These Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies are rich, tender, and packed with deep peanut flavor. With crisp edges, a soft center, and the signature fork marks on top—just like the image—this timeless cookie is comforting, nostalgic, and impossible to resist. Perfect for everyday baking, cookie jars, or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chopped peanuts
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and smooth (about 2–3 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Chilling (Important for Thickness)
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much and keeps them thick and soft.
Shaping the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. For extra texture, roll lightly in granulated sugar.
Place dough balls on the tray, leaving space between them. Using a fork, gently press a criss-cross pattern on each cookie.
Baking
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and pale. Do not overbake—cookies will firm up as they cool.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Texture & Flavor Notes
- Outside: lightly crisp
- Inside: soft, thick, and tender
- Flavor: rich peanut butter with caramel notes from brown sugar
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these cookies:
- With a glass of cold milk 🥛
- With coffee or tea ☕
- As sandwich cookies with chocolate or cream filling
- Slightly warm for maximum softness
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
- Use creamy peanut butter (not natural) for best texture
- Chill the dough to keep cookies thick
- Don’t flatten too much with the fork
- Remove cookies while centers look underbaked
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate peanut butter: Add chocolate chips
- Crunchy style: Use crunchy peanut butter
- Honey peanut: Replace sugar with honey (reduce liquid slightly)
- Peanut butter & jam: Add a small jam center before baking
Storage
Store in an airtight container:
- At room temperature: 4–5 days
- Refrigerator: up to 7 days
- Freezer (baked cookies): up to 2 months
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of butter and peanut butter creates a rich, moist crumb. Brown sugar adds softness and chew, while chilling the dough ensures thick cookies that don’t spread too thin. The fork press gives classic texture and even baking.
Final Thoughts
These Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate comfort cookie—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or just yourself, this recipe delivers bakery-quality cookies every single time. 🥜🍪✨