Chocolaty Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

I make chocolate chip cookies so often with the kids that it is a real mystery why they are not listed anywhere on this blog.  We make them at least monthly and there is always a supply in our freezer.  This is precisely why I wanted to change it up the other day when we were contemplating making some cookies to send with my husband on a roadtrip.

I was craving a brownies too.  Like the BEST brownies I have talked about in the past here on this blog.  Those are almost all done on the stovetop though, and my daughter was anxious to help.  I wanted to come up with a cookie that kind of tasted like a brownie, but with a chocolate chip component.  That was my intent.....  but then I found some peanut butter chips in my cupboard and that idea went out the window.

So, behold:  A brownie-like cookie,  bursting with peanut butter chips!  I've gotta tweak them a bit to make them chewier, but in the meantime, these will NOT disappoint.

1 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup vegetable shortening (such as Crisco)
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups peanut butter chips

Cream butter and shortening together until light and fluffy.  Add sugar and vanilla and continue creaming thoroughly.  Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until smooth and fluffy.

Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt together in a medium sized bowl.  Add gradually to creamed mixture.  Stir in the peanut butter chips.

Drop by teaspoons onto parchment lined cookie sheets and bake in a 350F oven for approximately 12 minutes.  Do not overbake, or they will be too crispy.  I like a chewier cookie. When you remove these from the oven, allow the cookies to firm up slightly on the pan before transferring to wire racks to cool. Enjoy!