Thick & Gooey Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies (Better Than Store-Bought!)

These Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies combine two of the most beloved flavors—peanut butter and chocolate—into one irresistible cookie. With a lighter twist, these cookies are made using better-for-you ingredients that satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a treat after dinner, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: A rich combination of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.
Healthier Ingredients: Uses natural peanut butter, whole wheat flour, and a reduced sugar version of the classic recipe.
Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare and bake, perfect for when you need a cookie fix.
Satisfying: A great balance of sweetness and protein to keep you satisfied.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or your preferred sweetener)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (or sugar-free chocolate chips for an even lighter version)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peanut butter, coconut sugar, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients:

• In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Fold in Chocolate Chips:

• Gently fold the chocolate chips into the cookie dough.

Shape the Cookies:

• Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough into 12 even balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of the spoon or your fingers.

Bake the Cookies:

• Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve & Enjoy:

• Enjoy immediately or store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)

• Calories: 120
• Carbs: 14g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix until just combined to avoid dense cookies.
• Use Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for a peanut butter that’s free of added sugars and hydrogenated oils for a healthier version.
• Customize with Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly shaped cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough.

Why This Recipe Works

• Peanut Butter & Chocolate Perfection: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates the ultimate sweet and savory bite.
• Healthier Ingredients: By using natural peanut butter, coconut sugar, and whole wheat flour, these cookies provide a lighter version of the traditional recipe without compromising flavor.
• Perfectly Balanced: These cookies are not too sweet, with just the right amount of richness from the peanut butter and chocolate.

These Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect balance of indulgence and healthier ingredients. With a chewy texture and delicious flavor, they’re the perfect treat for when you’re craving something sweet but still want to stay on track.