There’s something truly magical about a thick, chewy peanut butter cookie. The kind that melts in your mouth, with just the right balance of nutty sweetness and a perfectly soft center. Trust me, you’re going to love these! Whether you’re a peanut butter fanatic or just looking for a go-to cookie recipe, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Perfect for a quick snack, a dessert for gatherings, or even as a lunchbox treat. These cookies fit any occasion effortlessly.
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple pantry staples, this recipe is easy on the wallet while delivering maximum flavor.
Quick and Easy
No fancy techniques or equipment required—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Customizable
Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a personal touch.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these cookies—they’re made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Peanut Butter
The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature flavor. Creamy peanut butter works best, but crunchy can be used for added texture.
Butter
Adds richness and ensures a soft, chewy texture.
Sugar
A combination of brown and white sugar creates the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.
Eggs
Helps bind everything together and gives the cookies structure.
Flour
The base of the cookies, providing structure and a soft bite.
Baking Soda
Acts as a leavening agent, giving the cookies a slight rise.
Vanilla Extract
Enhances the flavor and adds warmth to each bite.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and gives your cookies the perfect texture.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, and sugars. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Assemble the Dish
Gradually add flour and baking soda to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for spreading.
Cook to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Be sure not to overbake for the best chewy texture.
Finishing Touches
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy warm with a glass of milk, or store in an airtight container for later. Either way, these cookies are irresistible!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 cookies
Calories per serving: 210
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
How to Serve Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies pair wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your experience:
- Enjoy with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat.
- Crumble over ice cream for a delicious dessert.
- Serve with coffee or tea for a cozy snack.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Chill the dough if you want even thicker cookies.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as it can lead to tough cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly-sized cookies.
- Let them cool completely for the best texture.
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, but it may alter the texture slightly. Stir well before using.
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely! Scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze, then store in a bag for up to 3 months.
Why are my cookies crumbly? You may have used too much flour—measure carefully!
Can I use almond or cashew butter instead? Yes! Just note the flavor will be slightly different.
How do I store these cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I add chocolate chips? Of course! Chocolate and peanut butter are a perfect match.
What’s the best way to get soft cookies? Don’t overbake—take them out when they still look slightly underdone.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative.
Can I reduce the sugar? You can, but it may affect texture. Consider using a sugar substitute.
Do I need to flatten the cookies before baking? Yes, slightly pressing them down helps them bake evenly.
Conclusion
These Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are a must-try! They’re easy, delicious, and packed with that classic peanut butter goodness. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, this recipe never disappoints. So, grab your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!
Print
Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are soft in the center with a slightly crisp edge, packed with rich peanut butter flavor. Perfectly sweet and buttery, they make an irresistible treat for peanut butter lovers!
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together.
- Gradually add to the wet mixture and mix until fully combined.
-
Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls.
- Place on the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are slightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg