If you are searching for the ultimate comforting treat, look no further than this Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe that delivers a perfect harmony of rich, nutty flavor and irresistibly soft texture. Every bite promises a warm, dense chew that feels like a loving hug from your oven, combining classic peanut butter with just the right amount of sweetness and a slight hint of salt. These cookies are always a crowd-pleaser and ideal for sharing or savoring on your own with a cold glass of milk or a cup of tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create that signature taste and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether providing moisture, structure, or that golden color that invites you in straight from the oven.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming, it adds richness without overpowering the peanut butter flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star component that gives the cookies their deep nutty taste and chewy bite.
- White sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with slight crisping at the cookie edges.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a touch of caramel richness to keep cookies soft inside.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together ensuring the cookies hold their thick and chewy shape.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and absorbs moisture while keeping the chewiness intact.
- Baking powder: Gives a subtle lift for a soft texture.
- Salt: Enhances the peanut butter’s natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Baking soda: A small leavening agent that helps tenderize and lightly raise the cookies.
How to Make Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important first step to ensure your Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe bakes evenly, creating that golden crust while maintaining a soft center. A fully heated oven helps set the edges quickly so the inside stays delectably tender.
Step 2: Cream the butter, peanut butter, and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer or sturdy spoon to cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well blended. This process builds the foundation of your cookie dough, incorporating air for a lighter but thick texture that melts just right on your tongue.
Step 3: Add the eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps the dough bind properly so your cookies hold their shape while baking. The eggs also add moisture that balances the density of the peanut butter and sugars perfectly.
Step 4: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and chewy rather than tough or cakey.
Step 5: Shape the dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. The generous size of each ball is essential to achieve the cookie’s thick, chewy character. Leaving space allows the cookies to spread perfectly without merging.
Step 6: Create the classic crisscross pattern
Use a fork to gently flatten each dough ball, pressing down to make a crisscross pattern on top. This step is iconic for peanut butter cookies and helps flatten the dough evenly, while adding a charming rustic touch to each cookie.
Step 7: Bake the cookies
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown, but the centers still look a touch soft. This slight underbaking ensures the cookies maintain their thick and chewy texture after cooling, giving you that wonderful melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 8: Cool before enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period lets them firm up slightly, making it easier to transfer them to a wire rack. Cooling fully on the rack prevents sogginess and keeps that chewy texture intact for every single bite.
How to Serve Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are divine on their own, adding garnishes like a light sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate the experience. A dusting of powdered sugar or some chopped roasted peanuts on top adds a little extra crunch and pop of flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with classic sides like a cold glass of milk or a creamy latte to balance their rich sweetness. For a fun twist, serve alongside fresh fruit such as apple slices or banana for a natural contrast. They also make a delightful companion to vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe into a party hit by creating cookie sandwiches with chocolate or vanilla frosting. Another great idea is crumbling the cookies over yogurt or ice cream for texture and peanut butter flavor bursts. Pack them in decorative tins or small jars for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your peanut butter cookies soft and chewy after baking, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture, preventing the cookies from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Bake them straight from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the baking time. Alternatively, bake the cookies fully, cool them, and freeze in airtight containers separated by parchment paper.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) to revive their soft, chewy goodness. This refreshes their texture and makes them taste freshly baked once again.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using chunky peanut butter will add delightful little bits of peanuts throughout the cookie, providing extra texture and crunch while keeping the classic peanut butter flavor you love.
Will these cookies turn out soft if I use only white sugar?
Brown sugar is key to the chewy texture, so using only white sugar may result in a crisper cookie. For that signature chewiness in this Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, brown sugar is highly recommended.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter provides flavor and structure that margarine or oil don’t quite deliver. Substituting might affect the taste and texture, making the cookies less rich and possibly altering their chewiness. Butter is your best bet here.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that works 1:1 in recipes. Ensure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best chewy texture. Your cookies will still be deliciously thick and chewy!
Why do these cookies need baking powder and baking soda?
The combination of baking powder and baking soda helps achieve a soft rise and tender crumb while neutralizing the acidity from brown sugar and peanut butter. This balance creates the perfect thick and chewy texture characteristic of the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone craving a nostalgic yet irresistible treat. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create warm, comforting cookies that feel like a homemade hug. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s become a beloved favorite. Happy baking!
Print
Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of rich peanut butter flavor and chewy texture. Soft in the middle with slightly crisp edges, these classic cookies are easy to make and satisfying for any peanut butter lover.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring a creamy base for your cookie dough.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each egg before adding the next to ensure an even texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Create Crisscross Pattern: Flatten each cookie ball gently with a fork, pressing down to create a crisscross pattern on the top that is classic for peanut butter cookies.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain slightly soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy.
- You can substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy for added texture.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easier cleanup if desired.
