Chunky Dream: The Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Soft, chewy cookies with a rich peanut butter flavor have always been a delightful treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

These thick peanut butter cookies capture the essence of comfort and indulgence in every delectable bite.

The secret lies in carefully selecting premium ingredients that blend seamlessly into a mouthwatering dough.

Each cookie promises a perfect balance of crumbly texture and intense nutty goodness.

Baking these treats fills your kitchen with an inviting, warm aroma that draws everyone closer.

The simple recipe ensures even novice bakers can create bakery-quality cookies at home.

Prepare to savor a classic dessert that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 12

Peanut Butter Cookie Ingredient Breakdown

• Butter: Creamy base that adds richness and helps create a tender texture with soft golden edges.
• Peanut Butter: Provides intense nutty flavor and smooth consistency, choose natural or creamy style for best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps cookies achieve crisp exterior.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and keeps cookies wonderfully moist.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to cookie's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental structure for cookie's framework, sift to prevent lumps.
• Baking Soda: Creates gentle lift and helps cookies spread evenly.
• Baking Powder: Provides additional rise and ensures soft texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavor profiles.

• Chopped Peanuts: Adds delightful crunch and extra nutty dimension.
• Peanut Butter Chips: Introduces concentrated peanut butter bursts throughout cookie.

Tools to Bake Thick, Gourmet-Style Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Hand or stand mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugars to fluffy perfection.
• Baking sheets: Two lined with parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: Helps create uniform cookie sizes quickly.
• Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients without lumps.
• Fork: Used for creating classic crisscross pattern on cookie tops.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy.

Mix and Bake Cookies That Stay Chewy

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and grab two baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper or those handy silicone mats.

• Whip Up the Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and blend butter, peanut butter, white and brown sugars until they transform into a fluffy cloud. This takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing.

• Bring in the Moisture

Crack an egg and splash in some vanilla. Mix until everything looks smooth and happy together.

• Create the Dry Mixture

In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold this into your wet ingredients. Keep things gentle – no aggressive stirring! If you want extra crunch, toss in some chopped peanuts.

• Shape Your Treats

Roll dough into golf ball sized rounds. Place them on your prepared sheets with some breathing room between each. Press a fork across the top to make that classic crisscross design.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheets into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look golden and centers remain slightly soft.

• Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack. Munch and savor these delicious peanut butter delights!

Tips for That Bakery-Level Texture

• Pull out butter 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve perfect softness, ensuring super smooth and creamy cookie texture.
• Choose natural, creamy peanut butter without added sugars for deeper, richer nutty flavor and ideal cookie consistency.
• Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend to create celiac-friendly cookies without compromising delicious taste.
• Add ground flaxseed or chia seeds to increase nutritional value and create slightly denser, more substantial cookie texture.
• Prepare cookie dough balls, freeze on baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bag for instant homemade cookies anytime – simply add 2-3 extra minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen state.

Serve with Cold Milk or Coffee

• Cozy Milk Pairing: Enjoy these thick peanut butter cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic, comforting treat that brings out the rich, nutty flavors.
• Dessert Platter Delight: Create a stunning dessert spread by arranging cookies alongside chocolate truffles, fresh berries, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a gourmet presentation.
• Sweet Gift Packaging: Package the cookies in a cute mason jar or decorative tin, tied with a ribbon, for a heartwarming homemade gift that friends and family will absolutely love.
• Coffee Shop Experience: Serve these cookies alongside a hot espresso or cappuccino for a delightful afternoon snack that mimics a charming café moment.

Store Cookies to Keep Them Fresh and Soft

• Store cookies in an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.
• Wrap individual cookies or entire batch in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for soft, delicious results.
• Create cookie dough balls before baking and refrigerate uncooked dough for 24 hours to enhance flavor complexity. Alternatively, freeze raw dough balls for spontaneous baking sessions.
• Add a small slice of bread inside storage container to keep cookies soft and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly. Replace bread slice every 1-2 days for best results.

FAQs

• Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These cookies have a soft, chewy texture with slightly crisp edges. The inside remains tender and moist, providing a perfect balance of softness and crunch.

• Can I make these cookies without peanuts?

Absolutely! You can easily omit the chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips. The base cookie recipe will still be delicious and full of rich peanut butter flavor.

• How do I get the perfect crisscross pattern on top?

Use a fork and gently press down on each cookie dough ball in a perpendicular pattern. Press lightly to create the classic grid design without flattening the cookies too much.

• What type of peanut butter works best for this recipe?

Creamy, smooth peanut butter is ideal. Regular store-bought brands like Jif or Skippy work great. Avoid natural peanut butter with separated oil, as it can affect the cookie’s texture and consistency.

Irresistible Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Irresistible homemade peanut butter cookies invite sweet-toothed bakers into a world of nostalgic comfort. Crisp edges and chewy centers promise a delightful indulgence you’ll savor with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup (4 oz / 115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (4 oz / 120 g) creamy peanut butter (natural or processed)
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 ¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (75 g) chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Position oven rack in center and heat to 350F (175C), lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Creaming Process: Combine softened butter, peanut butter, granulated and brown sugars in a mixing bowl, whipping until light, fluffy, and pale in color, creating a voluminous base.
3. Liquid Integration: Whisk egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, ensuring a smooth, homogeneous liquid foundation that binds the cookie dough.
4. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together, then gently fold into wet ingredients, mixing minimally to prevent dense texture.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips, distributing evenly throughout the dough to maximize nutty complexity.
6. Shaping Technique: Roll dough into uniform two-tablespoon spheres, placing on prepared sheets with ample spacing to accommodate spreading during baking.
7. Signature Finish: Press fork tines across each dough ball, creating the iconic crosshatch pattern characteristic of classic peanut butter cookies.
8. Baking Precision: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers remain slightly soft, achieving perfect texture balance.
9. Cooling Protocol: Rest cookies on baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to wire rack to complete cooling and set structure.
10. Storage Strategy: Seal completely cooled cookies in airtight container, preserving optimal flavor and texture for up to one week.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect creamy, airy texture that creates tender, moist cookies.
• Avoid Overmixing Dough: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to prevent developing tough, dense cookies that lack the desired soft, crumbly texture.
• Create Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or two-tablespoon measure to guarantee consistent size, ensuring even baking and professional-looking results.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour, use plant-based butter alternatives, or swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for allergen-friendly options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg