Name: Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

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Get ready to meet your new favorite homemade treat: Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies. Imagine the rich aroma of butter and nutty peanut butter swirling through your kitchen, giving way to golden, irresistibly thick cookies with soft centers and just the right touch of chew. Each bite delivers the ultimate bakery-style experience, yet the recipe is completely doable in your own oven. If you love a cookie that balances a melt-in-your-mouth crumb with a satisfying peanut punch, these are the ones to bake!

Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies shine is the simple yet powerful lineup of ingredients. Each one is essential, not just for incredible flavor but for creating those signature thick, soft centers and crackly tops.

Creamy peanut butter: Delivers the classic nutty flavor and helps create that unbeatable thick, chewy bite.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and depth, ensuring every cookie has that bakery-quality taste.
Brown sugar (packed): Infuses moisture and deep caramel notes, making the cookies soft and flavorful.
Granulated sugar: Lends balance and a touch of crispness to the edge of each cookie.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and aid in that tender, moist crumb.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and brings a bouquet of delicious warmth.
All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their sturdy, thick structure while remaining soft.
Baking soda: Helps the dough rise just enough for perfect cookie lift.
Baking powder: Teams up with baking soda for extra thickness and a slightly airy texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
Flaky sea salt for topping (optional): A finishing touch that highlights the richness of the peanut butter in every bite.

How to Make Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to set the stage for even, reliable baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep your cookies picture-perfect. Prepping these details early means your dough can go straight into the oven while it’s at its best.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until your mixture is light, airy, and smooth. This step sets the foundation for the incredibly soft and thick crumb of these gourmet cookies, so don’t rush it—let everything whip together until creamy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract one at a time, making sure everything is fully incorporated before moving on. This not only binds the dough but also infuses that touch of warmth and roundness to the flavor that really makes Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies unforgettable.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures a perfectly even texture in every cookie—no pockets of baking powder or flour here!

Step 5: Mix Dough and Shape Cookies

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick, luxurious dough forms. It should come together easily and feel hefty without being dry. Scoop generous portions (about three tablespoons each) and space them on the baking sheets, leaving room for a little spread. Lightly flatten the tops with your hand or make the iconic crisscross pattern with a fork for that classic peanut butter cookie look.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your trays into the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes. Keep an eye out for those lightly golden edges—a sure sign of doneness—while the centers should still look a bit soft. This gives the cookies that perfect thick, chewy interior. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If you’re a fan of sweet and salty, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the tops while they’re still warm.

How to Serve Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

For a touch of elegance (and a pinch of fun), finish your Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking. If you’re feeling extra creative, drizzle melted chocolate across the tops or dust lightly with powdered sugar for holiday charm.

Side Dishes

These cookies are practically a standalone dessert, but they absolutely shine paired with a tall, cold glass of milk or a rich mug of hot chocolate. For an indulgent treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies—like your own gourmet ice cream sandwich!

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your cookie game by serving them stacked on a rustic cake stand or nestled into a festive tin for gifting. If you’re hosting, try a cookie board with seasonal fruits, chocolates, and different nut butters as dipping sauces to highlight the rich flavors of your Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your cookies will stay wonderfully soft for days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Simply layer with parchment between them to keep that bakery-fresh texture and prevent sticking.

Freezing

Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then pop into a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temp for an easy, ready-to-go treat.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm in a low oven for a few minutes. This revives their soft, gooey centers and makes the peanut butter flavor even more irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds bits of nutty crunch and texture to Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies. Just keep in mind the final cookies will be a bit more rustic, but just as delicious.

How do I make the cookies even thicker?

For extra-thick cookies, chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading so you get those tall, bakery-style cookies that everyone loves.

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Fold in up to half a cup of chocolate chunks, chopped peanuts, or even butterscotch chips for a personalized twist on Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies.

Why do my cookies sometimes turn out dry?

Overbaking is usually the culprit. Take them out when the edges are set but the centers still look soft. As the cookies cool, they’ll continue to firm up to that perfect, thick, soft texture.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The results are very close, so everyone can enjoy Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies!

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely special about sharing a plate of Homemade Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies—whether fresh from your own oven or packed up for a friend. Let yourself indulge in the process and the results, because these cookies bring bakery-level joy straight to your kitchen. Try them just once, and you’ll see why they’re bound to become a go-to favorite!

Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 29 minutes
Yield: 16 large cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these gourmet thick peanut butter cookies. With a soft and chewy texture, these bakery-style treats are perfect for any peanut butter lover.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cookies:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Form dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a thick dough forms.
Scoop and bake: Scoop large dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets and gently press them down. Bake for 12–14 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.