Thick And Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of disappointing, dry, or too-crunchy peanut butter cookies. I wanted to create a cookie that was thick, chewy, and packed with that rich, nutty flavor I crave without being too sweet. After a bit of experimenting with various recipes, I finally nailed it.

A perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, a soft and fluffy texture, and just the right amount of sweetness. These cookies aren’t just any peanut butter cookies—they’re the kind that melt in your mouth with every bite.

Baking these cookies is a cozy experience, too. The dough is easy to make and feels almost like a comforting hug when you roll it into balls. And when they bake? The smell of peanut butter fills your kitchen, creating a warm atmosphere that invites you to gather around.

These cookies have quickly become a family favorite, especially when paired with a glass of cold milk. It’s the simple things—like a perfectly baked peanut butter cookie—that bring so much joy.

Short Description

Thick, chewy, and packed with creamy peanut butter, these cookies are a delightful treat that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth. With just the right balance of sweetness and a soft, pillowy texture, they’re perfect for anyone craving a comforting, homemade dessert.

Key Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Tools Needed

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Baking sheet
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wire rack for cooling

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.

Use an electric mixer on medium speed and beat for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed.

Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could result in dense cookies.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls (about 2 tablespoons of dough each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Use the back of a fork to flatten each dough ball slightly, making a crisscross pattern.

Step 5: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden. The centers may look a little underbaked, but they’ll firm up as the cookies cool.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Chewy Texture: These cookies have a perfect chewy bite that makes them irresistible.

• Peanut Butter Flavor: The rich and creamy peanut butter shines through in every bite, creating a decadent treat.

• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry items, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.

• Quick and Easy: With only a few steps, you’ll have fresh cookies in no time.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make the cookies dense. To prevent this, mix until the ingredients are just combined.

Cookies Spreading Too Much: If your cookies spread too much during baking, your dough may be too soft. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent this.

Underbaking: These cookies may look a little underbaked in the center, but don’t worry! Let them cool on the baking sheet so the residual heat firms them up.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with Milk: There’s no better way to enjoy these cookies than with a cold glass of milk—dunking is encouraged!

Pair with Coffee: These cookies are also perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a mid-afternoon snack.

Cookie Sandwich: For an extra treat, sandwich some vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They stay chewy and delicious!

Freezing: Freeze the dough in cookie-sized balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two.

Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! If you prefer a bit more crunch, you can substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy. It will add a nice texture to your cookies.

2. Can I make these gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to check the texture and adjust the baking time if needed.

3. How can I make these less sweet?
If you’d like to reduce the sweetness, try cutting back on the sugar by ¼ cup. The cookies will still be tasty, but with a more balanced sweetness.

4. Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! If you love chocolate, fold in some semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to the dough before baking.

5. Why are my cookies too flat?
If your cookies are too flat, it could be due to overmixing or the dough being too warm. Chill the dough before baking, and make sure not to overmix it when combining ingredients.

Tips & Tricks

Chill the Dough: If you find that the dough is too soft to work with, chilling it for 30 minutes will make it easier to shape and prevent spreading.

Don’t Skip the Fork Pattern: The crisscross pattern isn’t just for looks—it also helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them that classic peanut butter cookie texture.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolate-peanut butter combo.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: Mix in ½ cup of rolled oats for a chewy, hearty variation of these peanut butter cookies.

Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies: Press a small square of chocolate or peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie ball for a delicious surprise.

Final Thoughts

Making these thick and chewy peanut butter cookies always feels like a mini celebration in my kitchen. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, and the results are consistently fantastic. You can play around with the flavors and textures, but they always turn out to be comforting and satisfying.

These cookies are perfect for any moment when you need a little indulgence, offering the right balance of peanut butter richness and chewy texture. With each bite, you’ll be transported to a place of comfort and satisfaction. The thick, chewy texture and rich peanut butter flavor always leave me coming back for more. So, next time you’re craving something indulgent, you know what to bake!