Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers! Soft, rich, and bursting with peanut butter flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from satisfying your midday cravings to sharing as a sweet gift. With their signature crisscross pattern and irresistibly chewy texture, these cookies bring a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Whether paired with a glass of milk or enjoyed on their own, this easy recipe will become a household favorite.
Why These Peanut Butter Cookies Are the Best
- Thick and Chewy Texture: Perfectly soft with a slight chew, these cookies stay moist and delicious.
- Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: Made with creamy peanut butter for a bold, nutty taste.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients for Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Each ingredient is carefully selected to create cookies with the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (use your favorite brand!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed, for added chewiness)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Ingredient Tip: Use natural peanut butter for a more intense flavor, but make sure to stir it well to incorporate the oils.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Fork (for crisscross pattern)
How to Make Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies!
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- 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 just combined.
- Form the Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create the Crisscross Pattern: Using a fork, gently press each dough ball to flatten it slightly, creating the classic crisscross pattern.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking for soft, chewy cookies.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade peanut butter cookies fresh, or store them for later snacking!
How to Store Peanut Butter Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Peanut Butter Cookie Variations
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a peanut butter-chocolate combo.
- Crunchy Version: Use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
- Peanut Butter Blossoms: Top each cookie with a Hershey’s Kiss right after baking for a fun twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour (1:1 substitution).
What to Serve With Peanut Butter Cookies
Pair your cookies with:
- A glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
- Hot coffee or a latte for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Top Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred so the oil is evenly distributed.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
How do I make the cookies softer?
Avoid overbaking and use brown sugar for added moisture.
What type of peanut butter works best?
Creamy peanut butter creates a smooth texture, while chunky peanut butter adds a bit of crunch.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking will help them hold their shape.
Treat yourself to these thick and chewy peanut butter cookies—they’re sure to become a go-to favorite!
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
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 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- – 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butters and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Form the Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
- Create Crisscross Pattern: Using a fork, gently press each dough ball to flatten slightly, creating the classic crisscross pattern.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- Peanut Butter Options: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture or chunky peanut butter for added crunch.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Chilling Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
