The Best Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Ever Made

Soft and comforting thick and chewy peanut butter cookies might just become your new weekend baking obsession.

Sweet memories of childhood flood back with each buttery bite.

Nutty aromas will dance through your kitchen while mixing these delectable treats.

Rich peanut butter provides a luxurious backbone to this classic dessert.

Crisp edges and gooey centers promise pure indulgence in every mouthful.

Baking these cookies feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious hug.

Let’s whip up a batch that will make everyone smile and ask for seconds.

Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Everyone Loves

• Quick Comfort Baking: Perfect for busy home bakers seeking delicious treats with minimal effort. These peanut butter cookies require simple ingredients and straightforward steps anyone can master.
• Family-Friendly Delight: Crowd-pleasing recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for gatherings, school events, or casual weekend baking sessions with loved ones.
• Speedy Sweet Solution: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, these cookies offer maximum flavor with minimal time investment. Minimal prep work means you can satisfy sweet cravings quickly and easily.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for multiple occasions like potlucks, birthday parties, or afternoon snacks. The classic crisscross design and rich peanut butter flavor guarantee universal appeal across different age groups.

Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredient Mix

• Butter: Soft and creamy base that gives rich flavor and helps cookies spread.
• Peanut Butter: Classic flavor provider with smooth protein-rich texture.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet components that caramelize and create soft cookie texture.

• Eggs: Natural binder that holds cookie ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor depth with warm aromatic notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps create thick, chewy cookie consistency.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out deeper flavor complexity.

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookie Instructions from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Set your oven to 350°F and grab a baking sheet.

Line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

This prep work ensures your cookies will slide off effortlessly and bake evenly.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

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

Whip these ingredients together until they become light, fluffy, and look like a dreamy cloud of sweetness.

Use an electric mixer and beat for 2-3 minutes to get that perfect texture.

Step 3: Introduce Moisture and Flavor

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

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until everything looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Blend the Dry Ingredients

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

Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and free of any lumps.

Step 5: Marry the Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Don’t overmix – you want tender cookies, not tough ones!

Step 6: Shape the Cookie Magic

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 preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown while the centers remain soft and tender.

Step 8: Cool and Indulge

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

These cookies are fantastic warm or at room temperature – a true crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Peanut Butter Cookie Tips for Thick, Chewy Texture

• Use room temperature butter that's slightly cool to the touch for ideal cookie texture and easier mixing.
• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform size and even baking, which helps cookies cook at the same rate.
• Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can make cookies tough and dense instead of soft and chewy.
• Swap between creamy and chunky peanut butter to adjust the cookie's texture and nutty flavor profile.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a piece of bread inside to maintain moisture and softness.

Keep Peanut Butter Cookies Fresh

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, chewy texture.
• If cookies become slightly hard, add a slice of bread to the container overnight to help them regain moisture and softness.

Sips That Match Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

• Pair Milk Chocolate Stout: A rich, creamy dark beer complements the deep peanut butter flavors, enhancing the cookie's nutty sweetness and providing a smooth, indulgent drinking experience.
• Blend Cold Vanilla Latte: The smooth, sweet coffee drink balances the cookie's rich texture, cutting through the dense peanut butter with its cool, refreshing undertones and complementary vanilla notes.
• Match Salted Caramel Milkshake: A decadent milkshake amplifies the cookie's creamy peanut butter profile, with salted caramel adding depth and creating a luxurious dessert pairing that feels like an ultimate comfort treat.
• Serve Cinnamon Apple Cider: A warm, spiced beverage offers a delightful contrast to the cookie's richness, bringing a light, fruity brightness that cleanses the palate between each sweet, chewy bite.

Peanut Butter Cookies with Texture Variants

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers.
• Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based peanut butter for dairy-free and vegan version.
• Low-Sugar Peanut Butter Cookies: Cut sugar by half and use monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly option.
• Protein-Packed Cookies: Add protein powder or incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to increase protein content and provide extra crunch.

FAQs

• Can I use natural or crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use natural or crunchy peanut butter. Just ensure it’s well-stirred and at room temperature for best results.

• Why do I need to cream butter and sugars together?

Creaming helps incorporate air, making cookies lighter and fluffier. It also helps sugars dissolve, creating a smoother, more consistent texture.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading in the oven.

• Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?

Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.

Thick And Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies promise a delightful blend of rich nutty flavor and irresistible texture. Crisp edges and tender centers make these classic treats perfect for sharing with friends and family.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Leavening and Seasoning:

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Create a creamy base by vigorously blending softened butter, peanut butter, and both sugar varieties until the mixture achieves a light, airy consistency.
3. Introduce eggs individually into the mixture, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Separately combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, whisking them together to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Merge the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, gently folding until a cohesive dough forms without overworking the mixture.
6. Craft uniform cookie portions by scooping approximately 2 tablespoons of dough, rolling into smooth spheres, and positioning them with adequate spacing on the prepared sheet.
7. Imprint a classic crisscross pattern on each dough ball using a fork, which helps flatten the cookies and creates signature texture.
8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing cookies to transform for 10-12 minutes until edges develop a golden hue while maintaining soft centers.
9. Allow cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet, then transition to a wire rack for complete cooling, ensuring optimal texture and flavor development.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker cookies.
• Use natural peanut butter for a more intense, authentic flavor that enhances the cookie’s richness.
• Swap out regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• For a lower-sugar version, reduce granulated sugar by half and use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg