Peanut butter cookies are a classic favorite, offering a perfect blend of sweet and salty, with a rich, nutty flavor that’s hard to resist. If you're looking for a recipe that delivers soft, thick, and perfectly chewy peanut butter cookies, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe will guide you step-by-step, ensuring you bake cookies that everyone will love. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let's get baking! Read the full article for tips, tricks, and everything you need to know to make the best peanut butter cookies you’ve ever tasted.
What Are Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies?
Soft and thick peanut butter cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional crispy peanut butter cookies. They have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hearty thickness that makes every bite satisfying. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re perfect for peanut butter lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack or a comforting dessert, these cookies are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients List for Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Before diving into the recipe, let's ensure we have all the ingredients to make these delicious cookies. These are pantry-friendly and easy to find in most grocery stores.
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky, depending on your preference)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor
To take your peanut butter cookies to the next level, consider adding some of these optional ingredients. They add texture and flavor, making your cookies even more irresistible.
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for a peanut butter-chocolate combination)
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts (for added crunch)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for a warm, spiced undertone)
- A pinch of sea salt (to sprinkle on top for extra contrast)
Substitutions and Variations
If you have dietary restrictions or want to experiment with flavors, here are some substitution ideas and variations to customize the recipe to your liking:
- Peanut Butter Substitution: If you’re allergic to peanuts or want a different flavor, substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. This will slightly alter the flavor but still give you a creamy, nutty cookie.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also use oat flour for a chewier texture, but you may need to add an extra egg to help bind the ingredients.
- Sugar-Free Version: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated and brown sugar. Adjust the amount according to the sweetness level of the alternative sweetener.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine.
- Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the fun part: baking! Follow these simple steps to make soft and thick peanut butter cookies that are sure to impress.

How to Cook Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the right temperature when the cookies are ready to bake.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures an even bake.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for giving the cookies their soft and tender texture.
- Add the Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are creamed together, add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat again on medium speed until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, it’s essential to chill the dough. Cover the dough and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Shape the Cookies: Once chilled, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For the classic peanut butter cookie look, use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern into the top of each cookie.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. They should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to ensure they set properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While baking cookies may seem simple, a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing the dough after adding the flour can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling the dough is crucial for thick cookies. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much and become thin.
- Overbaking: Peanut butter cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. Bake just until the edges are set and the center is still soft for perfect results.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision, especially when measuring flour and peanut butter.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Now that your cookies are baked to perfection, it’s time to think about serving and presenting them in a way that makes them even more enticing. Here are some ideas to make your cookies stand out:
How to Serve Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies are delicious straight out of the oven, but they’re also great when paired with other treats. Here are a few serving ideas:
- With a Glass of Milk: Peanut butter cookies and milk are a match made in heaven. Serve them with a cold glass of milk for a classic, nostalgic snack.
- With Ice Cream: Make an indulgent dessert by serving these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. For a fun twist, sandwich the ice cream between two cookies to make ice cream sandwiches.
- With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: The rich, nutty flavor of these cookies pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Presentation Ideas for Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Want to make your cookies look even more irresistible? Here are some presentation ideas:
- Stacked on a Plate: Arrange your cookies in a neat stack on a plate or platter for a simple yet inviting presentation.
- In a Cookie Jar: Store your cookies in a clear cookie jar for a charming and rustic display that keeps them fresh and accessible.
- Gift Wrapping: If you’re gifting these cookies, wrap them in parchment paper and tie them with a ribbon for a homemade, thoughtful touch.
Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Tips
- Use Creamy Peanut Butter for Smooth Cookies: For a smoother texture, opt for creamy peanut butter. Chunky peanut butter will add a bit of crunch if that’s your preference.
- Add Mix-Ins: Customize your cookies by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even pretzel pieces for a sweet-and-salty combo.
- Adjust Baking Time for Crispier Cookies: If you prefer crispier cookies, bake them for an extra 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze peanut butter cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Simply shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
How long do peanut butter cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily. Just make sure to chill the dough in batches if your fridge is small, and bake in multiple batches if needed.
Conclusion
There you have it—a foolproof recipe for soft and thick peanut butter cookies that will become a household favorite. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, these cookies are sure to impress. Don’t forget to experiment with substitutions and variations to make them uniquely yours. Happy baking!
PrintSoft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
These soft and thick peanut butter cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth! Made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, sugar, and eggs, this recipe is easy to follow and yields chewy, rich cookies. Enjoy the comforting peanut butter flavor in every bite. Great for peanut butter lovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Peanut butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Baking soda
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together peanut butter, butter, and sugars.
- Add eggs and vanilla, then mix in the dry ingredients.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Use creamy or chunky peanut butter depending on texture preference.
- Chill dough for thicker cookies.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
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