or cashew butter if allergies are a concern. However, keep in mind this changes the flavor profile significantly. I’ve also made these cookies with crunchy peanut butter, which adds delightful texture bits throughout.

Regarding sugar, you can use brown sugar instead of white for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. I sometimes use half white and half brown sugar for complexity. Coconut sugar works too, though it makes the cookies slightly less sweet.

For mix-ins beyond chocolate chips, try chopped peanut butter cups, white chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips. My husband Mateo loves adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. You can also fold in chopped pretzels for a sweet-salty combination that’s absolutely divine.

Furthermore, you can add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to make chocolate peanut butter cookies. Just slightly reduce the peanut butter to maintain the right consistency. Some people add a quarter teaspoon of baking soda for extra lift, though I find it unnecessary for these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies couldn’t be simpler. Even beginner bakers will succeed with this straightforward method.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and sugar. Mix thoroughly until well blended and slightly fluffy. I use a wooden spoon for this, though an electric mixer works too. The mixture should look uniform with no sugar pockets remaining.

Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Stir vigorously until completely incorporated. The dough will become smooth and cohesive at this point. Make sure no egg streaks remain visible.

Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chips gently but thoroughly. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough so every cookie gets plenty of chocolate goodness.

Step 5: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies spread moderately during baking.

Step 6: Using a fork, create a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie ball. Dip the fork in sugar between presses to prevent sticking. This classic technique flattens the cookies slightly and creates that iconic peanut butter cookie look.

Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underdone, which is perfect. They’ll continue cooking on the hot pan after you remove them from the oven.

Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial for proper texture development.

Making these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies couldn’t be simpler. If you’re looking for another quick and delicious recipe, check out our Pizza Rolls Air Fryer for a fun twist on snack time.

Pro Tips for Success

After making these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies countless times, I’ve learned some tricks that guarantee perfect results every time.

First, don’t overbake these cookies. They should look slightly underdone in the centers when you remove them from the oven. Overbaking creates dry, crumbly cookies instead of soft, chewy ones. Trust the timing and resist the urge to leave them in longer.

Second, use room temperature eggs. Cold eggs don’t incorporate as smoothly into the peanut butter mixture. If you forget to set your egg out ahead, simply place it in warm water for five minutes.

Third, measure your peanut butter accurately. Too much makes the cookies spread excessively. Too little makes them dry. I pack the peanut butter firmly into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.

Additionally, these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies freeze beautifully as dough. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Mateo always reminds me that quality ingredients matter, even in simple recipes. Use good peanut butter and real vanilla extract. The difference shows in the final product.

Finally, don’t skip the fork crisscross pattern. It’s not just decorative—it helps the cookies bake evenly.

Storage & Reheating Tips

These Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies store wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep or advance baking.

At room temperature, keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. I layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They maintain their texture beautifully throughout this time.

For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, warm frozen cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

If you prefer warm cookies, microwave them for 8-10 seconds. The chocolate chips get melty and delicious. However, don’t overheat them, as the cookies can become tough. Room temperature cookies taste amazing too, so reheating is purely optional for these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.

These Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies store wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep or advance baking. For a delightful breakfast option, consider trying our Blueberry Cheesecake French Toast that pairs beautifully with your cookie treat.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies pair beautifully with various beverages and desserts.

Obviously, cold milk is the classic companion. The combination is timeless for good reason. The milk’s coolness balances the cookies’ richness perfectly. My daughters always grab the milk jug when these cookies appear.

Coffee lovers should try these cookies with a hot cup of joe. The peanut butter and chocolate flavors complement coffee’s bitterness wonderfully. Mateo enjoys them with his afternoon espresso regularly.

For a more indulgent treat, serve these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with vanilla ice cream. Make ice cream sandwiches or simply enjoy them side by side. The temperature contrast creates an amazing experience.

Hot chocolate makes another excellent pairing, especially during winter months. The double chocolate effect satisfies even the most intense chocolate cravings. Additionally, these cookies work wonderfully alongside fresh fruit. Sliced strawberries or banana slices provide a refreshing contrast to the cookies’ richness.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes). The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. Some people use a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce instead. Both options work for making these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies egg-free.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Excessive spreading usually happens when you use natural peanut butter instead of conventional. Natural peanut butter contains more oil, which causes spreading. Also, make sure you’re measuring ingredients accurately. Too much peanut butter or baking at too low a temperature can cause spreading issues with these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce the sugar to three-quarters cup, though the cookies will be less sweet and slightly drier. Sugar provides moisture and tenderness, not just sweetness. I don’t recommend reducing it below three-quarters cup for these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. The texture suffers significantly with less sugar.

How do I make these cookies thicker?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies. Cold dough spreads less in the oven. You can also add a quarter teaspoon of baking powder to give them extra lift. Additionally, make sure you’re flattening them only slightly with the fork, not pressing them completely flat.

Are these cookies really gluten-free?

Yes, these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies contain no flour, making them naturally gluten-free. However, always check your ingredient labels. Some peanut butters and chocolate chips may be processed in facilities that handle gluten. For strictly gluten-free diets, choose certified gluten-free products.

These Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a testament to the idea that simplicity can lead to delicious results. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that showcases the beauty of baking without the need for complex techniques, as seen in many classic cookie recipes like those found in cookie history.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Based on a batch of 24 cookies, each Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie contains approximately:

These nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands used. These Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies provide a reasonable treat when enjoyed in moderation. They offer protein from the peanut butter and eggs, making them more satisfying than many other cookies.

In conclusion, these Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies prove that simple recipes often taste the best. They’ve saved me countless times when unexpected guests arrive or when my family needs a quick sweet fix. The minimal ingredient list means less shopping, less prep, and less cleanup.

Yet the flavor rivals any complicated cookie recipe I’ve tried. Whether you’re a experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies will become your new favorite go-to treat. Make a batch today and watch them disappear before they even cool completely!