If you’re craving a cookie that hugs your taste buds with rich, nutty peanut butter flavor and offers a perfect balance of thickness and chewiness, this Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies bring together the warmth of creamy peanut butter, the sweetness of brown and white sugar, and a tender yet sturdy texture that makes each bite pure comfort. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, their irresistible aroma and satisfying mouthfeel will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these spectacular cookies that deliver on both flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role, from the creamy peanut butter that gives depth to the taste to the blend of sugars that create a perfect balance of moisture and sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich creaminess and helps hold the cookie structure together.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that infuses bold and nutty flavor in every bite.
- 1 cup white sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Gives moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for extra chewiness.
- 2 eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness and structure.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough for body and texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just right without becoming cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Works with the other leavening agents to give the perfect chewy texture.
How to Make Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly heated when your cookie dough is ready to bake, giving you those golden brown edges and soft centers that make this recipe so memorable.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step is where the magic begins—getting this creamy base just right guarantees a luscious texture and rich peanut butter flavor throughout.
Step 3: Beat in the Eggs
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This slow incorporation helps the dough bind beautifully and adds that lovely richness without becoming too dense.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. This careful mixing ensures your cookies stay tender while maintaining their thick, chewy integrity.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. This spacing gives the cookies room to spread just enough but keeps that thick, chewy texture intact.
Step 6: Create the Signature Crisscross Pattern
Flatten each dough ball slightly with a fork, making the classic crisscross pattern on top. This isn’t just for looks—it helps the cookies bake evenly and adds a delightful texture contrast.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for golden brown edges. The centers should still look a little soft, which means they will finish baking as they cool, leaving you with incredibly tender cookies that hold their shape.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
After removing from the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step allows the cookies to set just right so every bite is firm yet chewy.
How to Serve Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your cookie presentation with simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. You can even sprinkle a few chopped roasted peanuts on top before baking for an extra crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These thick and chewy cookies pair wonderfully with classic sides like a cold glass of milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream to balance their rich peanut butter flavor. They’re also fantastic alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies with layers of chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting for an indulgent treat. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies together with Nutella or marshmallow fluff for a playful twist that elevates this Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe into a party favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or the baked cookies themselves. Freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. For baked cookies, wrap them tightly and freeze for the same duration, thawing at room temperature when ready to indulge.
Reheating
To regain that freshly baked warmth and softness, warm the cookies briefly in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. This simple step revives the chewy texture and enhances their peanut buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add delightful nutty bits for extra texture, making your Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies even more interesting and satisfying.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the chewy texture typical of this recipe.
Why do the cookies sometimes spread too much when baking?
Cookies may spread excessively if the butter is too soft or melted. Make sure your butter is just softened, not liquefied, and try chilling the dough for 20 minutes before baking to help maintain their thick shape.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit can enhance your cookies’ flavor and texture while keeping true to the Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe’s delicious base.
How do I know when the cookies are done without over-baking?
Look for golden brown edges and centers that still appear slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring they stay tender and chewy rather than hard and dry.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a cookie that’s perfectly thick, irresistibly chewy, and bursting with peanut butter goodness. This Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat, whether for afternoon treats, celebrations, or just a little indulgence in your day. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to delight everyone around you with some of the best cookies you’ve ever tasted!
Print
Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Description
These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies combine a rich, creamy peanut butter flavor with a soft, chewy texture and a slightly crisp edge. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, these cookies are easy to make and yield a large batch ideal for sharing or enjoying over several days.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature by the time the dough is ready.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy base for your dough.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and maintain cookie tenderness.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet to allow space for spreading.
- Create Crisscross Pattern: Flatten each dough ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern on top which gives the classic peanut butter cookie appearance and helps even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain slightly soft to ensure chewiness.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow cooling on the baking sheet.
- Using creamy peanut butter yields a smoother texture; crunchy peanut butter can be substituted for added texture.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, to help with proper creaming and cookie structure.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewy texture.
- Cookies can be frozen before baking; bake an extra minute or two if baking from frozen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
