Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chip Soft and Chewy Cookies

One of the most satisfying things that I can do for myself is to prepare flavorful recipes for others. Nothing brings me more joy than to spend time in the kitchen preparing savory dishes that will fill bellies and sinful desserts that will satisfy a sweet tooth. The aroma that blankets my home from spending time in the kitchen is just an added bonus and it brings so much joy to my heart.

There’s just something special about sitting down to enjoy a meal that I prepared, only to look around the table and see family and friends satisfied, happy, and full. Serving desserts that exude childhood memories, fulfill a craving, or shed happiness in someone’s day is beyond fulfilling to my soul.

I’m always on the lookout for recipes that will challenge, enlighten, educate, and enhance my cooking knowledge. However, at times, it’s those “don’t fix something that’s not broken” recipes that are always the most comforting, filling, and satisfying.

When getting ready to prepare food, there’s nothing that makes me happier than a special request for a recipe that I prepared in the past for that person. Knowing that a recipe that I prepared had them wanting more is something that I try to achieve with every dish that I prepare.

At times I run into flops that make it onto the “do not make” list. However, I can always rely on my tried and true recipes to lift my spirits. Take for example my recipe for soft and chewy cookies. I stumbled upon this recipe when my husband was craving cookies and I didn’t have brown sugar in the pantry. Instead of running up to the store, I took the “How To: Simplify” approach and made do with what I already had in my kitchen. The end result just happened to be our new favorite cookie recipe, especially since my husband is the biggest fan of soft cookies.

Last night, while I was looking forward to my husband getting home early from work, I received a text from him that said, “I’m craving dessert … brownies or chocolate chip cookies.” I didn’t have my brownie ingredients on hand so I decided to make his favorite cookie recipe with a twist.

As soon as he walked through the door, he stopped, stuck his nose up in the air, took a huge sniff through his nose, and let out a resounding, “Ahhh.” He quickly walked over to the wire rack that was on the counter and plucked a cookie from one of the rows.

Satisfying a sweet tooth? Check.

Preparing a recipe that was a special request? Check.

Filling the home with an amazing aroma? Check.

My heart and soul were full and happy … all thanks to the simple act of baking cookies for my husband.  What came next was a kiss from my husband followed by the words, “You’re the best wife ever.”

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chip Soft and Chewy Cookies 

 Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup peanut butter chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Use a mixer to cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and mix together. Pour in the vanilla and blend until combined.
3. Pour the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and mix until combined. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
4. Fold in the chocolate and peanut butter chips.
5. Use an ice cream scooper to form tablespoonfuls of the dough. Place the dough on the baking sheet two inches apart.
6. Bake for 8-11 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes.
7. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

What do you love about cooking?