Description
These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are deliciously soft with a perfect balance of sweetness and rich peanut butter flavor. They feature a tender, chewy center with lightly crisp edges, making them an irresistible homemade treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, gently packed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the cookie dough to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Peanut Butter and Egg: Mix in the creamy peanut butter, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl as necessary to ensure even mixing.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies thick and chewy rather than tough.
- Portion the Dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Space each scoop about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for edges that are set while the centers remain slightly underbaked for the best chewy texture.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time allows the cookies to firm up without losing softness inside.
Notes
- For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture; crunchy peanut butter will change the cookie consistency.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of chocolate chips.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months.
