Irresistibly Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Crafting the ultimate soft & thick peanut butter cookies brings pure joy to any home baker’s heart.

Creamy spreads and sweet memories collide in this delightful treat.

Nostalgic aromas will quickly fill your kitchen with warmth.

Baking these cookies requires simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of rich, nutty flavor and tender texture.

Kitchen novices and seasoned bakers alike can master this straightforward recipe.

You’ll fall in love with these melt-in-your-mouth delights that remind us why homemade treats always win.

Why Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Are So Good

• Quick Kitchen Delight: Whip up these peanut butter cookies in just a few simple steps, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings with minimal effort.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the classic flavor and soft texture of these homemade cookies that bring everyone together around the treats.
• No-Fuss Baking Experience: Beginner bakers can confidently create these cookies with basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Versatile Treat Option: These cookies work wonderfully for casual snacking, school lunches, potlucks, or as a comforting dessert that pairs perfectly with milk or coffee.

Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredients

• Peanut Butter: A creamy spread that provides the signature flavor and richness of the cookies.
• Butter: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and contributes to the cookies' soft texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps create structure.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives structure to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread during baking.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the peanut butter.

How to Make Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become smooth and fluffy like a cloud.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Crack in the egg and pour in vanilla extract.

Mix thoroughly until everything is perfectly combined and looks silky.

Step 4: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Make sure these dry ingredients are well-blended with no lumps.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Stir gently until a soft, gorgeous dough forms that’s easy to handle.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls, each about the size of a ping pong ball.

Place them on the prepared baking sheet with some breathing room between each cookie.

Step 7: Create the Classic Pattern

Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie, creating that iconic crisscross design that screams homemade peanut butter cookies.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for a golden edge but keep the center soft and tender.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Grab a glass of milk and enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips for Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

• Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, softer cookies.
• Use creamy, smooth peanut butter without added oils for the best texture and consistent flavor.
• Remove cookies from the oven when edges are golden but centers look slightly underbaked to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
• Press fork marks lightly to preserve the cookie's thickness and prevent them from becoming too thin and crispy.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, fresh quality.

Variations of Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

• Almond Butter Alternative: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile and lower saturated fat content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Modification: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water, and select dairy-free peanut butter for plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining cookie texture.

Serving Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

• Sweet Pairing Paradise: Serve these warm cookies alongside a cold glass of milk for the ultimate classic comfort combination.
• Dessert Presentation Delight: Dust cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate for an elegant touch that elevates their rustic charm.
• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange cookies on a decorative platter with fresh berries or create a cookie tower for stunning social gatherings and potlucks.
• Ice Cream Sandwich Magic: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a decadent summer treat that will wow guests and family.

Storing Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, preserving their soft texture and preventing staleness.
• Shape cookie dough into balls and place on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store frozen dough for 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to original baking time.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

• Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but you might need to adjust the flour slightly as natural peanut butter has more oil and can make cookies spread more.

• How do I prevent my cookies from being too dry?

Don’t overbake. Take them out when edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet.

• Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.

• Why use both granulated and brown sugar?

Brown sugar adds moisture and creates a chewier texture, while granulated sugar helps with crisp edges and overall sweetness.

Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies deliver a classic American dessert with rich, creamy texture and homemade charm. Crisp edges and chewy centers make these treats perfect for cookie lovers craving comfort and nostalgia.

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Ingredients

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Cookies Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (128 grams) peanut butter

Main Sugars:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (110 grams) brown sugar

Binding and Dry Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Create a creamy mixture by blending butter, peanut butter, and both sugar varieties until smooth and well-incorporated.
3. Introduce egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until completely unified.
4. Separately combine flour, baking soda, and salt through a thorough whisking process.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a cohesive dough develops.
6. Shape the dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, positioning them evenly across the prepared baking sheet.
7. Gently press each cookie with a fork, creating a distinctive crisscross texture that enhances visual appeal.
8. Transfer the cookie-laden sheet into the preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden yet centers remain tender.
9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, enabling them to firm slightly before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, softer cookies.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
• Opt for natural peanut butter with no added sugar for a more intense, authentic peanut flavor.
• Substitute gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version of these classic cookies.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 196
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg