Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are a timeless favorite, loved for their rich peanut flavor, soft centers, and slightly crisp edges. These cookies bake up tall and tender, delivering that perfect balance between chewy and melt-in-your-mouth. With simple pantry ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. This step helps create a soft, chewy texture.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
Shaping and Baking
Scoop the dough into generous balls, about 2 tablespoons each, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern on top of each dough ball, slightly flattening them while keeping the centers thick.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Cooling and Serving
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serve warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk or coffee.
Tips for Best Results
Do not overbake to maintain chewiness.
Use creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture.
Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it feels too soft.
Measure flour accurately to avoid dry cookies.
Variations
Add chocolate chips or peanut butter chips.
Use chunky peanut butter for extra texture.
Sprinkle tops with sugar before baking.
Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are comforting, classic, and irresistibly satisfying. With their rich flavor and soft texture, they are the kind of cookie you bake once and keep coming back to again and again.