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Cookies 'n Cream Peanut Butter Cookies bring the perfect balance of rich peanut butter flavor and crunchy Oreo bits in every bite. These cookies come together quickly making them an easy option when you want homemade treats without a long fuss. They are soft in the center with just enough crisp on the edges to satisfy any cookie lover.
I remember pulling these together after a last-minute plan to bring cookies to a friend's gathering. They disappeared so fast that making them turned into a happy regular whenever I want something sweet and impressive fast.
Ingredients
- Softened unsalted butter: gives tenderness and richness to the dough picking butter with a creamy texture works best
- Peanut butter: packed with flavor do not use no-stir types for best mixing and taste
- Brown and granulated sugar: for moisture and caramel notes choosing dark brown sugar adds extra depth
- Large egg: binds everything and adds fluff
- Vanilla: enhances sweetness and rounds out flavor always pick fresh pure vanilla extract
- Milk: helps bring the dough together making it easier to scoop
- Salt: is essential to balance the sweetness a fine sea salt is ideal
- Baking soda: for lift and soft texture measuring carefully ensures proper rise
- All-purpose flour: builds structure choose fresh flour that is not past expiration for best results
- Oreos chopped: add the signature cookies and cream crunch best if chopped coarsely so you get delightful little pockets of cookie in the bite
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silpat mats. This prevents sticking and helps cook the cookies evenly.
- Cream the Fats and Sugars:
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important because it aerates the dough and helps make the cookies tender.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the egg, vanilla, milk, salt, and baking soda until fully combined. Mixing at medium speed will keep the batter smooth and well incorporated.
- Introduce the Flour:
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough so be gentle. The dough will be soft but hold together.
- Fold in the Oreos:
- Stir in the chopped Oreos carefully so that they are evenly distributed but not crushed too fine. This gives your cookies the signature cookies and cream texture.
- Scoop and Shape:
- Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form balls about 2 tablespoons in size. Place them on the prepared cookie sheets spaced apart to allow for spreading. Use a fork to make a gentle criss-cross pattern on each cookie to create that classic peanut butter cookie look.
- Bake and Cool:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are just beginning to turn golden on the edges but still soft in the middle. Let them cool completely on the sheets before transferring to a wire rack or container to avoid breaking.
My favorite part is the chunks of Oreo surprise with every bite. These cookies remind me of holiday baking with my family, where the Oreo pieces feel like little pockets of joy making treat time extra special.
Storage tips
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage layering them with parchment paper in a sealed container keeps them from sticking together. Freeze for up to a month either in containers or zipper bags with paper towels in between to maintain texture. Just let thaw at room temperature before serving.
Ingredient swaps
If peanut butter is not your favorite try almond or cashew butter though texture and flavor will shift slightly. Coconut oil can replace softened butter but expect a subtle coconut undertone. For a gluten-free option use a blend suited for baking and check the Oreos are gluten free or substitute with another chocolate sandwich cookie.
Serving ideas
These cookies are fantastic with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee in the afternoon. Break apart warm cookies over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert. You can also sandwich them with peanut butter frosting to serve as a special treat for celebrations.
Enjoy these cookies fresh for the best texture or freeze them for later. They make a delightful treat any time you crave something sweet and nostalgic.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of peanut butter yields the best flavor?
Using natural or creamy peanut butter without stabilizers provides a richer, more authentic taste in the final product.
- → How can I achieve a soft center in these cookies?
Remove them from the oven once the edges start browning but centers remain soft to keep that tender texture.
- → Is there a recommended way to mix in the crushed Oreos?
Gently fold the chopped Oreo pieces at the end to evenly distribute without breaking them down too much.
- → Can I substitute the butter with brown butter?
Yes, browning the butter first adds a deeper, nutty flavor that enhances the overall richness.
- → How should these be stored to maintain freshness?
Keep the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze between paper towels for longer storage.
- → What baking sheets work best for these cookies?
Parchment-lined or silicone baking mats help prevent sticking and promote even baking.