Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies: The Ultimate Homemade Treat

If you’re a fan of cookies that are rich, nutty, and perfectly chewy, these thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are your new go-to recipe. They strike the perfect balance between a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center and a slightly crisp edge. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of cookies that smell heavenly and taste even better.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
• 1 cup (260g) creamy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Optional:

• ½ cup peanut butter chips or chocolate chips for extra indulgence

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

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

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or stand mixer to cream them together for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Next, add the peanut butter and mix until fully incorporated. The aroma at this stage will already make your kitchen feel cozy!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix again. The dough should now be smooth, creamy, and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, helping your cookies rise perfectly.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand. Be careful not to overmix—overmixing can make cookies tough.

If you’re adding peanut butter or chocolate chips, fold them in now with a spatula.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave at least 2 inches between cookies, as they will spread slightly. For classic peanut butter crisscross patterns, gently press each cookie with a fork in a crosshatch pattern.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should still look soft. This is the key to keeping them chewy!

Step 8: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling them slightly on the sheet helps them set without losing chewiness.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Serve warm with a glass of milk or let them cool completely and store in an airtight container. These cookies stay soft and chewy for several days—or you can freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

1. Use room temperature butter and eggs for even mixing.
2. Don’t overbake—cookies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
3. Customize your cookies by adding chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
4. Slightly chill the dough if you want even thicker cookies that spread less.

Final Thoughts

These thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are the ultimate treat for any peanut butter lover. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. The balance of soft centers, chewy edges, and that unmistakable peanut butter flavor makes every bite irresistible.

Whether it’s for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, these cookies never disappoint.

If you want, I can also make a step-by-step visual guide with pictures for each stage of the cookie-making process, so it’s easier to follow while baking.

Do you want me to do that?