There’s something magical about peanut butter cookies. The rich, nutty aroma filling the kitchen, the soft and chewy center giving way to a slightly crisp edge it’s pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve a treat, these thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are about to become your new obsession. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cookies
Versatile: Whether you’re dunking them in milk, packing them in lunchboxes, or serving them with a scoop of ice cream, these cookies fit any occasion perfectly.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples, there’s no need for fancy ingredients. Just classic, wholesome goodness!
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here! These cookies come together in just a few simple moves, making them a go-to for beginner and seasoned bakers alike.
Customizable: Love a little crunch? Add chopped peanuts. Craving some chocolate? Throw in some chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to adults, everyone will be asking for seconds. These cookies are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients in Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut Butter: The heart and soul of these cookies. Use a creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture or a crunchy one for added bite.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible chewiness.
Brown Sugar: Enhances the deep caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies moist.
Granulated Sugar: Balances out the brown sugar, adding just the right amount of sweetness.
Eggs: Helps bind everything together while adding structure and tenderness.
Vanilla Extract: A little splash makes all the flavors pop.
Baking Soda: Gives the cookies the perfect rise and texture.
Salt: A pinch brings out all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds everything together, giving the cookies their perfect structure.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Scoop and Shape: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form dough balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Flatten and Create the Classic Look: Gently press each dough ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
How to Serve Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
With a Glass of Milk: A classic pairing that never fails. Dunking these cookies into cold milk is pure bliss.
As a Dessert Sandwich: Spread a little Nutella, peanut butter, or even ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
With Coffee or Tea: The perfect companion for your morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Crumble Over Ice Cream: Take your favorite ice cream to the next level by crumbling these cookies on top.
Straight from the Jar: Let’s be real—sometimes, you just need a cookie right from the jar, no frills needed!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Mix the dough a day in advance and chill it in the fridge. This helps enhance the flavor and makes scooping easier.
Make It Crunchy: If you love extra texture, mix in chopped peanuts or toffee bits.
Adjust the Sweetness: Prefer a less sweet cookie? Reduce the sugar slightly without compromising texture.
Storage Tips: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Freeze baked cookies for up to three months.
Make a Double Batch: These cookies disappear fast! Double the recipe and freeze some dough balls for future cravings.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. If using natural peanut butter, make sure to stir it well before incorporating.
2. How do I make these cookies softer?
Slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few extra minutes.
3. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add more texture to your cookies.
4. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.
5. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven.
6. Do I have to make the crisscross pattern?
No, but it helps flatten the cookies for even baking and gives them the classic peanut butter cookie look.
7. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen with an extra minute or two.
8. Can I substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup?
You can try, but it will change the texture of the cookies. They may be softer and less chewy.
9. How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Add a slice of bread inside the container to keep them extra soft.
10. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Conclusion
There you have it your new favorite peanut butter cookie recipe! These thick and chewy delights are packed with flavor, easy to make, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, paired with a scoop of ice cream, or packed for a snack, they’ll bring a little extra joy to your day. So grab your ingredients and let’s get baking!
Print
Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are soft, rich, and packed with peanut butter flavor! Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
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1 cup creamy peanut butter
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
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Shape and Flatten the Dough: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to press down lightly, creating a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
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Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
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Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
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For extra peanut butter flavor, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
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Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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To freeze dough, roll into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and bake as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg