Ina Garten Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies are the perfect mix of creamy peanut butter and rich, melted chocolate chunks. These cookies are soft in the center, slightly crisp at the edges, and full of nutty flavor with every bite. Perfect for lunch boxes, parties, or a cozy evening treat, they’re a timeless classic that captures Ina’s simple yet elegant baking style.

What are Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies?

Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a gourmet twist on the traditional peanut butter cookie. They feature the signature peanut flavor you love, elevated with chunks of bittersweet chocolate that melt into the dough. The result is a cookie that’s both comforting and indulgent — chewy, buttery, and absolutely irresistible.

Other Ina Garten Popular Recipes

• Ina Garten White Chicken Chili
• Ina Garten Peanut Butter Cookies
• Ina Garten Peanut Butter Frosting
• Ina Garten Peanut Butter Brownies

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• Rich flavor combination – Peanut butter and chocolate are a timeless duo.
• Perfect texture – Crispy on the outside and soft, chewy inside.
• Simple ingredients – Made with everyday pantry staples.
• Freezer-friendly – The dough can be frozen for future baking.
• Crowd favorite – Loved by both kids and adults alike.
• Ideal for gifting – Perfectly shaped cookies that look as good as they taste.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chunks

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Step 1 – Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2 – Cream butter and sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 3 – Add wet ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and creamy peanut butter until smooth.

Step 4 – Combine dry ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5 – Mix dry and wet ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture and mix until just combined.

Step 6 – Fold in chocolate chunks

Gently fold in the chocolate chunks with a spatula to distribute evenly through the dough.

Step 7 – Shape and bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Step 8 – Flatten slightly

Use a fork or your fingers to gently press each cookie down slightly for even baking.

Step 9 – Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set.

Step 10 – Cool and serve

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• A cold glass of milk – The perfect balance for rich peanut butter flavor.
• Coffee or espresso – Enhances the deep chocolate notes.
• Vanilla ice cream – Create cookie sandwiches for an indulgent dessert.
• Hot chocolate – Ideal for cozy evenings or winter gatherings.
• Fruit jam – A sweet and tangy contrast when served alongside cookies.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• Use room-temperature ingredients – Helps the dough blend smoothly.
• Avoid overmixing – Mix just until combined to keep cookies tender.
• Chill the dough – Refrigerate for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
• Don’t overbake – Remove cookies when edges are set but centers still look soft.
• Use quality chocolate – Chunky, bittersweet pieces melt beautifully.
• Let them cool – Cooling enhances flavor and texture.
• Store properly – Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• Add sea salt – Sprinkle flaky salt on top for a gourmet finish.
• Crunchy twist – Use chunky peanut butter for texture.
• Double chocolate – Mix in cocoa powder for richer cookies.
• Nut lovers’ version – Add chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
• Espresso touch – Stir in a teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha flavor.
• Mini cookies – Make bite-sized versions for snacking or parties.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for up to a week when chilled.
• Freezer – Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Thawing tip – Let frozen cookies sit at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• Microwave method – Warm for 10–15 seconds for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture.
• Oven method – Heat at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore crisp edges.
• From frozen – Bake frozen dough balls directly for 1–2 extra minutes.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 230
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 120mg

FAQs

How do I keep Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies soft and chewy?

To keep your cookies soft and chewy, bake them until the edges are just golden and the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Also, don’t overmix the dough — overmixing can make cookies dense instead of tender.

Can I chill the dough before baking Ina Garten Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies?

Yes, chilling the dough for 30–60 minutes before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much. It also enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld together, resulting in thicker, richer cookies.

What type of chocolate works best for Ina Garten Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies?

Use high-quality semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chunks for the best texture and flavor. Unlike chocolate chips, chunks melt more evenly and create pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the cookie.

How do I stop Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies from crumbling?

Make sure to measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much. Also, let the cookies cool for at least 5 minutes on the baking tray before moving them — this helps them firm up without breaking apart.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies combine classic flavors with a touch of elegance. They’re easy to make, rich in flavor, and deliver that perfect balance of chewy and crisp texture. Whether you bake them for a weekend treat or a special occasion, these cookies are guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.

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