Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

There’s something uniquely comforting about Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies – the kind that fill your kitchen with a rich, nutty aroma and beg to be enjoyed still warm from the oven. These bakery-style classics are thicker than your average cookie, with irresistibly soft and chewy centers and just the right amount of crispness at the edges. Whether you’re a lifelong peanut butter lover or simply in search of your next no-fuss, crowd-pleasing cookie recipe, this treat always manages to steal the spotlight with its deep flavor, plush texture, and delightfully nostalgic fork marks.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, familiar ingredients come together to create these Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies. Each component plays an essential role, from building buttery richness to helping achieve that signature melt-in-your-mouth chewiness.

• Peanut butter (1 cup, creamy): The star of the show; use a good-quality creamy peanut butter for ultimate richness and flavor.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds moisture and keeps the cookies tender without overwhelming the peanut butter flavor.
• Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Gives a deep, caramel sweetness and chewier texture thanks to its molasses content.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides just the right amount of sweetness and helps those classic fork marks stand out.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the dough together and boost the cookies’ softness.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of the cookie’s structure; don’t pack your flour when measuring for best results.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Contributes to a light rise, preventing the cookies from being dense.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives an extra lift and makes the cookies thick and pillowy.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and sharpens the peanut butter taste.

How to Make Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and won’t stick—a simple trick for effortless cleanup and perfect cookies every time.

Step 2: Cream the Peanut Butter, Butter, and Sugars

In a large bowl, blend together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, and keep mixing until the mixture is light, smooth, and a bit fluffy. This step adds air to the batter, helping to make your cookies extra thick and chewy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract and give everything a good mix until the dough is silky and cohesive. This is where you start to smell the magic!

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking first ensures the leavening agents are distributed evenly, keeping your cookies nice and thick.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture to your wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing—the dough should look thick and dense, but not dry. This is where you can fold in chopped peanuts or chocolate chips if you’re in the mood for a twist.

Step 6: Shape and Crisscross

Use a cookie scoop or two tablespoons to portion out the dough and roll into balls. Space them about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheets. Use the back of a fork to gently press each ball and create that unmistakable crisscross pattern on top—nostalgic and picture-perfect.

Step 7: Bake to Chewy Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly set and the centers look slightly underdone—that’s the secret to getting Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies every time. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Resist the urge to eat them all at once!

How to Serve Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are spectacular as-is, but if you want to dress them up, try sprinkling a little flaky sea salt on top right after baking. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a handful of mini chocolate chips pressed into the tops before baking adds extra flair for chocolate lovers—either way, your Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies will look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Nothing goes better with peanut butter cookies than a cold glass of milk—classic, comforting, and pure nostalgia. For something a little different, pair your cookies with hot cocoa on chilly days or serve them alongside fresh fruit for a pop of brightness. Coffee or vanilla ice cream also make a dreamy pairing for an extra-indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Create a cookie platter with a mix of your favorite goodies, including these Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies, brownies, and snickerdoodles for an epic dessert spread. You can also use them to make over-the-top ice cream sandwiches: just scoop a generous amount of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies and roll the edges in crushed peanuts or mini chocolate chips for a festive finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days, and the flavors somehow get even better after the first day.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, freeze scoops of dough on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time, or freeze baked cookies and thaw at room temperature for a quick treat any time a craving strikes.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. This tiny step will bring back that irresistible chewiness and warm peanut butter aroma in seconds.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add extra texture and nutty crunch to your Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies. Just note that the finished cookies may be a bit crumblier, but still totally delicious.

Why do my cookies spread too much while baking?

If your cookies are spreading, your butter might be too warm or you may have accidentally measured too little flour. Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted, and use the scoop-and-level method to measure flour accurately for picture-perfect, thick cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

Yes, you can substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour in this recipe. Just be sure the blend you choose is meant for direct substitution and has a binder like xanthan gum for best results.

How do I get extra chewy cookies?

Slightly underbake your Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies and let them finish setting on the baking sheet outside the oven. This trick helps lock in moisture and guarantees a softer, chewier bite every time.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly for even texture, and bake in batches so your cookies have plenty of space to spread and rise properly.

Final Thoughts

Give yourself permission to bake a batch of Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies—there’s no better way to bring a little joy into your kitchen. They’re simple, nostalgic, and completely irresistible, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or just saving for your own sweet moments. Happy baking!

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