These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are everything you want in a cookie—soft, rich, and bursting with peanut butter flavor. With simple ingredients and an easy recipe, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, whether it’s a quick snack or a treat for family and friends.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Thick and Soft Texture: Perfectly chewy with a tender bite.
• Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: Made with creamy peanut butter for maximum flavor.
• Easy to Make: Requires just a handful of pantry staples.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flair.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a touch of crispness.
• ½ cup light brown sugar, gently packed: Keeps the cookies soft and adds a caramel-like depth.
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient for that classic peanut butter taste.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds structure.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay thick.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Whisk or spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

How to Make Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll it into a ball.
2. Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Use a fork to gently press down on each ball in a crisscross pattern.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
2. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough mix evenly and creates the perfect texture.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so remove them when the centers are still soft.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Mix It Up: Add chocolate chips, white chocolate, or chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Peanut Butter Cookies

• Cold Milk: A classic pairing that balances the rich peanut butter flavor.
• Hot Coffee or Tea: Perfect for dunking and adding a cozy touch.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use the cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor for a decadent treat.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but make sure to mix it well before using to incorporate the oil. The texture may be slightly different.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use chunky peanut butter?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds a bit of texture with peanut pieces.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, based on 16 cookies)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 14g

Final Thoughts

These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless classic that’s easy to make and loved by everyone. With their perfect balance of sweetness and rich peanut butter flavor, they’re a treat that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!).

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know if you added any creative twists.

Happy baking! 🍪✨