Name: Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp kosher or sea salt; ⅔ cup cocoa powder; 1 cup butter (softened, 2 sticks); ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup natural peanut butter; 2 eggs (room temperature); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; Finishing salt (e.g. Maldon) for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 78 reviews

If you are craving a cookie that masterfully combines rich, indulgent chocolate with the nutty warmth of peanut butter and a surprising hint of salt, you have got to try this Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies balance the boldness of cocoa and peanut butter with melty chocolate chips and delicate finishing salt for a perfect bite every time. Perfectly soft and chewy with pockets of gooey chocolate, this recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorite treats to bake and share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear white round plate with a large pile of small dark brown cookies stacked in a dome shape, each cookie showing melted dark chocolate spots and some sprinkled with coarse sea salt on top. The cookies have a rough, slightly cracked texture. The plate is on a white marbled surface with some cookie crumbs scattered around, and two glasses of milk are placed nearby. A soft gray cloth is draped next to the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is that it relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy peanut butter that adds richness to the cocoa powder which delivers that deep chocolate punch.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and chewiness needed in the cookie base.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, tender crumb.
Kosher or sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Butter (softened): Adds creaminess and helps create the perfect texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with spreading and browning.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
Natural peanut butter: Grounds the cookies with nutty flavor and moisture; creamy or chunky works well.
Eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients together and help with rise.
Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor and complements the chocolate and peanut butter notes.
Cocoa powder: Brings intense chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips: Double up on the chocolate goodness with melty pockets throughout.
Finishing salt (e.g. Maldon): Sprinkled on top for that irresistible salty crunch.

How to Make Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. This temperature is perfect for achieving cookies that bake evenly with just the right balance of crisp edges and soft centers.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and beat in the eggs one at a time to create a rich, creamy batter. Finally, add the cocoa powder and mix just until fully combined to maintain a tender crumb.

Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning, so your cookies rise beautifully and have that perfect hint of saltiness throughout.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as that can toughen the dough. Once combined, fold in the chocolate chips evenly so every cookie gets bursts of melted chocolate in every bite.

Step 5: Shape and Salt the Dough Balls

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form dough balls with about 2 tablespoons of dough each. Place them 3 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Before baking, sprinkle each dough ball with a pinch of finishing salt like Maldon to give that signature crunch and flavor contrast.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are set but the middle still looks soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 1 to 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets the cookies finish setting without drying out.

How to Serve Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

This image shows an even grid of chocolate cookie dough balls placed tightly on a white marble surface. Each cookie dough ball is round and textured, with a deep brown color and some dark chocolate chunks visible on the surface. The tops of the cookie dough balls are sprinkled lightly with coarse white sea salt flakes, adding a contrast in color and texture. The dough balls have a slightly rough and creamy texture with small cracks and ridges showing details of the dough. The overall look is fresh and ready to bake, arranged neatly in straight rows and columns, tightly packed close to each other. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your cookies by garnishing with a tiny sprinkle of additional finishing salt right before serving. Some crushed roasted peanuts can add even more crunch and accentuate the peanut butter notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a rich cup of coffee to amplify the chocolate and peanut butter flavors. For a decadent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies with a layer of peanut butter frosting or cream cheese frosting in between, turning them into mini cookie sandwiches. Another fun idea is dipping half the cookie in melted chocolate and letting it harden for a fancy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, perfect for snacking or sharing throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, shape the dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for fresh cookies whenever cravings hit.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to melt the chocolate chips and revive that soft, chewy texture.

FAQs

Can I use peanut butter with added sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can use sweetened peanut butter, but be mindful it may make the cookies sweeter. You might want to reduce the granulated sugar slightly to keep balance.

What kind of salt is best for finishing these cookies?

Flaky salts like Maldon or fleur de sel work wonderfully as they add a delicate crunch without overpowering the cookie’s flavor.

Can I substitute the cocoa powder with melted chocolate?

While melted chocolate brings great flavor, cocoa powder is preferred here because it contributes to the cookie structure and that rich chocolate intensity without extra fat or moisture.

How do I make the cookies chewier?

To boost chewiness, make sure not to overbake your cookies. Also, using brown sugar as in this recipe helps maintain moisture and softness.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could try substituting a gluten-free flour blend, but you may need to adjust baking times and textures slightly.

Final Thoughts

If you have a soft spot for cookies packed with intense chocolate, silky peanut butter, and that perfect kiss of saltiness, you simply must try this Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. It’s a surefire way to brighten your day and impress anyone lucky enough to share these delightful treats with you. Get baking and enjoy every gooey, salty-sweet bite!