Name: Missouri Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup chopped peanuts

When I think about comfort food, nothing beats the simple pleasure of a warm, homemade cookie. Missouri Cookies have a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to share this amazing recipe with you. These cookies are packed with rich, creamy peanut butter and studded with the perfect balance of chocolate chips and chopped peanuts. The texture is delightfully chewy on the inside, while the edges have that perfect crispness. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these cookies never fail to impress.

If you’re a fan of both peanut butter and chocolate, you’re going to love this combination. It’s the kind of cookie that’s impossible to eat just one. Every bite offers a delicious mix of salty and sweet flavors that leave you coming back for more. Plus, these cookies are incredibly easy to make, so you won’t need any advanced baking skills to whip up a batch.

Why You’ll Love Missouri Cookies

Missouri Cookies are the perfect treat for all occasions. They offer a rich, nutty flavor with the delightful crunch of chopped peanuts and the irresistible sweetness of chocolate chips. The peanut butter not only enhances the taste but also gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture that makes them hard to resist. Whether you serve them at a party, bring them to work, or just enjoy them with a glass of milk, these cookies will become a fast favorite. The best part? They’re incredibly versatile, so you can make adjustments to suit your taste—add more chocolate, throw in some oats, or switch up the nuts if you like.

Now, let’s dive into making these irresistible cookies, so you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven.

What Kind of Peanut Butter Works Best for Missouri Cookies?

For the best flavor and consistency, I always go with a creamy, no-stir peanut butter—the kind that’s not too oily and holds its shape when scooped. Brands like Jif or Skippy give you a reliable result every time. Natural peanut butters tend to separate and can throw off the texture of the dough, making the cookies too crumbly or greasy. If you absolutely prefer natural, just be sure to mix it thoroughly and perhaps add a touch more flour to balance things out. Crunchy peanut butter works too if you’re after an even nuttier bite!

Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about Missouri Cookies is how easy they are to customize. If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or have dietary preferences, there are plenty of ways to adapt:

Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips.
Peanuts: Swap with chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different nutty profile.
Flour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends work well in place of regular flour.
Sugar: Brown sugar gives that signature chewy texture, but coconut sugar or a brown sugar alternative can be used if needed.
Eggs: If you’re baking vegan, you can substitute eggs with a flax egg or applesauce—just keep in mind the texture might be slightly softer.
Butter: Vegan butter or margarine can work in place of dairy butter.

These cookies are pretty forgiving, so feel free to experiment a little based on your preferences or pantry situation.

Ingredients for Missouri Cookies

Each ingredient in Missouri Cookies plays a key role in delivering that perfect blend of texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Peanut Butter
This is the heart of the cookie. It brings richness, moisture, and that classic nutty flavor that defines Missouri Cookies.
Unsalted Butter
Butter adds depth and a creamy texture while helping the cookies spread just right in the oven. Unsalted gives you more control over the final flavor.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar makes these cookies wonderfully chewy and gives them a hint of caramel flavor, thanks to the molasses content.
Granulated Sugar
Balancing the brown sugar, granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps give the edges that slightly crisp finish.
Eggs
Eggs bind everything together and contribute to the chewy texture we want in each bite.
Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla deepens the overall flavor and ties all the sweet and nutty notes together beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour is the base structure of the cookie. It gives the dough just the right strength without making it tough.
Baking Soda
This helps the cookies rise and spread slightly, creating a soft center and crisp edges.
Salt
Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors, especially the peanut butter and chocolate.
Chocolate Chips
These melt into pockets of sweet, gooey goodness throughout the cookie. You can never go wrong with a generous amount.
Chopped Peanuts
They add crunch and amplify the peanut butter flavor, giving the cookies that irresistible texture combo.

Step 1: Cream the Peanut Butter, Butter, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and slightly fluffy. This step sets the foundation for a tender cookie texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. This step helps the dough emulsify and gives the cookies their rich, balanced flavor.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as everything comes together.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Chopped Peanuts

Now for the best part—gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped peanuts. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough so every bite gets some melty chocolate and crunchy peanut.

Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

For thicker cookies and better flavor, chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour. It firms up the fats and helps prevent over-spreading in the oven.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into balls—about 1.5 tablespoons each—and place them a few inches apart on the sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look just slightly underdone.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool, turning into that perfect chewy-crispy texture.

How Long to Cook Missouri Cookies

Missouri Cookies should bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—you’re aiming for golden edges and a slightly soft center. The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet, so don’t wait until they’re fully firm in the oven. For chewier results, stick closer to the 10-minute mark; for a slightly crispier edge, let them go up to 12 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Missouri Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients Are Key
Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures everything blends smoothly, making for a more even dough.
Don’t Skip Chilling
Chilling the dough helps control the spread of the cookies and deepens the flavor. Even 30 minutes in the fridge can make a big difference.
Use a Cookie Scoop
Using a scoop ensures evenly sized cookies, which means they bake uniformly and look beautiful.
Don’t Overbake
They should look just barely done in the center when you pull them out. That’s what gives you that irresistible chewiness after they cool.
Customize with Texture
Add a handful of oats for extra chew or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to balance the sweetness.
Line Your Pans with Parchment
It prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Plus, it helps the bottoms bake more evenly.
Let Them Rest
Give the cookies at least 5 minutes to cool before moving them. They’ll firm up and be easier to handle.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple recipes like Missouri Cookies have a few easy missteps that can affect your final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Using Natural Peanut Butter Without Adjustments
It’s oilier and can make the cookies spread too much. If you must use it, stir thoroughly and consider adding a tablespoon more flour.
Overmixing the Dough
Once the flour is in, mix only until combined. Overworking the dough can make your cookies dense or tough.
Skipping the Chill Time
Chilled dough holds its shape better and results in thicker cookies with more flavor. Warm dough spreads too fast in the oven.
Overbaking
The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center. They’ll finish setting as they cool. Overbaking dries them out.
Crowding the Pan
Give the cookies space to spread. Otherwise, they’ll bake into each other and turn out uneven.
Not Measuring Flour Properly
Scooping directly from the bag packs too much in. Instead, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off.

What to Serve With Missouri Cookies?

These cookies are incredible on their own, but they pair beautifully with all kinds of drinks and desserts. Here are a few favorites:

Hot Coffee or Cold Brew

The bittersweet notes of coffee balance the rich peanut butter and sweet chocolate perfectly.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Sandwich a scoop between two cookies or crumble a warm one on top—either way, it’s heavenly.

Cold Milk

It’s a classic for a reason. Few things beat dunking a warm Missouri Cookie into an icy glass of milk.

Chocolate Ganache Drizzle

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache takes these to the next level.

Peanut Butter Milkshake

Double down on the peanut butter love with a thick, creamy shake on the side.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries offer a tart contrast that brightens up each bite.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Dip or drizzle for a rich, buttery layer of flavor that complements the nuttiness beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Missouri Cookies store beautifully, whether you want to enjoy them over a few days or save some for later. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread inside the container—it helps maintain moisture.
Refrigerator: Not necessary unless your kitchen is very warm, but you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
Freezer (Baked Cookies): Cool completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften.
Freezer (Cookie Dough): Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Estimated Nutrition

These numbers are based on standard ingredients and serving sizes (1 cookie out of about 24):

Calories: ~210
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 140mg
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 4g

Keep in mind, this can vary depending on your substitutions and the size of each cookie. But overall, it’s a sweet treat with a nice little boost of protein thanks to the peanut butter and nuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Missouri Cookies different from regular peanut butter cookies?

Missouri Cookies are loaded with both chopped peanuts and chocolate chips, giving them more texture and flavor than traditional peanut butter cookies. They’re also a bit thicker and chewier.

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (let it sit for 5 minutes to gel). Applesauce or mashed banana also works, though it may slightly change the flavor and texture.

Do I have to chill the dough?

It’s not strictly required, but chilling the dough helps keep the cookies from spreading too much and gives you a thicker, more flavorful result.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just scoop and store it in portions for easy baking later.

What’s the best way to get evenly sized cookies?

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and look uniform.

How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread and stay soft for several days.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely. Try adding white chocolate chips, toffee bits, crushed pretzels, or even dried cranberries for a unique twist.

Are Missouri Cookies freezer-friendly?

Yes! Both the baked cookies and the raw dough freeze well. Just follow the storage instructions and enjoy fresh cookies anytime.

Conclusion

Missouri Cookies are one of those timeless recipes that feel like a warm hug from the oven. They’re chewy, rich, and packed with flavor—thanks to the combo of creamy peanut butter, crunchy nuts, and gooey chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a special event, sharing with friends, or just indulging in a cozy night at home, these cookies deliver big satisfaction with little effort. They’re endlessly adaptable and always a crowd-pleaser.