Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate peanut butter cookie recipe—look no further! These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the real deal. Each bite is a perfect balance of rich, nutty peanut butter and a soft, chewy texture that’s almost too good to be true. You know that comforting moment when you bite into a freshly baked cookie and it just melts in your mouth? Yeah, that’s what these cookies do. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to whenever you need a cookie fix!

Why You’ll Love Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about baking cookies—it’s about creating those moments of joy when you enjoy a homemade treat fresh from the oven. Here’s why these cookies are a must-try:

• Versatile: Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, a special treat for the family, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these peanut butter cookies fit the bill. They’re perfect for any occasion.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples you probably already have in your kitchen, you won’t need to break the bank to enjoy these cookies.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have homemade cookies ready in no time. Even if you’ve never baked cookies before, this recipe is a breeze to follow.
• Chewy Texture: Unlike some peanut butter cookies that can turn out a little too crisp, these ones are thick, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying. The perfect cookie consistency, every time!
• Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are always a hit! Whether you’re baking for kids or adults, everyone will rave about the combination of flavors and that irresistible chewy bite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these peanut butter perfection cookies:

Peanut Butter: The star of the show. Creamy peanut butter adds richness and that unmistakable nutty flavor that makes these cookies so addictive. I recommend using smooth peanut butter for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Butter: Butter brings richness and depth to the cookies, ensuring they’re soft and chewy. It also helps the peanut butter flavor shine through.

Sugar (Granulated and Brown): The combination of both sugars creates the perfect balance of sweetness while keeping the cookies chewy and tender.

Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and helping the cookies rise slightly while keeping that perfect chewy texture.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and complexity, enhancing the peanut butter flavor in the cookies.

Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cookies, making them hold together without being too dense.

Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise a little and gives them that soft, pillowy texture inside.

Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and amplifies the peanut butter flavor—trust me, it’s a game-changer.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get these cookies in the oven and that delightful peanut butter aroma filling your kitchen:

Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior while staying soft inside.

Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer, or you can do it by hand if you’re feeling extra strong!

Add Sugars and Mix:

Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the creamed butter and peanut butter mixture. Beat until fully combined and light in texture. This helps give the cookies that chewy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla:

Mix in the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.

Form the Cookie Dough:

Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the dough into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one for them to spread.

Flatten the Dough:

For that classic peanut butter cookie look, use a fork to gently press the tops of each dough ball in a crisscross pattern. It’s not just for looks—it helps the cookies bake evenly!

Bake to Perfection:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center should still look slightly soft—that’s what gives them their chewy texture!

Let Them Cool:

Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the waiting is worth it!

Serve and Enjoy:

Once your cookies have cooled, grab a glass of milk (or your favorite drink) and enjoy! These cookies are perfect as a treat on their own or for sharing with friends and family.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes

How to Serve Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are great on their own, but here are some ways to take them to the next level:

• With a Glass of Milk: You can’t go wrong with a classic! A cold glass of milk is the perfect partner to these chewy peanut butter cookies.
• As Ice Cream Sandwiches: Scoop some vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat that will impress anyone you serve it to.
• With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: For a cozy afternoon treat, pair your cookies with a cup of tea or coffee. The combination of flavors is pure comfort.
• On a Dessert Platter: If you’re serving these at a party, add them to a dessert platter alongside other baked goods, like brownies or chocolate chip cookies.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your peanut butter cookies come out perfect every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps everything combine smoothly and evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading.
• Add Chocolate Chips or Peanuts: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some chocolate chips or chopped peanuts into the dough for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
• Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

A1: Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and make the cookies a bit more interesting. The flavor will still be the same delicious peanut butter taste.

Q2: Can I make these cookies without brown sugar?

A2: Brown sugar adds a nice moisture and chewy texture, but you can substitute it with granulated sugar if needed. The cookies will be a little less chewy but still delicious!

Q3: How do I store leftover cookies?

A3: Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I freeze the cookie dough?

A4: Yes! Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them onto a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Q5: How do I know when my cookies are done?

A5: The edges should be golden brown, and the centers may look a little soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

A6: Absolutely! If you’re baking for a crowd or just want extra cookies to stash away, feel free to double the recipe. Just make sure to adjust your baking time slightly if you’re baking in multiple batches.

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

A7: Yes! Chocolate chips pair wonderfully with peanut butter, so feel free to mix them in with the dough before baking.

Q8: Can I use natural peanut butter?

A8: Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may make the dough a bit drier. If needed, add a touch more butter or a small splash of milk to balance the dough.

Q9: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A9: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. The cookies should still turn out chewy and delicious!

Q10: Can I bake these cookies in a convection oven?

A10: Yes, you can! Just reduce the temperature by about 25°F and check for doneness a couple of minutes earlier than the original baking time.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the most delightful, thick, and chewy peanut butter cookies that will have everyone asking for the recipe! They’re soft, flavorful, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to bring a little joy to your day. Happy baking, and enjoy every chewy bite!

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