If you love the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to treat. These cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy, packed with rich chocolate flavor from the cake mix and dotted with crunchy peanut butter pieces that add just the right amount of salty sweetness. Best of all, they come together quickly with minimal ingredients, making them perfect for both a last-minute dessert and a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to achieving the moist, tender texture and vibrant flavor of the cookies. Each component plays an important role, from the chocolate cake mix providing that deep cocoa punch to the peanut butter pieces delivering delightful bursts of nutty goodness.
- 15 oz chocolate cake mix: The foundation of the cookies, it gives them chocolatey richness and keeps them soft.
- 2 eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture for a tender bite.
- ½ cup butter (room temperature): Adds creaminess and contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
- ¼ cup oil: Keeps the cookies moist and helps achieve a slightly chewy crumb.
- Peanut butter pieces: These little chunks provide a salty, nutty contrast that perfectly complements the chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures the cookies bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown color that hints at their deliciousness inside.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients with the Cake Mix
In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, oil, and softened butter with the chocolate cake mix. For quick and thorough blending, using a hand blender is a fantastic trick that saves you time and gives the dough a smooth consistency.
Step 3: Portion the Dough
With a small scoop or tablespoon, portion out cookie dough balls onto a parchment paper-lined baking tray. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking, so your cookies keep their perfect shape.
Step 4: Flatten and Add Peanut Butter Pieces
Before baking, wet your fingers slightly and gently press each dough ball down to flatten into a cookie shape. Then, press as many peanut butter pieces as you like onto the tops—this part is what brings that extra burst of peanut butter flavor and fun texture.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Pop the tray in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they turn golden brown but don’t overbake. This short bake time leaves them soft in the center, just how you want a perfect cookie.
Step 6: Cool and Transfer
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the pan for a couple of minutes. This allows them to set and prevents them from breaking when you transfer them to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on the warm cookies just before serving to enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors—a tiny touch that creates a delicious sweet-salty balance. You can also add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra pretty finish.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. For a daytime treat, enjoy them alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot cocoa to complement the rich chocolate notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the cookies stacked and tied with a rustic ribbon for a charming gift. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with creamy peanut butter or chocolate spread in between for delightful cookie sandwiches that look as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for enjoying well after your initial baking spree.
Freezing
If you want to keep these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe treats longer, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them into a freezer bag once solid. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave to revive that fresh-baked softness. Be careful not to overheat, or the peanut butter pieces may become too melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is classic here, you can experiment with devil’s food or even red velvet cake mix for a fun twist, though the peanut butter pieces pair best with chocolate flavors.
Do I have to use peanut butter pieces, or can I substitute something else?
Peanut butter pieces add a lovely texture and salty-sweet contrast, but you can swap them for chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even mini marshmallows for your own version of this cookie.
How should the butter be prepared for the best cookie texture?
Softened butter at room temperature works best as it blends smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a tender cookie crumb without greasiness.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure your peanut butter pieces are gluten-free, you can enjoy these cookies without worry.
What is the best way to flatten the cookies without making a mess?
Wet your fingertips lightly with water and gently press down on each dough ball. Keeping your fingers damp prevents sticking while allowing you to achieve just the right thickness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a quick, comforting baked treat that combines the best of chocolate and peanut butter, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing—or sneaking a few all to yourself. Give it a try and watch how these cookies quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
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
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies are an easy and delicious treat that combines the richness of chocolate cake mix with the creamy texture of peanut butter pieces. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of soft, moist cookies perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 15 oz chocolate cake mix
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup oil
Topping
- Peanut butter pieces, as desired
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, oil, and softened butter with the chocolate cake mix. Using a hand blender or a whisk, mix until the dough is uniform and well combined.
- Scoop Dough: Using a small scoop or tablespoon, portion out the cookie dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spacing the scoops to prevent sticking as they spread.
- Flatten Cookies: Wet your fingers slightly to prevent sticking, then gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly for an even baking shape.
- Add Peanut Butter Pieces: Press a generous amount of peanut butter pieces onto the top of each cookie, distributing them evenly for a peanut buttery flavor in every bite.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking tray from the oven and let the cookies sit on the pan for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Pressing the peanut butter pieces into the dough before baking helps them adhere and soften slightly during baking.
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
