Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
If you are a peanut butter lover looking for that perfect balance of soft, moist, and just a little bit chewy, you have to try this Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies are rich with creamy peanut butter flavor and have an irresistibly tender texture that gently holds together without being cakey. Whether you prefer your peanut butter cookies thick and chunky or smooth and classic, this recipe delivers a cozy, nostalgic treat that always feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, this Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe comes together with a handful of simple ingredients that you likely have in your pantry already. Each one plays a key role in creating that tender chew and deep, nutty flavor you crave.
- Peanut butter: Choose creamy for smooth melt-in-your-mouth goodness or chunky for added texture variety.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the edges caramelize for a slight crisp.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and that rich, molasses-like depth to keep the cookies chewy.
- Egg: Acts as the binding agent and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the nutty flavor and rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies just a touch of lift and a lovely golden color.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
- All-purpose flour (optional): Helps make thicker cookies if you prefer, but you can skip it for thinner, more delicate bites.
How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, ensuring your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly. Taking this small extra step makes cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter with both granulated and brown sugars. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and even—a little bit of muscle here helps develop the right texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, crack in the egg and pour the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter becomes silky and fully combined, creating a luscious base for your cookies.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the baking soda and salt. If you want thicker cookies, stir in the flour here too. This step ensures your rising agents and dry components are evenly distributed before mixing with the wet ingredients.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the dry mix gradually to the peanut butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so keep it light and easy.
Step 6: Shape Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form balls of dough about 1 inch in diameter. Roll them smooth with your hands, then place them on your prepared sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Step 7: Create the Signature Fork Pattern
Press down lightly on each ball with a fork in a criss-cross pattern. This iconic look also helps flatten the dough for even baking and adds a bit of textural character.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges will turn golden and slightly crisp while the centers remain soft—a sign that chewy magic is in progress.
Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying
Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time allows the cookies to firm up perfectly while maintaining their chewy center.
Step 10: Serve and Savor
Enjoy these chewy peanut butter cookies fresh with your favorite beverage, or save them for a nourishing snack to brighten your day.
How to Serve Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little extra flair by sprinkling flaky sea salt on top before baking. A light dusting of powdered sugar after cooling can also add a delicate sweetness that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these chewy cookies with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or creamy hot chocolate. The combination of warm peanut butter richness and your favorite drink just feels perfect every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pair the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert sandwich. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter on top for an extra indulgent touch that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps their chewy texture fresh and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by layering them between parchment paper in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive that freshly-baked softness if your cookies have chilled or stiffened in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add delightful little nut pieces throughout your cookies, giving texture contrast alongside the chewy base.
What does adding flour do to this recipe?
Including flour creates a thicker cookie that holds its shape more firmly, whereas leaving it out results in thinner, more tender cookies that spread slightly during baking.
Can I substitute the sugars with alternatives?
Brown sugar is important for moisture, so replacing it with white sugar may make the cookies drier. You could try coconut sugar, but it might subtly change the flavor and texture.
How do I keep my cookies from flattening too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps reduce spreading, as does adding a little flour if you want thicker cookies. Also, avoid overly greasing your baking sheet.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
They can be if you omit the all-purpose flour or swap it for a gluten-free flour blend. The peanut butter, sugars, egg, and baking soda themselves are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a total staple for anyone who appreciates a cookie that’s soft, packed with peanut butter flavor, and easy to whip up anytime. Once you try it, I guarantee these treats will become a cherished part of your baking repertoire. So go ahead, mix up a batch, and share the love with friends or keep them all to yourself—you deserve it!
Print
Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These chewy peanut butter cookies are a delicious treat featuring a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Made with creamy or chunky peanut butter, they offer a soft and tender texture with a slightly golden edge. The optional addition of all-purpose flour allows for thicker cookies if desired. Quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a homemade favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional for thicker cookies)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, mix the baking soda, salt, and optional flour until evenly distributed.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the Cookies: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form dough balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll them into smooth balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten with Fork: Lightly press down each dough ball with a fork in a criss-cross pattern to gently flatten them.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. The centers may appear soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy these chewy peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for the perfect snack or dessert.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, include the optional 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour; omit it for thinner, chewier cookies.
- You can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter depending on your texture preference.
- Do not overbake to retain the soft, chewy center.
- Cookies will firm up as they cool, so allow them to cool completely for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
