Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are a timeless favorite, but when you want a cookie that’s rich, soft, and impossibly chewy, this recipe is the answer. These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies strike the perfect balance between crispy edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center. The combination of creamy peanut butter and both white and brown sugars creates a cookie that is sweet, nutty, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re craving a classic snack or need a crowd-pleasing dessert, these cookies are sure to hit the spot.

This recipe is simple to follow and yields a batch of peanut butter cookies that are not only thick and chewy but also full of flavor. The use of both butter and peanut butter in the dough results in a wonderfully soft texture that makes each bite irresistible. The crisscross fork pattern adds a classic touch and ensures the cookies bake evenly. Ideal for any occasion, these cookies are perfect with a glass of milk or as a sweet addition to a holiday cookie tray.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of peanut butter, these cookies will quickly become your go-to recipe. The texture is exactly what every peanut butter cookie should be—thick, chewy, and slightly crisp at the edges. Thanks to the two types of sugar (white and brown), these cookies have the perfect balance of sweetness with a slight caramel undertone from the brown sugar. The dough is easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. With a quick prep time of only 15 minutes and a baking time of 10-12 minutes, these cookies can be ready in no time at all. Best of all, they yield a large batch—36 cookies to share, or keep all to yourself!

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Creamy peanut butter
• White sugar
• Brown sugar (packed)
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Baking soda

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a twist on the classic, fold in a cup of chocolate chips into the dough before baking. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is always a crowd favorite.
• Peanut Butter Chunks: Chop up some peanut butter cups or peanut brittle and add them to the dough for extra peanut flavor and a little crunch.
• Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned oats to the dough for a heartier texture and more chewiness.
• Add Nuts: For added crunch, mix in some chopped peanuts, almonds, or even walnuts to the dough.
• Dipped in Chocolate: After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an ungreased cookie sheet with parchment paper or prepare it with a non-stick spray to ensure the cookies don’t stick.

Step 2: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to mix until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy. The eggs help bind the dough together and contribute to the chewy texture.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring well after each addition. Continue mixing until the dough comes together.

Step 5: Form the Dough Balls

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Flatten the Dough Balls

Use a fork to flatten each dough ball, creating a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie. This not only gives the cookies their classic look but also helps them bake evenly.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool on the Baking Sheet

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up and prevents them from breaking apart.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, make sure both the butter and peanut butter are at room temperature before creaming them with the sugars.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a denser texture.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures all your dough balls are uniform in size, which will help them bake evenly.
• Make sure the Fork is Clean: When creating the crisscross pattern with the fork, clean it off between presses to avoid dough sticking to it.
• Allow Cooling Time: Give the cookies time to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from falling apart when still soft.

How to Serve

These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re also fantastic with a glass of cold milk. Serve them as an after-school snack, pack them in lunchboxes, or include them in a cookie platter at a party or holiday gathering. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a peanut butter cookie sundae. These cookies can also be paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful mid-afternoon treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For optimal freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain the moisture in the cookies.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat the cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds to restore some of their chewiness. If you prefer a crispier cookie, you can place them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter. It will give the cookies a bit more texture and an extra peanut crunch.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden and the center looks set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.

3. Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or use a commercial egg replacer for an egg-free version.

4. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, you can easily add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate-peanut butter combo.

5. Why are my cookies too flat?

If your cookies turn out too flat, it could be due to the dough being too warm or overmixing the ingredients. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent this.

6. How can I make the cookies softer?

To make the cookies softer, reduce the baking time slightly and ensure you don’t overmix the dough.

7. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Once completely cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

8. Can I add oats to the dough?

Yes, adding a cup of old-fashioned oats will create a chewier texture and add a little extra heartiness to the cookies.

9. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Doubling the recipe will give you more cookies, perfect for sharing or stocking up for later.

10. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can substitute margarine for butter, the cookies may have a slightly different texture. Butter gives a richer, fluffier result.

Conclusion

These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are everything you could want in a cookie: rich, nutty, and satisfyingly chewy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to please. With easy-to-find ingredients, a simple process, and a delicious outcome, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your baking rotation. Enjoy these peanut butter cookies fresh out of the oven, or store them for later—either way, they’ll be gone in no time!

Print