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If you’re craving a cozy, nostalgic treat that melts in your mouth with every bite, look no further than this Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies have the perfect balance of rich, creamy peanut butter and just the right chewiness that keeps you coming back for more. Each cookie boasts a golden exterior with a tender center that feels like a homemade hug, making it a true favorite for cookie lovers old and new.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to creating that signature texture and flavor of this Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a role, whether it’s the buttery richness, the sweetness, or the perfect rise and chew.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creamy richness and helps with the cookie’s tender texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and a slight crunch in the cookie’s bite.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, gently packed: Brings a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the cookie’s taste and keeps it moist.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient delivering that unmistakable peanut butter goodness and softness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds to the cookie’s chewy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the peanut butter’s flavor and adds warmth.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Builds structure, ensuring the right thickness without toughness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Promotes gentle rising for the perfect cookie shape.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the peanut butter’s depth.
How to Make Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking temperature so your cookies achieve that irresistible chewy center and lightly crisp edges from the get-go.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, making your cookies tender and fluffy in texture.
Step 3: Mix in Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, add the creamy peanut butter, large egg, and vanilla extract into the bowl, mixing well. Keep scraping down the sides to integrate everything evenly—this is where that classic peanut butter flavor truly comes alive!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which prevents clumps and helps with an even bake.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Slowly add the flour mixture into the peanut butter mixture, stirring gently to combine. It’s important not to overmix here to maintain the cookie’s tender texture and prevent them from becoming tough.
Step 6: Scoop and Space the Dough
Spoon tablespoons of cookie dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Remember to space them at least 2 inches apart; these cookies will spread slightly, and you want them to bake evenly without merging.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for edges that are set and golden while the centers remain just a touch underbaked—this helps deliver that signature chewy softness when cooled.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time lets them firm up perfectly without losing their thick and chewy charm.
How to Serve Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking to elevate the peanut butter flavor and add a delightful contrast to the sweetness. For a fun twist, drizzle a little melted dark chocolate over each cookie for a sophisticated finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate classic combo. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet decadent dessert experience everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few cookies with layers of peanut butter or cream cheese frosting for a delightful mini sandwich cookie. Alternatively, crumble the cookies over yogurt or ice cream as a flavorful topping that adds texture and peanut buttery flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This protects their moisture and keeps each bite as irresistible as when they came out of the oven.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container once solid. Freeze for up to three months; just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth and softness, briefly microwave your cookie for 10 to 15 seconds or warm it in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This simple step revives the chewy indulgence in seconds.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add a lovely bit of crunch within the cookies, giving them an extra layer of texture while still maintaining that thick and chewy feel.
Why do my peanut butter cookies come out flat?
Flattening can happen if the dough is too warm or overmixed. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and mix just until combined. Chilling the dough before baking can also help keep the cookies thick.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes! Many gluten-free all-purpose flour blends will work fine, but for best texture, choose a blend with xanthan gum or add a binding agent. The cookies might have a slightly different chewiness but will still be delicious.
How do I make my peanut butter cookies extra chewy?
Using both granulated and brown sugar as this recipe suggests is a key. Brown sugar adds moisture, making the cookie chewier. Also, taking them out of the oven while edges are set but centers still soft helps lock in that chew.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! This Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe scales up nicely. Just be sure to adjust baking sheets accordingly and keep an eye on baking times, as larger batches may affect oven temperature consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about biting into a cookie that is just thick enough to satisfy your sweet tooth and chewy enough to linger in your memory. This Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a treasure trove of comfort and flavor that’s perfect any time you need a little homemade happiness. Trust me, once you try it, these cookies will become your go-to, sharing their warm peanut buttery magic all the time.
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Print
Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies offer a perfect balance of rich peanut flavor and soft, chewy texture. With a simple list of pantry ingredients and easy steps, these cookies are ideal for a quick homemade treat that satisfies any sweet tooth craving.
Ingredients
Wet 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
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct baking temperature by the time your dough is ready.
- Cream the butter and sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a light base for your cookie dough.
- Add peanut butter and flavors: Incorporate the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Mix thoroughly, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening and seasoning uniformly.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just enough to combine and avoid overworking the dough, which can cause tougher cookies.
- Scoop the dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, place dollops of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Space each portion about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes—cookies should have set edges but still slightly underbaked centers to retain chewiness.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up without losing their softness inside.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to maintain a tender texture.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
- Using creamy peanut butter ensures a smooth dough and even baking; chunky peanut butter will alter texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- If you prefer sweeter or richer cookies, adjust sugar levels or peanut butter quantity slightly to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
