Sometimes you just need a cookie, am I right, or am I right?

Yes I said need!

And yes, you know I’m right.

And when I say you, I mean me but . . . because I love you invisible internet friend of mine I’ll definitely share. Plus, I wanted to make sure that you’re armed with an incredible cookie recipe for when the need strikes you because it’s always when we least expect it.

This weeks test it out tuesday recipe is inspired by non other than the gorgeous Deb and her delectable Smitten Kitchen Cookbook.

Now, if you follow along with my insta-life you will know that I am currently in the midst of a peanut butter snack time obsession. So these cookies . . . had to be big, bold and packed with peanut butter!

And when there’s a need for cookies, there’s a need for chocolate and because peanut butter and chocolate are best friends, these cookies . . . of course include some chocolate. But I used dark chocolate which means they totally make these cookies healthy with all that antioxident type goodness . . . right?!

You guys, these cookies . . . totally worth it. There is nothing worse than needing a cookie  only to be disappointed by lack of flavour or its to crunchy (←yes there is such a thing) . . . or to soft. Ugh talk about annoying!

But these cookies . . . they are juuuusssssttttttt right!

Big, bold, punchy peanut butter flavours so you definitely know your eating a peanut butter cookie, but still subtly and perfectly sweet. They are light and crunchy, but not to crunchy. Oh and then theres the chocolate drizzle . . . the perfect, chocolatey crackle on top of your perfect peanut butter cookie crunch. After that initial, perfect crackle and crunch these cookies really do just melt in your mouth.

Seriously ah-mazing!

Because when the need for cookies strike . . . cookies must be consumed, and when cookies must be consumed they better be worth it . . . and these babies . . . are totally worth it . . . and you my friend, definitely need them . . . like now . . . because your totally worth it xoxo

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies
Slightly adapted and written in my own words, inspired by The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook
Makes 50-60 dangerously delicious cookies

Ingredients –

6 Tablespoons of unsalted butter, room temperature

6 Tablespoons of peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, store bought or home made – I used smooth. PB2 works too)

1/3 cup granulated white sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

2 cups plain flour

1/4 teaspoon of baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt flakes

1/4 cup chocolate chips

Method –

1 – In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter until light and fluffy.

2 – Add peanut butter and continue to beat until smooth and well combined.

3 – Add the sugars and beat until combined.

4 – Next, add egg and vanilla and beat until smooth and combined.

5 – Sift flour, baking soda and salt flakes into your butter mix and beat on low until just combined.

6 – Divide the batter into 2-4 evenly sized discs, wrap in cling wrap and allow to rest in the fridge for 30 mins.

7 – When your ready to bake, preheat oven to 175’C (350’F)

8 – roll out your cookie dough to approx 1/4 inch thickness, I always do this between 2 pieces of lightly floured parchment/baking paper so the dough doesn’t stick to bench tops.

9 – Cut cookies into desired shapes with your chosen cookie cutter, gather scraps and repeat until all dough has been used.

10 – Bake for 10-12 mins (depending on size). When they are ready your cookies will be slightly puffed and lightly golden on the edges.

11 – Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

12 – Now for the chocolate . . . melt your chocolate by your preferred method, then transfer melted chocolate to a zip lock or you can just drizzle it over using a spoon or a fork.

13 – allow the chocolate to set, grab yourself a nice cup of coffee or a tall glass of ice cold milk and enjoy!

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Question of the day –

Cookies & Cream, strawberry & banana, chocolate & peanut butter . . . whats your ultimate flavour combination?