Name: Cookies ‘n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup (200g) peanut butter (do not use no-stir peanut butter); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk; ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar; ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 ½ cups (186g) all-purpose flour; 10-12 Oreos, chopped (about 1 3/4 cups)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re anything like me and adore the perfect marriage of creamy peanut butter and crunchy cookie bits, then these Cookies ‘n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies are going to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that bursts with the rich, nutty warmth of peanut butter, all studded with delightful chunks of Oreo cookies for that classic cookies ‘n cream crunch. These cookies are simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and offer a nostalgic twist on two beloved flavors. Trust me, once you try these Cookies ‘n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies, they’ll be your go-to treat for sharing, gifting, or savoring any time you need a little pick-me-up.

Cookies 'n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance. From the creamy peanut butter to the crunchy bits of Oreo cookies, every component comes together to create cookies that are rich, soft, and irresistibly delicious.

Unsalted butter (½ cup/113g, softened): Adds richness and helps create a tender, chewy texture.
Peanut butter (¾ cup/200g, not no-stir): The star ingredient – creamy and full of nutty flavor that infuses the cookie.
Packed brown sugar (¾ cup/150g): Brings moisture and deep caramel notes to the dough.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup/50g): Balances sweetness and helps with spreading.
Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic hint.
Milk (1 tablespoon/15ml): Lightens the dough and ensures perfect softness.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Sharpens the sweetness and deepens flavors.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Provides a gentle lift and slight crispness at the edges.
All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups/186g): Sets the structure for chewy, soft cookies.
Oreos (10-12 chopped, about 1 ¾ cups): Adds the iconic cookies ’n cream crunch and a wonderful contrast in texture.

How to Make Cookies ‘n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 350°F, because timing is everything with cookies. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or Silpat mats to keep your cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This small prep goes a long way in making your baking smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Cream Together the Fats and Sugars

In your mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Creaming these ingredients together until smooth is key for that luscious cookie texture. This stage integrates the flavors while creating a smooth base for the rest of the dough.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Leavening

To your creamy mixture, add the egg, vanilla extract, milk, salt, and baking soda. Mix just until everything is combined. Each addition brings new life to the dough—the egg for binding, vanilla for warmth, milk for softness, and baking soda for a gentle lift.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour and Oreo Chunks

Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender. Once combined, fold in those scrumptious chopped Oreos, which bring that unbeatable cookies ‘n cream texture and flavor that’s absolutely essential in Cookies ‘n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using a 2-tablespoon scoop or spoon, portion out dough balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets. Press down on each cookie gently with a fork to create the classic criss-cross pattern—this not only looks charming but helps the cookies bake evenly. Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden. This ensures the centers stay wonderfully soft and chewy.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let your Cookies ‘n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies cool completely on the trays before transferring them to a wire rack or container. This cool down period allows the cookies to set properly, sealing in that perfect texture and flavor combo you love.

How to Serve Cookies ‘n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies are fantastic on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate their look and flavor. Both options complement the peanut butter and cookies ‘n cream theme beautifully and make them party-ready.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert duo. For coffee lovers, a rich espresso or latte accompanies these cookies wonderfully, balancing their sweetness and adding a bit of sophistication to your treat time.

Creative Ways to Present

Try sandwiching two Cookies ‘n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies together with a generous spread of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting in the middle. They also make adorable edible gifts when wrapped in cellophane tied with a ribbon, perfect for sharing your cookie love with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your leftover Cookies ‘n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to three days, making them perfect for snacking or last-minute dessert cravings.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! To freeze, place them in a single layer between sheets of parchment or paper towels in a ziplock bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to one month and thawed at room temperature for a quick treat anytime.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm, simply pop them in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This softens the cookies and reawakens the peanut butter and cookies ’n cream flavors, making every bite just as good as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You absolutely can, but keep in mind that crunchy peanut butter will add an extra texture to your Cookies ‘n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies, which might be an enjoyable variation if you like a bit of extra bite.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

This recipe works great without chilling, but if you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape better and enhance the flavors.

Can I substitute Oreos with other cookies?

Definitely! While Oreos are classic, you can swap in your favorite sandwich cookies or chocolate chip cookies to give these treats a personalized twist.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing before or after baking?

Both options work well. You can freeze the dough balls on a tray before baking or freeze the fully baked cookies. Just make sure to wrap them properly to avoid freezer burn.

How long will these cookies stay fresh if stored properly?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these Cookies ‘n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies stay fresh for up to three days. Freezing extends their life up to one month.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about Cookies ‘n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies that makes them a must-bake for anyone who loves a cookie that combines nostalgic flavors with a chewy, buttery texture. Whether you’re baking for yourself, friends, or family, these cookies bring smiles and a touch of magic to any moment. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make some sweet memories!

Cookies ‘n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 24 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these Cookies ‘n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies, a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and crunchy Oreo cookie bits baked into a soft, chewy cookie. These homemade treats combine classic flavors with a delightful twist, ideal for any cookie lover seeking a rich and satisfying snack.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silpat baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cream Mixture: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air for a lighter cookie texture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, milk, salt, and baking soda until the mixture is well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until the dough comes together and no dry flour remains.
Mix in Oreos: Gently fold in the chopped Oreos, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough without breaking them down too much.
Shape Cookies: Scoop dough into 2 tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheets. Use a fork to create a small criss-cross pattern on the top of each cookie for a classic peanut butter cookie finish.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until they just begin to brown around the edges, keeping the center soft and chewy.
Cool: Allow cookies to cool completely on the cookie sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further. This helps them set and prevents crumbling.
Store: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in sealable containers or Ziploc bags with layers of paper towels between the cookies for up to one month.

Notes

Do not use no-stir peanut butter as it affects the dough texture and consistency.
If you prefer a crunchier cookie, bake an extra 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Ensure Oreos are chopped into small pieces to evenly distribute and prevent uneven baking.
Peanut butter should be at room temperature to blend well with the butter and sugars.
The fork criss-cross topping not only adds a classic look but slightly flattens the cookies for even baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American