Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re in the mood for buttery, ultra-thick peanut butter cookies with that dreamy melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’re in the right place. These Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies are a pure joy for any peanut butter devotee, layering rich, nutty flavor with glorious bakery-style thickness. Every bite feels like a celebration—part nostalgia, part luxury. Whether you serve them at a dinner party, bring them to a bake sale, or keep them in a secret cookie jar just for yourself, these cookies promise decadence and comfort in equal measure.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies lies in their simplicity—every ingredient is handpicked for bold taste, luscious texture, or just the right amount of chew. Each element matters, so here’s what you’ll need (and why you need it):

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds a rich, creamy base and encourages a soft, tender crumb that just melts away.
• Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): Delivers big peanut flavor and helps create that signature thick, plush interior.
• Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Brings a subtle molasses note and helps keep the cookies chewy in the dead center.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Boosts sweetness and creates those perfect crackly edges.
• Large eggs (2): Binds everything together, adds moisture, and ensures each cookie rises just enough.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the flavors with gentle warmth and aromatic goodness.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides structure and helps the cookies hold their beautifully thick shape.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Works with baking powder for softness and just the right amount of lift.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a little extra puff, keeping the cookies gorgeously thick without heaviness.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Wakes up all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Chopped roasted peanuts (1 cup, optional): Adds crunch and amplifies the peanut experience for true aficionados.

How to Make Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly preheated by the time your dough is ready. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps the cookies bake evenly and makes for easy cleanup (plus, no sticking!).

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This process infuses air into the dough, ensuring your Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies will be light, tender, and just a little decadent in every bite.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Taking it slow here guarantees a smooth, uniform dough with gorgeous flavor throughout.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combining them before adding helps distribute the leaveners for cookies that rise evenly and stay beautifully thick.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet base. Mix just until the flour disappears—overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so keep it gentle! For extra crunch and flavor, fold in the chopped roasted peanuts if you’re using them.

Step 6: Shape and Arrange

Scoop generous dough balls, about two tablespoons each, and set them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading. For that iconic fork-marked top, press each cookie gently in a crisscross pattern—or leave them rounded for bakery-style, sky-high Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Pop the cookies in the oven for 12–14 minutes. You want the edges just set and the centers to look a little underbaked when you take them out—they’ll finish setting as they cool. After five minutes on the pan, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the secret to keeping the centers gooey and thick, just like the bakery treats you crave.

How to Serve Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over each cookie before baking. This adds a touch of visual appeal and highlights that irresistible peanut flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar after cooling brings a little elegance, while a drizzle of melted chocolate takes these Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies firmly into gourmet territory.

Side Dishes

These cookies are a star on their own but even better when paired with a cold glass of milk or a mug of strong coffee. For a sweet treat platter, serve alongside brownies, fruit, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Package a stack of cookies in clear cellophane with a ribbon for sweet gifts or holiday favors. For parties, layer them in jars with parchment paper dividers. To really impress, serve Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies warm on a platter with small bowls of toppings—think chopped peanuts, caramel, and melted chocolate—to let guests build their perfect cookie treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For best freshness, place a slice of bread in the container—the bread helps maintain that soft, chewy thickness that makes Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies so irresistible.

Freezing

To freeze, let cookies cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked, formed dough balls for ready-to-bake cookies anytime you need a quick treat.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop a thawed cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or warm briefly in a low oven. This revives the gooey centers and fills your kitchen with that heavenly peanut buttery aroma once more.

FAQs

How do I get my cookies extra thick?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps solidify the fats, which means your Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies will spread less and bake up extra tall and soft.

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Chunky peanut butter adds even more texture and peanut flavor. You can also skip the chopped peanuts or add them both for a serious crunch.

Why do my cookies look underbaked in the center?

That’s the secret to keeping them ultra-soft and chewy! The centers will set as the cookies cool—don’t be tempted to overbake, or you’ll lose that signature thick, chewy crumb.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free blend. The cookies may be a touch softer, but they’ll still be gloriously thick and rich.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You bet! This recipe scales up easily—just make sure you have a big enough bowl and perhaps bake in batches so each Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookie gets plenty of space to rise and bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that delivers joy with every bite, look no further than these Gourmet Thick Peanut Butter Cookies. They’re wonderfully easy, endlessly customizable, and positively addictive. Don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you can bake them! Try them for yourself, and treat your friends and family to a true bakery-style delight.

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