If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort treat, look no further than these Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies. They strike that perfect balance: soft in the middle, slightly crisp at the edges, and packed with rich, nutty flavor. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this classic cookie always brings a smile—just one bite and you’ll understand why they’re a beloved favorite.

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of unforgettable Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that signature chew and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): The star ingredient, bringing bold peanut flavor and that irresistible chewiness.
Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges.
Packed Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): Keeps the cookies moist and chewy with its molasses undertones.
Large Egg (1): Binds everything together and adds richness for a soft center.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
All-Purpose Flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides structure and keeps the cookies thick and chewy.
Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a gentle lift, ensuring they’re not too dense.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and deepens the peanut butter flavor.

How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies bake evenly and release easily—no sticking, no fuss!

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the blend is light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This step gives your cookies their signature soft texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. This duo brings moisture and warmth to the dough, pulling all the flavors together.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick step ensures even distribution of the leavening and salt, so your cookies bake perfectly every time.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft but cohesive dough forms. If you want extra texture, fold in a handful of chopped peanuts or chocolate chips at this stage.

Step 6: Shape and Flatten

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to gently press each cookie, creating that iconic crisscross pattern on top—this helps them bake evenly and adds a charming homemade touch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look a bit soft. Resist the urge to overbake; the cookies will set up as they cool and maintain their delicious chewiness.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up just enough to handle, but keeps their centers wonderfully soft.

How to Serve Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top takes these Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies to the next level. For a touch of nostalgia, press a few mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts into the tops right after baking.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a cozy mug of hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These classic combinations make snack time feel extra special and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few cookies and tie them with twine for a giftable treat, or arrange them on a tiered stand for dessert tables. For parties, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate peanut butter ice cream sandwich—irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for lunchboxes and afternoon pick-me-ups.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls; just bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time for fresh, warm cookies anytime.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The centers will turn gooey and soft, making your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies taste like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

How do I make my cookies extra chewy?

The key to ultra-chewy cookies is not overbaking—pull them from the oven when the centers still look a bit underdone. Using brown sugar also helps lock in moisture for that perfect, chewy bite.

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds a satisfying crunch, though the cookies may spread a little less. You can also fold in extra chopped peanuts if you love more texture in your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

If you’re out of parchment, lightly grease your baking sheet to prevent sticking. Just keep an eye on the cookies, as they may brown a touch faster without the parchment layer.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can chill the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. Chilled dough often yields even thicker, chewier cookies and makes it easy to bake fresh batches as needed.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and isn’t gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute for a similar chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a batch of homemade Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies—each bite is a nostalgic hug you can taste. Whether you’re baking with family or treating yourself, give this recipe a try and watch these cookies disappear faster than you can say “peanut butter.” Happy baking!

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy texture and rich peanut butter flavor. Made with simple ingredients and easy to prepare, they are an ideal treat for any occasion. With a classic crisscross fork pattern and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are a delightful homemade dessert that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth, well-mixed batter.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Create Crisscross Pattern: Gently flatten each cookie ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on the top which is characteristic of classic peanut butter cookies.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn lightly golden but the centers still look soft, ensuring chewy texture.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up properly.

Notes

For extra texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts or chocolate chips into the dough before shaping the cookies.
Do not overbake as the cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet and firm up as they cool, preserving their chewy texture.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American