Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is a bit of a strange story, in which I learned an important lesson. I made this peanut butter dough a couple of weeks ago and was storing it in my freezer. Recently, I received a cookie order and thought they would be perfect in an assorted box. So I removed the dough and made the cookies. The dough didn't smell like peanut butter, but I thought maybe that was because it was very chilled? The cookies were also a bit darker than I thought they should be. I waited till Joe got home and made him taste one. He told me they were delicious with absolutely no hint of peanut butter. So basically, I have a mystery brown cookie dough in my freezer and I have no idea where it came from or when I made it. Apparently, it's still good though...


The lesson to be learned here is, always label stored items! I already knew this but for some reason my mind works in strange ways. When I think about labeling, my mind goes to a label maker, since I don't want to just write the names of things and store them in the freezer. I want it to be super neat and tidy (I'm not actually that neat or tidy but if I'm going to be, then I go all the way). Then I think it's silly to spend money on a label maker and leave it at that. Days later, I run into a problem like this one. To be fair though, writing on paper and taping the paper to the containers is also a hassle and they also eventually fall off for some reason.
Tis a vicious cycle.

Anyway, I never did figure out what the dough was. My friend B came over and tasted it. She thought the cookies were delicious but couldn't place the flavor either...!

I did find the original peanut butter cookie dough and whip up these cookies. And then I promptly played with them during the photo shoot. I love stacking items and playing with my food! Sometimes I also tire of making all my food photos in perfect natural lighting and like to mess around with effects/colors. Just so you know. 

These peanut butter cookies came from the cookie base of this recipe, which, if you haven't made or tasted already, you're seriously missing out. The cookie is loaded with peanut butter and practically melts in your mouth (unless you overcook a batch and then it crunches in your mouth). I love the milk chocolate/peanut butter combo, but that's just me. I made the dough without any add-ins in case I came up with some crazy combo I wanted to try. My friend commented that the chocolate chips looked like they had been individually placed and I said "why yes, they were!"I don't know if that makes me sound crazy or not... you can decide.

Either way, these are simple and easy; a gentle spin on the classic chocolate chip cookie. A great addition to any holiday party or assorted gift box.
And of course, not complete without a glass of milk.

Peanut Butter CookiesMakes about 30 little cookies (depends on size)

1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 tbs powdered sugar
8 tbs butter room temp
1 cup smooth peanut butter at room temp
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate chips (or any other add-ins you prefer)

Beat the sugars with the butter and add in all the other ingredients till well combined. 
Roll the dough into a log and wrap in plastic. 
Refrigerate for at least an hour (or store it in the freezer for late night cookies)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.Remove about a tablespoon of dough (or larger if you prefer) and roll into a ball.
Press chocolate chips or anything else into random sides of the ball and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden.
Let cool before eating.

Source: Leite's Culinaria