Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a nostalgic, bakery-worthy treat that disappears faster than you can bake them, Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are your answer. These classic cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, with rich, nutty flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, making an after-school treat, or just indulging in a little self-care sweetness, this recipe delivers thick, golden cookies you’ll instantly fall in love with. The aroma alone is enough to turn your kitchen into a happy place.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies is that you likely have everything on hand already! Each ingredient is a key player in helping you nail that irresistible chewy texture and deep, peanutty taste.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The foundation for a rich, tender crumb that helps the cookies melt in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetness and slight crispness around the edges come from this pantry staple.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): For that signature chewiness and a subtle caramel undertone in each cookie.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star ingredient ensures maximum peanut flavor and that extra-moist texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds a bit of lift, helping the cookies stay thick.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A classic baking boost, it rounds out the flavors with warmth and depth.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Gives body and structure so the cookies hold their famous crisscross fork marks.
- Baking soda (3/4 teaspoon): Lends a slight rise for that perfect thickness and soft center.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Works with the baking soda for just the right puff.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweet and enhance the peanut butter flavor.
How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple move ensures your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies bake up evenly and slide right off without sticking, plus it makes for super easy cleanup afterward.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This aerates the dough and sets the stage for that beloved chewy texture.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, mix in the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is silky-smooth, with all the glorious aroma of peanut butter goodness wafting in the air.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the leaveners and salt are evenly distributed, helping every cookie bake to chewy perfection.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your peanut butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as no more streaks of flour show. This is the secret to keeping your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies supple and soft.
Step 6: Shape and Crisscross
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and set them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Grab a fork and gently press each ball, making a classic crisscross pattern. This not only makes them look iconic but helps them bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. For that extra chew, lean toward the shorter bake time. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll firm up beautifully as they cool, all while staying dense and chewy inside.
How to Serve Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
You can serve Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies straight up, but if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair. A dusting of confectioners’ sugar is also a fun way to dress them up for parties or gifting.
Side Dishes
Milk is a classic pairing, but don’t overlook a hot cup of coffee or tea. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries offers a bright contrast, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns your cookies into an irresistible dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies in a glass jar or tie up a bundle with rustic twine for a sweet gift. For a playful touch, use them as a base for ice cream sandwiches or crumble over yogurt for a decadent parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of white bread to the container helps lock in moisture and keeps the cookies delightfully chewy.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months—just layer parchment between them to prevent sticking. Alternatively, freeze unbaked cookie dough balls and bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If you love that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This quick heat revives that soft, chewy texture and amplifies the peanut butter aroma like magic.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds a little extra crunch and great peanut texture to your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies. Just swap it in at a 1:1 ratio for a delightful twist.
Why do I need to use both brown and granulated sugar?
Brown sugar brings moisture and that caramel-like note essential for chewy cookies, while granulated sugar adds crisp edges. The combination creates the iconic texture Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are loved for.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best results.
How do I prevent my cookies from getting too hard?
Be careful not to overbake your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies. Take them out when the centers are just set but still look a bit soft—they’ll finish setting up on the baking sheet during cooling.
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Double every ingredient and bake in batches. Just be sure not to overcrowd your baking sheets so the cookies spread and bake evenly for that irresistible chewy bite.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried making Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies yet, now’s the time! With their unbeatable texture, rich peanut flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal, they’re bound to become your new favorite cookie. Pour yourself a cold glass of milk, grab a fresh batch, and let the happiness begin!
Print
Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers. With a soft, chewy texture and a classic flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add peanut butter, egg, and vanilla: Beat in peanut butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Shape and bake: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork. Bake for 8–10 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy: Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For an extra chewy texture, slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to finish setting on the baking sheet.
- You can also use chunky peanut butter for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
