Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect cookie that’s soft in the middle, packed with peanut butter flavor, and just the right amount of chewy, these Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are about to make those dreams come true. This recipe is the kind you’ll want in your cookie jar every week — it’s irresistibly nostalgic yet just a little bit more magical than anything from the bakery down the street. Whether you bake for your family, put together treat boxes for friends, or simply crave a comforting sweet bite after a long day, this is a recipe you’ll return to time after time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These cookies come together with familiar pantry staples, and each one plays a unique role in creating their unforgettable texture and taste. Don’t overlook any — together, they’re the secret behind a truly remarkable batch of Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies.

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Delivers rich, nutty flavor and that essential, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds moisture and helps create wonderfully chewy centers.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Infuses deep, caramel notes and extra chewiness from the molasses.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and ensures crisp yet tender edges.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together for cohesion and a soft crumb.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Rounds out the cookie’s flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure so the cookies hold their shape without getting cakey.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies spread just the right amount while baking.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a touch of lift for a lighter texture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Brings out all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper — this step guarantees your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies will never stick and makes cleanup a breeze. It’s a simple detail that sets you up for cookie success.

Step 2: Cream Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and lighter in color. This step aerates the dough and ensures every bite is packed with rich flavor and soft, chewy delight.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, letting each completely blend in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that signature bakery-style aroma. This guarantees a perfectly smooth dough that bakes up evenly every time.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leaveners and salt so every cookie rises and tastes consistent throughout your batch of Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing makes cookies tough — stop as soon as the dough comes together for ultimate chewiness.

Step 6: Shape and Press the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each with a fork in a crisscross pattern — not only does this make them look classic, it helps them bake evenly.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes — you want the edges set but the centers still look a little underbaked. This is the secret to ultra-chewy cookies! Let them cool on the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish setting.

How to Serve Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

Dress up each chewy cookie with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking for a sweet-salty finish, or melt a little chocolate and drizzle it over cooled cookies for a bakery-worthy touch. For a fun pop of color, press a few mini chocolate chips or peanut butter chips into the tops before baking.

Side Dishes

There’s almost nothing better than serving a warm cookie alongside a tall glass of icy cold milk. For a cozier treat, serve your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with hot cocoa or pack them into a lunchbox with fruit slices. They’re also a crowd-pleaser on dessert platters, paired with brownies or fresh berries.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a handful of cookies, tie them with baker’s twine, and gift them as a homemade present. For parties, create decadent cookie sandwiches by filling them with peanut butter, chocolate ganache, or marshmallow fluff. Or crumble a couple over vanilla ice cream for a showstopping sundae.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Sliding a slice of sandwich bread inside the container helps maintain their soft, chewy texture — just swap the bread every couple of days if needed.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. For make-ahead ease, shape the dough into balls and freeze on a baking tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag; bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Already-baked cookies freeze beautifully too; stack with parchment between each cookie and store in an airtight container for up to three months.

Reheating

To enjoy that freshly-baked softness, warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes. This little trick revives their irresistible, gooey centers without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds extra texture and nutty crunch. Just be aware the cookies may spread slightly less and have bigger peanut bits, which can be a delicious twist on your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies.

Why do my cookies turn out dry or crumbly?

Overbaking is usually the culprit for dryness. Pull the cookies out when the edges look set but the centers seem a bit underdone — they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, resulting in the perfect chewy texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to three days before baking. Just let it come back to room temperature for easier scooping, or bake straight from the fridge for cookies that are a little thicker and extra chewy.

Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?

You can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with good results. The cookies stay deliciously chewy and everyone can enjoy them, no matter their dietary needs.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches. The cookies freeze well too, so you can always have a stash ready for guests or afternoon cravings.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for a special occasion — any day is a good day to bake a batch of Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies. You’ll fall in love with their soft centers, rich peanut butter flavor, and nostalgic crisscross tops. Grab your ingredients and share the joy with the people you love — these cookies never last long!

Print