If you’re craving an easy, decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in one irresistible bite, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is here to satisfy your sweet tooth. These cookies marry the convenience of a chocolate cake mix with the creamy texture of fresh peanut butter pieces, creating a perfect balance of soft, chewy, and chocolaty goodness that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re baking for an impromptu gathering or just need a quick homemade snack, this recipe will quickly become your new go-to dessert favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work together to create a wonderful texture and flavor. You’ll find that each component plays a key role — from the cake mix that forms the base to the peanut butter pieces that add delightful bursts of flavor.
- Chocolate cake mix: The foundation of these cookies, providing a rich chocolate flavor and a tender crumb.
- Eggs: They bind all the ingredients together wonderfully and help give structure to the cookies.
- Butter (room temperature): Adds a creamy richness and helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Oil: Enhances moisture and gives the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Peanut butter pieces: Small bursts of peanut butter flavor throughout each cookie, adding texture and a nutty contrast to the chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the perfect baking temperature so your cookies cook evenly and develop that lovely golden edge.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, oil, and room temperature butter with the chocolate cake mix. Use a hand blender or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until you have a smooth dough. This step is quick and easy, and mixing well ensures your cookies won’t have any dry pockets.
Step 3: Scoop the Dough
Using a small scoop or tablespoon, drop the dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Keeping the sizes uniform helps the cookies bake consistently so you don’t end up with some underdone and others overbaked.
Step 4: Flatten the Cookies
Wet your fingers slightly and gently press down on each dough ball to flatten them just a bit. This step creates the perfect cookie shape and helps them bake evenly without puffing up too much.
Step 5: Add Peanut Butter Pieces
Press as many peanut butter pieces as you like into the tops of each cookie. This is where you get those delicious pockets of nutty flavor that contrast wonderfully with the chocolate base.
Step 6: Bake
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, watching carefully for a golden brown color around the edges. This ensures they’re cooked through but still soft and chewy inside.
Step 7: Cool Slightly on the Pan
Once out of the oven, let the cookies sit on the pan for a couple of minutes. This resting time helps them firm up just enough so you can move them without breaking.
Step 8: Transfer to a Cooling Rack
Finish by transferring the cookies to a wire cooling rack. This step allows air to circulate around each cookie, preventing sogginess and keeping them deliciously crisp on the edges and soft inside.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some flaky sea salt or mini chocolate chips on top of your cookies right after baking for an added touch of flavor and a beautiful presentation. You can also drizzle melted peanut butter over them for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience. A warm cup of coffee or rich hot cocoa makes a perfect cozy companion too.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies stacked on a decorative platter or place them in a mason jar as a gift idea. For parties, consider sandwiching peanut butter or chocolate spread between two cookies to create delightful mini cookie sandwiches that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will help maintain their softness and keep those peanut butter pieces fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies, warm them for about 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave. This melts the peanut butter just slightly and brings the cookie back to that freshly-baked softness you love.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter pieces instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter pieces will add extra texture to the cookies, giving you a nice contrast to the silky chocolate cake mix base.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, you can enjoy this recipe without gluten. Just be sure your peanut butter pieces are also gluten-free.
Can I substitute the oil with an alternative?
If you prefer, you can swap the oil for melted coconut oil or even applesauce for a slightly different texture and flavor, but oil typically gives the best results for moisture.
Why do I need to wet my fingers before flattening the dough?
Wetting your fingers prevents the dough from sticking and helps you flatten the cookies evenly without tearing or mess.
How long will these cookies stay fresh if stored properly?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh and soft for about 4 days at room temperature, perfect for enjoying over a few sweet snack sessions.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe. It’s quick, simple, and delivers that classic chocolate and peanut butter combo we all secretly crave. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed by just how easy it is to make such delicious cookies with just a few pantry staples. Trust me, your family and friends will be asking for the recipe again and again!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies that combine the rich flavors of chocolate cake mix with creamy peanut butter pieces. Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies bake quickly and are an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 15 oz chocolate cake mix
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup oil
Add-ins
- Peanut butter pieces
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the cookies.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, oil, and softened butter. Use a hand blender or a spoon to mix thoroughly until the dough is smooth and consistent.
- Form Cookies: Using a small scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough portions onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.
- Flatten Dough: Wet your fingers slightly and gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it slightly for an even cookie shape.
- Add Peanut Butter Pieces: Press peanut butter pieces generously into the tops of each cookie dough ball, distributing them as desired.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookie edges are golden brown.
- Cool on Pan: Remove the baking tray from the oven and allow the cookies to sit on the pan for a few minutes to firm up slightly.
- Transfer to Cooling Rack: Carefully transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Wetting your fingers helps in flattening the cookie dough without it sticking.
- For extra peanut butter flavor, use chunky peanut butter pieces or add a small drizzle of peanut butter on top after baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
