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
Scale
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
