The Ultimate Holiday Chocolate Chip & Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

Updated at: 11/06/2025

The holidays are a time for cherished traditions, warm gatherings, and, of course, delicious treats. And what says "holiday cheer" quite like a perfectly baked cookie? This year, elevate your baking game with a recipe that combines two irresistible flavors – the classic comfort of chocolate chips and the creamy indulgence of peanut butter – into one unbelievably decadent cookie. Forget those store-bought disappointments; this recipe promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave everyone wanting more. Imagine the rich, nutty aroma filling your kitchen as these cookies bake to golden perfection, their edges slightly crisp, their centers soft and chewy.

This ultimate holiday chocolate chip and peanut butter cookie recipe is more than just a recipe; it's a journey to baking bliss. It’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, resulting in a cookie that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to make. Ready to transform your holiday baking? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create some magical cookies together!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • bowls
  • wooden spoon (optional)
  • baking sheet
Safety Guidelines
  • Avoid cross-contamination: If you have allergies, ensure your utensils and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned before handling peanut butter to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Oven safety: Use oven mitts when handling hot baking sheets and be cautious of hot cookie dough and baked cookies.
  • Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness. Refrigeration may alter the texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    • Combine base cookie recipe ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly, breaking up brown sugar clumps.

  2. Add Wet Ingredients

    • Add softened (room temperature) butter and mix well.
    • Add vanilla extract and mix.
    Add vanilla extract and mix.Add vanilla extract and mix.
    Add Wet Ingredients

  3. Add Chocolate Chips

    • Add one cup of chocolate chips to the chocolate chip cookie dough.
    Add one cup of chocolate chips to the chocolate chip cookie dough.
    Add Chocolate Chips

  4. Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies

    • Bake chocolate chip cookies (details not provided in transcript).
    Bake chocolate chip cookies (details not provided in transcript).
    Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies

  5. Start Peanut Butter Cookies

    • Begin making peanut butter cookies (recipe details not provided in transcript).

Read more: DIY Mason Jar Cookie Mix Party Favors: Easy Chocolate Chip Recipe

Tips

  • Leave butter out at room temperature to ensure it mixes easily.
  • A wooden spoon is recommended for mixing, for a more 'homey' feel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Dough

Reason: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
Solution: Mix the dough until just combined; avoid overmixing.

2. Using Cold Ingredients

Reason: Cold ingredients prevent the butter from properly creaming with the sugar, leading to flat cookies.
Solution: Ensure all ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature.

3. Baking for Too Long

Reason: Overbaking leads to dry, hard cookies.
Solution: Start checking for doneness a minute or two before the minimum baking time and remove when edges are golden brown and centers are still slightly soft.

FAQs

Can I substitute the peanut butter?
Yes! Other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter work well, though the flavor profile will change slightly. For a different taste, sunflower seed butter is a good alternative.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too thin?
Make sure your butter is cold and cut it into small pieces before creaming it with the sugar. Don't overmix the dough, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the gluten to relax, preventing excessive spreading.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.