Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly baked cookie that combines the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with a luscious chocolate heart that literally melts in your mouth! These Chocolate Heart Peanut Butter Cookies are not just a dessert – they're a love letter to your taste buds, promising to transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary culinary adventure. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe guarantees to impress everyone from family gatherings to weekend treat cravings!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon or electric mixer until the ingredients are well blended and form a smooth, consistent dough.
- Using clean hands or a cookie scoop, roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Gently press down on each cookie ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern to flatten them slightly.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still look slightly soft.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips on top of each warm cookie, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the chocolate.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, the chocolate will set, creating a delightful chocolate heart on top of each peanut butter cookie.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and better cookie texture.
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or weigh each dough ball to ensure consistent sizing.
- Don't overbake! The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center, as they'll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet.
- Choose high-quality chocolate chips for the best melting and flavor results.
- For a fun variation, try using different types of chocolate (dark, milk, or even flavored chips).
- If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Allow cookies to cool completely to let the chocolate set and develop a beautiful glossy finish.
- Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
