The Ultimate Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Crafting the perfect thick and chewy peanut butter cookies requires a delightful blend of culinary passion and smart baking techniques.

Soft, rich cookie dreams start with quality ingredients that promise mouthwatering results.

Passionate bakers understand how simple steps can create extraordinary treats.

Mixing creamy peanut butter with carefully measured dry components ensures remarkable texture and deep flavor.

Each carefully crafted batch promises a sensational experience that connects comfort with deliciousness.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies irresistible for anyone seeking a classic sweet indulgence.

Everything in These Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

• Butter: The creamy base that helps create a rich, tender texture in the cookies.
• Peanut Butter: The star ingredient that provides the signature nutty flavor and soft consistency.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: These ingredients work together to add sweetness and contribute to the cookies' chewy texture.

• Eggs: They help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the peanut butter.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient for the cookie dough.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

How to Make These Chewy Cookies Step by Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick magic.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

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

Whip these together until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Introduce Eggs and Flavor

Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until the batter looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk them together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Worlds

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently to create a soft, cohesive dough.

Stop mixing as soon as everything looks combined to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Masterpieces

Scoop out generous spoonfuls of dough and roll into balls.

Arrange them on the baking sheet with some breathing room between each cookie. Use a fork to press down gently, creating those classic crisscross patterns that make peanut butter cookies so recognizable.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges with centers that still look slightly soft and pillowy.

Step 8: Cool and Devour

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

Now comes the best part – grab a cookie and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

Cookie Baking Tips to Keep Centers Soft

• Ensure butter is at room temperature but not melting for the smoothest, creamiest cookie texture.
• Stir dry ingredients gently into wet mixture just until combined to keep cookies tender and chewy.
• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure dough for uniform size and even baking.
• Press fork gently on cookie dough to create classic crisscross pattern without flattening cookies too much.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Fun Twists on Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

• Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies: Fold in chopped dark chocolate chunks into the dough for rich, melty pockets of chocolate throughout the cookie.
• Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cookies: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cooled cookies and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet and salty combination.
• Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dry ingredients for extra texture and a hearty, wholesome flavor profile.
• Nutty Crunch Peanut Butter Cookies: Mix in chopped roasted peanuts or almonds to the dough for added crunch and enhanced nutty taste.

Dessert Matches With Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

• Milk Magic Pairing: Cold, creamy whole milk creates the ultimate companion to these rich peanut butter cookies, cutting through the dense sweetness and providing a smooth, refreshing contrast.
• Chocolate Companion: Dark chocolate stout or a robust chocolate porter enhances the nutty depth of the cookies, offering a complex flavor profile that complements the peanut butter's warmth.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Tawny port wine provides a sweet, caramel-like finish that beautifully matches the cookie's brown sugar notes, creating a luxurious after-dinner treat experience.
• Coffee Connection: Smooth, medium-roast coffee with hints of caramel or hazelnut perfectly balances the cookie's richness, cleansing the palate and highlighting the peanut butter's robust flavor.

How to Keep These Cookies Soft After Baking

Place cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days at 40°F or below.

Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 3 months for maximum quality and taste.

Keep cookies in sealed container at room temperature. Consume within 3-4 days for best texture and flavor.

Warm cookies in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore soft, fresh-baked warmth.

FAQs

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

Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, creating a light and fluffy texture that helps the cookies become soft and tender.

• Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter might make the cookies slightly less stable, so stick with traditional creamy peanut butter for the best results.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and soft centers. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake them.

• Why do I press the cookies with a fork before baking?

The fork creates a classic crisscross pattern and helps the cookies spread evenly, ensuring uniform baking and a traditional cookie appearance.

Peanut Butter Cookies That Stay Chewy Inside

• Master Crowd-Pleaser: These peanut butter cookies deliver rich, comforting flavors that everyone from kids to adults will absolutely love.
• Super Simple Technique: No complicated steps required – just basic mixing, rolling, and baking skills make this recipe perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
• Quick Kitchen Triumph: With minimal preparation and straightforward instructions, you can create delicious homemade cookies faster than running to the store for packaged treats.
• Customization Dream: Easy to modify with optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or drizzled chocolate for personal flair and endless taste variations.

Thick And Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies bring classic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, melding rich nutty flavors with buttery sweetness. Crisp edges and tender centers make these treats perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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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 oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously blend softened butter, peanut butter, and both sugar varieties until the mixture achieves a light, airy consistency, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Introduce eggs individually into the creamed mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture appears smooth and uniform.
4. Create a separate mixing vessel to combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt through thorough whisking, establishing a well-integrated dry ingredient base.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, carefully mixing until a cohesive, soft dough forms without excessive manipulation.
6. Portion the dough into approximately 2-tablespoon spheres, strategically positioning them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Utilize a fork to delicately imprint a classic crisscross pattern across each cookie’s surface.
7. Position the cookie-laden sheet in the preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until edges transform to a golden hue while maintaining soft, tender centers.
8. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, facilitating initial stabilization, then transition to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture development.

Notes

• Softened butter ensures smooth, even mixing and helps create a tender cookie texture that melts in your mouth.
• Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can prevent spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies with more concentrated flavor.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar for a less sweet, more intense peanut flavor that allows the cookie’s richness to shine through.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 205 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg