These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the rich, comforting flavor of peanut butter. With a soft, chewy center and golden edges, these cookies are packed with peanut butter flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a snack, a dessert, or to share with family and friends, these cookies are sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut butter lovers will adore these cookies! The dough is simple to prepare, and the end result is a thick, chewy cookie with just the right balance of sweetness and peanut butter richness. The slightly crispy edges give way to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center, making these cookies a true comfort food. The classic fork marks on top add a homemade touch, and they’re perfect for snacking or as a treat with a glass of milk.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until combined.
Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until the dough comes together.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, making a crisscross pattern on top.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 18-20 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

Chocolate Lovers: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a peanut butter and chocolate combo.
Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped peanuts for extra crunch and peanut flavor.
Soft and Gooey: For an even chewier texture, bake for a slightly shorter time (around 8 minutes), allowing them to stay softer in the center.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore some of their soft, chewy texture.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy, but the texture will be a bit different, with added crunch in each bite.

2. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can use coconut sugar or another sugar alternative in place of granulated sugar, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

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

The cookies are done when the edges are golden and the centers look set. They will firm up as they cool.

4. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen for an extra minute or two.

5. Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) as an egg substitute in this recipe.

6. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular creamy peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter may not provide the same consistency and sweetness as creamy peanut butter, as it can be more runny and less sweet. If you use natural peanut butter, you may need to adjust the amount of flour to achieve the right dough consistency.

7. Can I make the cookies thinner?

If you prefer thinner cookies, flatten the dough balls more before baking, and bake for a slightly shorter time.

8. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can make these cookies gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

9. Can I add other flavors to the dough?

Yes, you can experiment with adding a bit of cinnamon or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the cookies.

10. Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a rich peanut butter flavor in every bite. They’re quick and easy to make, with a chewy center and slightly crispy edges that make them utterly irresistible. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk or as a snack on their own, these cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves peanut butter!

Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

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Print Recipe

These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate peanut butter treat, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and rich peanut butter flavor. With a soft, chewy center and crispy edges, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and quick to bake, they’re perfect for snacking, dessert, or sharing with friends!

Total Time: 18-20 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until the dough comes together.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, making a crisscross pattern on top.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chocolate Lovers: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a peanut butter and chocolate combo.
Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped peanuts for extra crunch and peanut flavor.
Soft and Gooey: For a softer texture, bake for around 8 minutes to keep them chewy in the center.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Category: Cookies, Desserts, Snacks
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian