If you adore cookies that boast rich, nutty flavor and that perfect tender-yet-chewy bite, you’re going to absolutely fall in love with this Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies are like a warm hug from the inside out, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and the unmistakable creamy peanut butter taste that makes each bite so satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a special treat for kids, or just because, this recipe hits the sweet spot every time with its simple ingredients and straightforward process.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role, combining to create that classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture and taste. From the richness of creamy peanut butter to the subtle lift from baking soda, each element adds its own magic.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, providing moistness and that unmistakable peanut flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings deep, caramel undertones and moisture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s golden color.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and helps with structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, adding warmth and depth.
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and ensures the perfect chewiness.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cookies a gentle rise for soft edges.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and heightens the peanut butter flavor.
How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet without a hitch.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, whip together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process introduces air, which helps create a nice texture in your cookies and boosts their tenderness.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly. These add moisture, richness, and a lovely aromatic background that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed for balanced flavor and texture.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 6: Shape and Prepare for Baking
Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough and roll them into neat balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Gently press a fork into each ball to create the iconic crisscross pattern that also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake with Care
Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, watching closely so the edges are set but the centers remain a bit soft. This slight underbaking is key for achieving that desirable chewy texture. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
How to Serve Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your cookies. Consider a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast, or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate after baking for an indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these chewy delights with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or rich hot chocolate. The creamy beverages perfectly complement the nuttiness and sweetness of the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Stacked in a rustic tin with wax paper, or arranged beautifully on a dessert platter with fresh berries and whipped cream, these cookies impress both in taste and presentation. You can also sandwich them with chocolate or marshmallow spread for fun variations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for about 3 to 4 days, perfect for quick snacks or sharing.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the dough balls on a baking tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This revives the gooey texture and melts the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy in this recipe?
Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a lovely crunch and a slightly different texture, which some peanut butter lovers might prefer. Just keep in mind it may slightly change the chewiness of the cookies.
Why are my peanut butter cookies too crumbly?
Crumbly cookies often mean there’s not enough moisture or binding agents. Make sure your butter is softened and your egg is fresh. Avoid overmixing the flour too; also, underbaking slightly helps maintain chewiness.
Can I replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
You can swap for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but it may impact the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit denser. Try a half-and-half mix for a balance between nutrition and chewiness.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the butter with a plant-based vegan butter and the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water equals one egg). The cookie texture will remain deliciously chewy with these swaps.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to this Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Both chocolate chips and chopped peanuts make fantastic additions that add texture and bursts of flavor. Just fold them into the dough after mixing all ingredients and before shaping.
Final Thoughts
This Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making again and again. Its perfect combination of simple ingredients and straightforward steps leads to an irresistible cookie that’s satisfyingly chewy and full of flavor. So dive in, bake a batch, and share the joy of these classic treats with everyone you love—you’re going to adore every bite.
Print
Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These chewy peanut butter cookies are soft, flavorful, and easy to make. With a perfect balance of sweetness and rich peanut butter taste, they provide a classic American dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The cookies stay soft and slightly underbaked for an irresistible chewy texture.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until smooth and homogenous.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt evenly to distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the flour.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which could toughen the cookies.
- Form Cookie Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Shape Cookies: Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball in a crisscross pattern, which creates the iconic peanut butter cookie texture and helps with even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly underdone, ensuring a chewy interior. Avoid overbaking.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to finish setting on the baking sheet as they cool.
- Feel free to add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts to the dough for variations in flavor and texture.
