There is something incredibly comforting and irresistible about a freshly baked peanut butter cookie with a perfect balance of rich flavor and satisfying texture. This Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe captures that very magic, delivering cookies that are soft and dense in the center with just the right amount of chewiness to keep you coming back for more. Easy to whip up with simple ingredients, these cookies become your new go-to treat for sharing with friends, enjoying alongside your afternoon coffee, or sneaking a few straight from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a starring role in making these cookies thick, chewy, and bursting with peanut buttery goodness. From the creamy peanut butter that provides the essential flavor to the brown sugar that deepens the chewiness and color, every component is thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect texture and taste.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create the tender crumb.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The heart of the cookie for that unmistakable peanut buttery intensity.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and aids in the structure of the cookie.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a slight caramel depth for chewiness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and gives the cookies their soft interior.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds warmth.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that brings everything together.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the dough rise just enough to be thick but not cakey.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
How to Make Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is where the cookie’s texture begins to develop, so take your time to get a smooth and creamy blend.
Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla Extract
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until everything is fully incorporated. These ingredients add moisture and that warm, inviting aroma we all love in freshly baked treats.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until the dough just comes together. Avoid over-mixing here to keep your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Shape the Dough into Balls
Use your hands to roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them evenly on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading. This careful spacing helps maintain their thick shape during baking.
Step 6: Create the Classic Crisscross Pattern
Flatten each dough ball slightly using a fork and press down twice to make that signature crisscross pattern. Not only does this look iconic, but it also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Perfectly Chewy
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges for a light golden brown color—this is your cue that they’re done and will hold that chewy texture inside.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them maintain their shape without becoming too soft or crumbly.
How to Serve Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are fantastic all on their own, but feel free to sprinkle a few flaky sea salt crystals on top right after pressing the fork pattern for a delightful salty-sweet contrast. Alternatively, drizzle melted chocolate or add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra texture.
Side Dishes
Pairing your peanut butter cookies with a cold glass of milk is a timeless classic that never fails. For adults, try pairing them with a creamy coffee or even a mild stout beer to complement the cookies’ robust flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or peanut butter frosting to create a decadent treat. They also make adorable gift items when stacked neatly and wrapped with a pretty ribbon — perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week, making it easy to grab a quick snack anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. For dough, shape and freeze the balls on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a sealed container. Frozen dough lasts up to 3 months, while baked cookies maintain quality for around 1 month.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm and gooey, simply microwave a cookie for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven. This brings back the fresh-baked feel and intensifies the peanut buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add delightful little peanut bits throughout your cookies, adding a nice textural contrast that some folks love.
Why do my cookies sometimes turn out flat?
Make sure your baking soda is fresh and your dough hasn’t been overmixed. Also, chilling the dough before baking can help keep the cookies thicker and less spread out.
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is recommended for flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch. Oil is not advised as it may affect the cookie’s ability to hold their thick shape properly.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
You can substitute the butter with vegan butter and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg. Be sure to use a vegan peanut butter and sugar to keep everything plant-based.
Are these cookies gluten-free friendly?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a 1:1 substitution. Just keep in mind the texture can vary slightly depending on the blend used.
Final Thoughts
There truly is nothing better than biting into a freshly baked peanut butter cookie that is thick, chewy, and bursting with flavor. This Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is easy to make and perfect for every occasion — whether it’s a cozy night at home or sharing a batch with loved ones. I hope you give this recipe a try and find as much joy in these cookies as I do!
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 a perfect blend of rich peanut butter flavor and soft, chewy texture. With a delightful crisscross fork pattern on top, these cookies are easy to make and ideal for any peanut butter lover looking for a classic, comforting treat.
Ingredients
Primary 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
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Butter, Peanut 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 creates the base of your cookie dough with a creamy texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This adds moisture and helps bind the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them evenly spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Create Crisscross Pattern: Flatten each dough ball slightly with a fork, pressing to make a distinct crisscross pattern on top, which is traditional for peanut butter cookies.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers are still soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to maintain their chewy texture.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, avoid overbaking; remove them once edges are golden but centers are still soft.
- You can use crunchy peanut butter for additional texture if desired.
- Make sure butter is softened, not melted, for best mixing results.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.
- If you prefer a saltier kick, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking.
