Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

I am officially no longer a first-year teacher. Wednesday was the last day of school for students while Thursday was the teachers' last work day. As testing and final exams took up most of my time at the end of the year, I haven't had time to reflect on what has happened. All I can say now is that it's been quite the journey. I remember how I was back in August. Nervous, frustrated, stressing out about every single thing, working late at home to make lesson plans. About halfway through the year, I was no longer nervous, still a little frustrated and stressed, but didn't work so late. I got into a routine and I felt comfortable around the community at the school. I cannot even begin to recount what kind of crazy events have happened, but it surely is nothing like I have ever experienced and it has definitely opened my eyes.

It's sad that my students are no longer my students. This group of kids is particularly special to me because they were my first ever students. They tested me because I was the new kid on the block, but now there's mutual respect between me and them. I hated a lot of them at one point, but I can never stay mad for long. It'll be exciting to see my seniors graduate tomorrow. I hope every single one of them comes to visit me!

Still, I'm extremely happy that school is over and now I don't have to go to bed early and wake up early. At least for a few weeks until summer tutoring in July. I volunteered to do it because it really isn't too bad. Only four hours a day, we get Fridays off, and it's easy money.

On our work day Thursday, lunch was provided for everyone. Usually, on work days, we do a potluck, but this time our lunch was catered. Pulled pork, fried chicken, hot dogs... Starting the summer with good barbecue food. We had to bring in our own dessert though so I brought in these cookies to share.



I lost a batch because I was on a phone with a parent and forgot that they were still in the oven. Oops! But this recipe still made quite a bit. I haven't made these with chunky peanut butter yet, but I bet it would be good too. Chocolate and peanut butter always make up for a good combination so this is guaranteed to be a winner!



Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
From 52 Kitchen Adventures

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter, room temp (I used creamy but chunky is supposed to be good too)
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg, at room temp
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips (or try 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips and 1/2 cup chocolate chips)
1 tbsp of sugar for sprinkling on top
Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl, cream butter and peanut butter until fluffy. Add both kinds of sugar and beat until smooth. Mix in egg and then add milk and vanilla.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add to bowl of wet ingredients, mixing until thoroughly combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
Place remaining tablespoon of sugar into a bowl. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into sugar, then onto cookie sheet. Gently flatten with a fork, indenting with a criss-cross pattern. Bake for 10-12 minutes (be careful not to over bake – they may not look done when they are). Remove and let cool.