If you are on the hunt for an irresistibly perfect bite of peanut butter bliss, look no further than this Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. It captures everything you want from a peanut butter cookie—the rich, nutty flavor, the satisfying chewiness, and that homemade charm that makes every batch feel special. These cookies bring together simple pantry staples into a warm, soft, and chewy treat that you’ll keep coming back to. Whether you’re craving a quick comfort snack or aiming to impress friends and family, this recipe delivers thick, soft cookies packed with pure peanut butter delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in achieving that classic thick and chewy texture. From the creamy peanut butter that infuses each cookie with that iconic flavor, to the balance of sugars that provide both sweetness and moisture, these essentials come together beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb without overwhelming saltiness.
- Creamy peanut butter, 1 cup: The star of the show, binding the dough and delivering that unmistakable peanut flavor.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Provides sweetness and contributes to the slightly crisp edges.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup, packed: Adds moisture and depth with its molasses notes, crucial for chewiness.
- Large egg, 1: Binds everything together and adds to the cookie’s soft texture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Enhances flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups: The foundation of the dough, giving structure and thickness.
- Baking soda, 1 tsp: Helps the cookies rise and spread just enough without becoming flat.
- Salt, 1/2 tsp: Balances sweetness and deepens the peanut butter flavor.
How to Make Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake these peanut butter cookies evenly, getting a golden edge without drying out the centers. Grease your baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step ensures your dough is light and airy, which is essential for that soft chewiness after baking.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The egg adds moisture that keeps the cookies soft while vanilla adds a subtle complexity to the flavor profile.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt carefully into the wet mixture. Mix just until the dough forms, avoiding overmixing which can make the cookies tough. The baking soda helps the cookies rise gently, contributing to their thick, chewy nature.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing ensures even heat circulation and lets the cookies spread slightly without crowding.
Step 6: Create the Classic Peanut Butter Cookie Pattern
Press down each ball gently with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern. This not only gives your cookies that familiar look but also flattens them just enough to bake evenly and achieve a perfect thickness.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. You want to keep an eye near the end; the edges should turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. Overbaking can steal the chewy texture we all adore.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they firm up a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step finishes the thick and chewy magic without losing any softness.
How to Serve Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
You can dress these cookies up a bit by sprinkling a light pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking. It creates a delightful salty-sweet contrast that highlights peanut butter’s richness even more. For a fun twist, drizzle a bit of melted dark or white chocolate over cooled cookies for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
Thick and chewy peanut butter cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, of course, but don’t stop there! Try them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or serve with fresh fruit for a snack that balances indulgence with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange a batch on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of peanut butter and honey for dipping. They also make fantastic gifts—package them in a pretty tin or wrap them with a ribbon for a homemade touch that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay delicious for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain their thick and chewy texture, avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out.
Freezing
If you want to keep your peanut butter cookie stash longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag. They freeze beautifully and can be thawed at room temperature for a quick treat anytime you want that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
To enjoy warmed cookies, pop them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or heat briefly in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. Reheating helps bring back the soft, chewy texture that makes this Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using chunky peanut butter adds a delightful crunch to your thick and chewy cookies, giving them extra texture, though the dough might be slightly more rustic in appearance.
Why do my cookies sometimes turn out flat?
Make sure your baking soda is fresh and measure your flour accurately. Also, chilling the dough briefly before baking can help prevent excessive spreading, keeping your cookies thick.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version?
Yes, you can try a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, so adding a little xanthan gum can help maintain that chewy consistency.
How can I make these cookies more chocolaty?
Mix in chocolate chips or chunks to the dough before baking. Alternatively, dipping baked cookies in melted chocolate is an easy way to add chocolate flavor while keeping the peanut butter front and center.
Is it necessary to use both granulated and brown sugar?
Using both sugars balances sweetness and moisture perfectly. Granulated sugar helps with crisp edges while brown sugar’s molasses content creates chewiness and rich flavor. You can experiment, but this blend is key for ideal texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about biting into a thick, chewy peanut butter cookie made from scratch. This Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe brings that classic joy straight to your kitchen with straightforward ingredients and simple steps. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are destined to become a go-to favorite. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience that perfect soft, nutty, sweet goodness baked into every bite!
Print
Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are rich, soft, and packed with classic peanut butter flavor. Perfectly sweetened with both granulated and brown sugar, these cookies offer a delightful texture with a crisp edge and a chewy center. Easy to make and quick to bake, they are a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the wet base: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy, ensuring all sugars are well incorporated.
- Add egg and flavoring: Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the peanut butter mixture, mixing until everything is fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture, mixing until the cookie dough comes together as a cohesive ball.
- Form cookie dough balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Create crisscross pattern: Flatten each dough ball slightly using a fork, pressing down to make a classic crisscross pattern on top of each cookie.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool the cookies: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly and retain chewiness.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; baking time closer to 8 minutes is ideal.
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy if preferred, but texture will change.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted for best mixing results.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped peanuts to the dough.
