Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Thick and Chewy – These cookies have the perfect combination of softness and density.
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Rich Peanut Butter Flavor – Creamy peanut butter ensures a deep, nutty taste in every bite.
- Customizable – Add chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Enjoy them as an afternoon snack, a lunchbox treat, or a dessert for gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Creamy peanut butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar, packed
- Large egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Directions
- Prepare the dough – In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a thick dough forms.
- Chill the dough – Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and to enhance the flavor.
- Shape and bake – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 18 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Calories per cookie: 190 kcal
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies – Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies – Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
- Salted Peanut Butter Cookies – Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty balance.
- Nutty Version – Mix in chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies – Make a thumbprint in the center and add a dollop of your favorite jelly before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing – Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating – Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.
FAQs
How do I make my peanut butter cookies extra soft?
Chilling the dough helps retain moisture, and slightly underbaking them ensures a soft, chewy texture.
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, but since natural peanut butter is oilier, you may need to adjust the flour slightly for the right consistency.
Why do peanut butter cookies have a crisscross pattern?
The pattern helps flatten the dense dough so the cookies bake evenly.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Can I freeze peanut butter cookie dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two.
Why did my cookies turn out dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dryness. Measure ingredients carefully and remove the cookies when the edges are just golden.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to balance the flavors.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I add cinnamon to these cookies?
Yes! A pinch of cinnamon adds a warm depth of flavor.
How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free butter substitute to make them completely dairy-free.
Conclusion
These thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are a must-try for any cookie lover. With a rich peanut butter flavor, soft texture, and simple ingredients, they are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain or with added chocolate chips or sea salt, they are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Happy baking!
Print
Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies recipes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat for peanut butter lovers. With a soft, tender center and slightly crisp edges, they offer the perfect combination of texture and flavor. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. You can even customize the cookies with chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt. Enjoy these cookies as a snack, dessert, or for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a thick dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and to enhance the flavor.
- Shape and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt before baking.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
