Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Sweet Perfection

These melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter chocolate chip shortbread cookies promise pure bliss with every bite.

Rich, buttery textures combine classic ingredients into an irresistible treat.

Sweet chocolate morsels peek through golden edges, creating visual and flavor magic.

Crumbly yet delicate, each cookie delivers a perfect balance of nutty and sugary notes.

My grandmother’s classic recipe inspired this simple yet decadent version that comes together quickly.

Small kitchen adventures like these turn ordinary moments into delightful memories.

Bake a batch and watch smiles spread across eager faces.

Why Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Stands Out

  • Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing process make this recipe beginner-friendly and perfect for novice bakers.
  • Refrigerating dough logs allows flexible preparation, enabling you to make ahead and bake when convenient.
  • Irresistible blend of classic peanut butter and chocolate creates a universally loved flavor profile that appeals to all ages.
  • Shortbread's delicate, crumbly texture combined with mini chocolate chips delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience with delightful chocolate bursts.

What You’ll Need for Buttery, Nutty Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter, Peanut Butter: Creamy base that provides rich flavor and tender texture for shortbread cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that help with caramelization and add depth of flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness and adds classic bakery aroma.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Salt: Essential structure and seasoning for perfect cookie consistency, choose unbleached flour for best results.
Mix-In Ingredient:
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Delivers sweet chocolate bursts throughout the cookie, smaller size ensures even distribution in delicate shortbread.

How to Make These Rich and Crisp Shortbread Treats

Step 1: Whip Creamy Cookie Base

  • Softened butter
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Blend all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, creating a silky smooth mixture.

Step 2: Enhance Flavor Profile

Add vanilla extract and mix thoroughly to infuse additional depth and richness.

Step 3: Form Delectable Dough

  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt

Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until dough becomes cohesive. Fold in mini chocolate chips, distributing evenly throughout.

Step 4: Shape Cookie Logs

Divide dough into two equal portions, rolling each into cylindrical logs approximately 2 inches wide. Tightly wrap logs in plastic film and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour until completely firm.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for perfect cookie release.

Step 6: Slice and Arrange Cookies

Unwrap chilled dough logs and slice into quarter-inch thick rounds. Arrange cookie slices on prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between each piece.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes until edges turn light golden brown, creating a crisp, delicate texture.

Step 8: Cool And Enjoy

Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling rack. Once completely cooled, serve and savor these delightful treats.

Tips for Slicing and Baking Shortbread Evenly

  • Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate logs for at least 1 hour to help cookies maintain their shape and develop a more intense flavor profile.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Select creamy, smooth peanut butter and high-grade chocolate chips for richer, more decadent cookie taste.
  • Slice Evenly: Cut cookie rounds precisely at 1/4-inch thickness to ensure uniform baking and consistent texture across all cookies.
  • Control Baking Time: Watch closely during last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning; golden edges indicate perfect doneness.
  • Store Smartly: Keep cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delicate, crumbly shortbread texture.

How to Store These Cookies Without Losing Texture

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap cookie logs or baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  • Warm cookies briefly in a 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their crisp texture and fresh-baked taste.

Drinks and Treats That Pair Well with Shortbread

  • Complement the sweet, nutty cookie with a creamy milk stout that echoes its chocolate and peanut butter notes, creating a decadent dessert experience.
  • Brew a medium-roast Colombian coffee to balance the cookie's sweetness, highlighting the chocolate and peanut butter flavors with its robust profile.
  • Sip a smooth bourbon with subtle vanilla undertones that harmonize with the cookie's buttery texture and rich ingredients.
  • Enhance the cookie's sweet-salty complexity by pairing it with a latte that features caramel notes, creating a delightful flavor symphony.

Flavor Ideas That Go Beyond the Basics

  • Gluten-Free Classic: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Almond Butter Alternative: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty profile, perfect for those seeking a unique flavor or with peanut allergies.
  • Vegan-Friendly Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter, plant-based sugar, and dairy-free chocolate chips to create a completely vegan-friendly cookie option.
  • Low-Sugar Modification: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and add chopped nuts for extra texture and nutritional value.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Peanut butter chocolate chip shortbread cookies promise buttery, crumbly bliss with rich chocolate morsels. Crisp edges and melt-in-mouth texture make these cookies an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (125 g) creamy peanut butter

Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Additions:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (130 g) mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Cream together softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture achieves a fluffy, pale consistency.
  2. Incorporate vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavor.
  3. Gently fold in flour and salt, mixing until the dough begins to form a cohesive mass.
  4. Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout.
  5. Divide the dough into two equal portions, carefully rolling each into a uniform log approximately 2 inches in diameter.
  6. Tightly wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow the dough to firm up and develop flavor.
  7. Preheat the oven to 325F (165C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Remove chilled dough logs from refrigerator and slice into precise 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
  9. Arrange cookie rounds on prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 1 inch of space between each cookie.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully until edges turn a delicate golden brown.
  11. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.
  12. Cool completely, allowing the shortbread to achieve its signature crisp texture.

Notes

  • Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies’ perfect shortbread texture.
  • Use room temperature butter and peanut butter for smoother blending and consistent cookie structure.
  • For gluten-free alternatives, swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties like dark chocolate or peanut butter chips for unique flavor variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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