Name: Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar, gently packed; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate comfort treat, combining a rich, nutty flavor with a perfectly soft and chewy texture. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or special occasions. Bake a batch and enjoy the timeless taste of peanut butter cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cookies because they combine the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a melt-in-your-mouth chewiness. They’re quick to prepare, made with pantry staples, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1/2 cup light brown sugar, gently packed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a stand mixer bowl with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix well, ensuring everything is evenly combined by scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.

Scoop tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories per cookie: 125 kcal

Variations

Crunchy Peanut Butter: Substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

Sugar-Free: Replace the granulated and brown sugar with a sugar substitute designed for baking.

Decorative Touch: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top after baking.

Storage/Reheating

I recommend storing these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to three months. To enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Related Recipes:

White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, natural peanut butter works, but make sure to stir it well to combine the oils before measuring.

Why are my cookies dry?

Dry cookies are often caused by overbaking or using too much flour. Be sure to measure the flour correctly and bake until the centers are slightly underbaked.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure your mixer can handle the larger volume, and bake in batches as needed.

What’s the best way to scoop cookie dough?

Using a cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cookies that bake consistently.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours. Let it come to room temperature before baking for the best results.

Conclusion

These thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are a timeless treat that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a short baking time, they’re perfect for satisfying any sweet craving. Give them a try, and I’m sure you’ll want to bake them again and again!

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