The Ultimate Thick And Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Thick and chewy peanut butter cookies bring pure comfort right to your kitchen counter.

Nutty aromas will dance through your home as these delectable treats bake.

Soft centers and crisp edges create the perfect cookie texture everyone craves.

Each batch promises a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors that melt in your mouth.

Classic ingredients come together with simple techniques to craft these irresistible morsels.

Rich peanut butter ensures a deeply satisfying experience for cookie enthusiasts.

Essential Ingredients Needed for Peanut Butter Cookies

• Butter (Softened): Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Peanut Butter: Delivers the signature nutty taste and creamy consistency to the cookies.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a chewy, soft cookie with beautiful caramelization.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cookie and provides structure.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the cookies rise and create a light, soft texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors in the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

Beat these ingredients until they become light, fluffy, and looking absolutely dreamy.

Step 3: Introduce Moisture and Flavor

Crack eggs into the mixture one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and blend until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Make sure everything is well combined and lump-free.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently until a soft, tempting dough forms.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Shape Delightful Cookies

Scoop out generous spoonfuls of dough and roll into perfect balls.

Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Use a fork to create those classic crisscross patterns that make peanut butter cookies instantly recognizable.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden edges while keeping the centers soft and slightly gooey.

Step 8: Cool and Indulge

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

These cookies are amazing when warm, but equally delicious at room temperature. Grab a glass of milk and enjoy!

Expert Secrets to Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

• Ensure butter is at room temperature by leaving it out for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve a fluffy, smooth texture.
• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure equal-sized dough balls for uniform baking and professional-looking results.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the rich peanut butter taste and create a delightful sweet-salty contrast.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their chewy texture.

Creative Ways to Change Up Peanut Butter Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet, rich variation that combines classic flavors.
• Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: Mix in 1 cup of rolled oats for added texture and a hearty, wholesome cookie with nutty undertones.
• Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cookies: Drizzle melted caramel over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with sea salt for a decadent, gourmet touch.
• Nutty Crunch Cookies: Fold in chopped peanuts or almonds to create extra crunch and enhance the nutty flavor profile of the original recipe.

Best Foods and Drinks to Enjoy with Peanut Butter Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Milk: Indulge in a cold glass of whole milk that perfectly complements the rich, nutty flavor of these peanut butter cookies, cutting through the sweetness and creating a classic, comforting combination.
• Match with Chocolate Stout: Select a smooth chocolate stout beer that enhances the deep peanut butter notes, adding a sophisticated adult twist to the cookie experience with its roasted malt undertones.
• Serve with Caramel Cappuccino: Enjoy a warm caramel cappuccino alongside these cookies, where the espresso's bold profile and sweet caramel notes beautifully highlight the cookie's rich, buttery texture.

How to Keep Peanut Butter Cookies Fresh Longer

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Wrap cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and store for 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.

Place completely cooled cookies in freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers. Maintain quality for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Warm individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check to prevent overheating, which can make cookies hard and dry.

FAQs

• What makes these peanut butter cookies different from other recipes?

These cookies are specifically designed to be thick and chewy, using a perfect balance of butter and peanut butter to create a soft, rich texture that stays moist and tender.

• Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

While you can use natural peanut butter, traditional smooth peanut butter works best as it provides more stability and consistent texture in the cookie dough.

• How do I ensure my cookies stay thick and don't spread too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking and make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps prevent excessive spreading and maintains the thick, chewy texture.

Reasons to Love Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

• Blast Through Baking: Super simple recipe that even novice bakers can master with minimal kitchen skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Classic peanut butter cookies that guarantee smiles from kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
• Quick Comfort Creation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can go from craving to enjoying delicious cookies in under an hour, satisfying sweet tooth moments instantly.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for fun variations like adding chocolate chips, using different nut butters, or creating fun fork patterns for a personal touch.

Thick And Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Rich, homemade Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies deliver comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Crisp edges and melt-in-your-mouth centers promise pure indulgence with classic nutty warmth that connects you to sweet childhood memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Create a creamy base by whipping together butter, peanut butter, and both sugar varieties until the mixture becomes light and airy, approximately 2-3 minutes of vigorous mixing.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract for a smooth, fragrant foundation.
4. In a separate container, thoroughly combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overworking the batter.
6. Portion the dough into golf ball-sized rounds, spacing them generously across the prepared baking sheet. Delicately imprint each cookie with a fork, creating signature crisscross patterns.
7. Slide the cookie-laden sheet into the preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until edges transform to a golden hue while centers maintain a soft, tender texture.
8. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack, permitting them to reach room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker cookies.
• For gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum.
• Reduce sugar by 25% if you prefer less sweetness, which won’t significantly impact the cookie’s structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 184 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 105 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg