If you’re crazy for that nostalgic peanutty flavor and crave a perfect treat with plenty of rich center and just the right amount of golden edges, Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are about to become your go-to recipe. These delights are everything you want in a homemade cookie: a little crispy at the very edge, fantastically thick in the middle, and all-around chewy with that unmistakable, cozy peanut butter taste. Whether you’re whipping up a late-night snack or showing off your baking skills to friends and family, this recipe will win over your heart (and your tastebuds) with every bite.

Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies call for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in achieving that dreamy thickness and chewy bite. Don’t skip or swap—each pick really makes a difference in creating the color, lift, and fantastic texture that set these cookies apart.

Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Softened butter adds richness and helps to create a tender, spreadable dough.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Brings sweetness and a subtle crispness to the exterior of the cookies.
Light brown sugar (½ cup, gently packed): This ingredient is key for chewiness—it keeps the cookies thick, soft, and flavorful.
Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): The star of the show! Always use a creamy style for the ultimate smooth peanut flair.
Large egg (1): Binds your dough and adds a bit of moisture for lift and structure.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavor and gives the cookies those irresistible bakery aromas.
All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups, stir, spoon, and level): Fluffy, measured flour is what keeps these cookies thick and strong.
Baking soda (1 tsp): This helps the cookies rise and stay soft in the center.
Salt (½ tsp): The secret weapon! It balances the sweetness and amps up that peanut butter flavor.

How to Make Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start your adventure to cookie heaven by beating together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment for the best results—let it mix until the sugars dissolve into the butter and the mixture is pale and fluffy. This creates that crave-worthy texture that will make your Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies absolutely irresistible.

Step 2: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

The next step is bringing the magic: add your creamy peanut butter, the egg, and vanilla extract right into the bowl. Mix until everything is fully combined, pausing to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed so every last bit gets dreamy and smooth. This helps lock in all the moisture and that signature peanut butter flavor throughout the whole batch.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, gently stir your flour, baking soda, and salt together—just enough to combine. Dump the dry mixture all at once into the wet ingredients and mix on low until just incorporated. Don’t be tempted to overdo it; mixing just until combined is the secret to perfectly thick and chewy peanut butter cookies that melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Scoop, Bake, and Cool

Line your baking sheets with silicone mats for even browning. Scoop your dough onto the sheets (a two-tablespoon cookie scoop works wonders), leaving room for a bit of spread. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes—pull them when the centers look just set, even if they seem a tiny bit underdone. Let them cool on the trays for a few minutes before moving to a rack. This brief rest keeps your cookies thick, chewy, and picture-perfect.

How to Serve Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

Give your cookies a little extra love by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt just before baking, or drizzling melted chocolate over the top once cooled. For special occasions, a dusting of powdered sugar or a few mini chocolate chips pressed in before baking makes these Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies bakery-worthy at home.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs with these cookies quite like a cold glass of milk or a mug of strong coffee. For a playful twist, add fresh apple slices or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream—both balance the richness of the peanut butter beautifully and help elevate your cookie-eating experience!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies into ice cream sandwiches, crumble them into parfaits, or wrap them in colorful parchment and ribbon for gift-giving. Stacking a few cookies under a dome on your countertop is a simple way to make your kitchen feel warm and inviting to everyone who walks in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cookies at their chewy best, store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Pop a piece of soft bread in the container to help maintain maximum softness (and resist the urge to eat them all at once—they only get better by day two!).

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these cookies! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with layers of parchment in between. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. For make-ahead ease, try scooping cookie dough balls onto a tray, freezing them until solid, then storing the dough in a freezer bag to bake off whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

Nothing beats a warm cookie! To revive that just-baked texture, microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or heat in a low oven for a couple of minutes. This brings back the softness and kicks the peanut butter aroma up a notch, as if they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Why do my peanut butter cookies sometimes turn out dry?

Overbaking is the most common culprit—pull the cookies from the oven when they still look slightly soft in the middle. Measuring ingredients carefully, especially flour, is key to keeping your Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies from drying out.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra peanut pieces and texture. The cookies will still be thick and chewy with an extra bonus of little nutty bits throughout.

What’s the best way to shape these cookies?

A medium cookie scoop or two spoons makes portioning super easy and helps each cookie bake up thick and even. Lightly flatten the scoops if you prefer a wider, slightly thinner cookie—personalize to your heart’s content!

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t required, but if your dough feels warm or sticky, a quick 20-minute chill will make the dough easier to work with and can help keep your Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies ultra-thick.

Can I double this recipe?

You sure can! This recipe scales beautifully, so whether you’re baking for a party or just want to stock your freezer, feel free to double (or even triple) the ingredients—just be sure to use a big enough bowl!

Final Thoughts

Get ready to treat yourself and those lucky enough to share with you—these Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies will become an instant favorite! Each bite is a celebration of nostalgic flavors and decadent texture. There’s truly nothing quite like a homemade batch, and I can’t wait for you to experience their magic. Happy baking!