Ina Garten, the queen of effortless elegance in cooking, has a well-known love for classic, buttery cookies. Her favorite? A rich, crisp-edged yet soft-centered cookie that perfectly balances flavor and texture. Whether you’re an avid baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will become a go-to treat.

What is Ina Garten’s Favorite Cookie?

Ina Garten’s favorite cookie is a classic peanut butter chocolate chunk cookie. This indulgent treat combines the nutty richness of peanut butter with the decadence of high-quality chocolate chunks, creating the perfect bite. With crisp edges, a chewy center, and a deep, buttery taste, it’s no surprise this cookie is among her favorites.

ina garten favorite cookie Recipe — ina garten favorite cookie

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Favorite Cookie

Unmatched Flavor Combination – The blend of peanut butter and chocolate chunks delivers a deeply satisfying, rich taste.
Simple and Quick to Make – This recipe requires basic ingredients and comes together in no time.
Perfectly Textured Cookies – Expect crisp edges with a soft, chewy center in every bite.
Great for Any Occasion – Whether for gifting, holiday baking, or an everyday treat, these cookies fit the bill.
Customizable Add-Ins – Swap chocolate chunks for nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste.
Kid-Friendly Treat – A family favorite, these cookies are loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Favorite Cookie

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups chocolate chunks

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Favorite Cookie

Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugars – In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the wet ingredients – Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and peanut butter.
Combine the dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
Fold in chocolate chunks – Gently mix the chocolate chunks into the dough for an even distribution.
Scoop and shape – Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form dough balls and place them on prepared baking sheets.
Bake until golden – Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
Cool before serving – Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Favorite Cookie?

Pair with a warm drink – Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for the perfect treat.
Serve with ice cream – Create a delightful dessert by pairing it with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
Use for ice cream sandwiches – Press two cookies together with a layer of ice cream for a fun twist.
Dip in milk – Classic and comforting, these cookies taste even better when dunked in milk.
Crush as a topping – Sprinkle crumbled cookies over yogurt, pudding, or parfaits for added crunch.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Favorite Cookie

Use high-quality chocolate – Opt for good-quality chocolate chunks instead of standard chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
Ensure butter is softened – Softened butter blends better, creating a smooth, even dough.
Don’t overmix the dough – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined.
Chill the dough if needed – For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Bake in batches – Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow even cooking.
Let them cool properly – Allow cookies to sit on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Favorite Cookie

Swap peanut butter – Try almond or cashew butter for a unique flavor variation.
Add a touch of spice – Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic twist.
Incorporate nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and depth to the cookies.
Try white chocolate – Replace dark chocolate chunks with white chocolate for a sweeter variation.
Use sea salt flakes – Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Favorite Cookie

Store in an airtight container – Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for longer freshness – For extended storage, refrigerate cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze the dough – Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze them, then transfer to a ziplock bag for baking on demand.
Use parchment layers – When stacking cookies, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Favorite Cookie

Microwave for quick warmth – Heat a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.
Oven reheating for crisp edges – Warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back a fresh-baked texture.
Air fryer method – Reheat cookies at 320°F for 2-3 minutes for a slightly crisp exterior.

FAQs

How do you make Ina Garten’s favorite cookies chewy?

To achieve a chewy texture, use a mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar, as brown sugar adds moisture. Ensure you don’t overbake—remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden but the center looks slightly underdone. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set properly.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?

Yes, but the texture may vary. Natural peanut butter has a higher oil content and may result in a more crumbly cookie. If using natural peanut butter, stir it well before adding it to the batter, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.

What type of chocolate is best for these cookies?

High-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chunks work best for a rich flavor. Ina Garten prefers chopped chocolate bars instead of chips, as they melt more evenly and create gooey chocolate pockets throughout the cookies.

Can you freeze these cookies for later?

Yes, these cookies freeze well. Store baked cookies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. For unbaked cookie dough, scoop individual portions onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s favorite peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies are a must-try for any baking enthusiast. With their rich flavor, chewy texture, and easy preparation, they make the perfect homemade treat.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a classic bake with a gourmet twist!