Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies: The Ultimate Comfort Treat 🥜🍪

Peanut butter lovers, get ready for the most irresistible peanut butter cookies you’ve ever tasted! These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are rich, buttery, and packed with deep peanut butter flavor in every bite. With their crispy edges and soft, chewy centers, they’re perfect for dessert, an afternoon snack, or whenever a sweet craving strikes.

This classic homemade cookie recipe is incredibly easy to make, using just a few pantry staples. Whether you enjoy them warm with a glass of milk, crumbled over ice cream, or as part of a holiday cookie platter, these cookies are guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Let’s dive into the best peanut butter cookie recipe you’ll ever need!

Introduction

There’s something so comforting about biting into a thick, chewy peanut butter cookie. The perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, combined with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, makes these cookies completely addictive. Unlike traditional peanut butter cookies that can be crumbly and dry, these stay soft, thick, and chewy for days.

The secret? A perfect ratio of butter, peanut butter, and sugars to create a moist and chewy texture while still holding that classic peanut butter flavor. These cookies don’t require chilling, making them quick and easy to whip up whenever you need a batch of homemade goodness.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a party, or just because, these Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

To make these soft and chewy peanut butter cookies, gather the following simple ingredients:

Essential 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 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

1/2 teaspoon salt (if using unsalted peanut butter)
1 teaspoon baking soda for extra rise
1/2 cup chocolate chips for a chocolate-peanut butter combo
1/4 cup chopped peanuts for extra crunch
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for a warm, spiced twist

How to Make Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft, chewy texture by incorporating air into the dough.

3. Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. The egg adds moisture and structure, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda (if using), and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. If adding chocolate chips or chopped peanuts, fold them in at this stage.

5. Shape the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a classic peanut butter cookie look, use a fork to gently press down in a crisscross pattern.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

7. Cool and Enjoy!

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm, or store them for later—if they last that long!

Helpful Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough mix evenly and results in a smoother, softer texture.
Do Not Overmix: Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough instead of chewy. Mix just until combined.
Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will firm up as they cool.

Cooking Tips

To make these cookies even better, try these expert baking tips:

For Extra Thickness: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
For Crispier Edges: Bake for 13-14 minutes instead of 10-12.
For a Soft-Batch Texture: Add an extra egg yolk to the dough for richer, softer cookies.
For a Bakery-Style Look: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies taste incredible on their own, but they’re even better with:

A glass of cold milk for the ultimate dunking experience
A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a peanut butter sundae
Drizzled melted chocolate for extra decadence
Sandwiched with peanut butter or Nutella for a cookie sandwich

Nutritional Information

Here’s a nutritional breakdown per cookie (approximate values):

Calories: 190
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 120mg

These cookies are a perfect treat, offering the right balance of sweetness and protein from peanut butter.

Storage & Leftovers

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for extended freshness.
Freeze: Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Freeze the Dough: Scoop cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds texture, but the cookies will be slightly less soft.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but it may alter the texture. Stir the peanut butter well before using, and consider chilling the dough to prevent spreading.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you love these Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies, try these other delicious desserts:

Conclusion

These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are rich, buttery, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday treat, or just because, this easy peanut butter cookie recipe will never fail you. Try them today, and enjoy every deliciously chewy bite! 🍪🥜