Description

Delight in the comforting taste of homemade thick and chewy peanut butter cookies. These classic treats are packed with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter and the perfect balance of sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging solo, these cookies are quick to make and impossible to resist. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and iconic crisscross pattern, they bring a nostalgic touch to any occasion. Let’s get started on this simple yet irresistible recipe.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation Method

Creaming the Butter and Sugars:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup and non-stick baking.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies have the ideal texture.

Adding the Peanut Butter and Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the creamy peanut butter, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.

Shaping the Cookies:
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough, forming balls about 1.5 tablespoons each. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball.

For the classic peanut butter cookie look, use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, creating a crisscross pattern. This step not only makes them iconic but also helps them bake evenly.

Baking and Cooling:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked—this is perfect for achieving a chewy texture.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra burst of peanut flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the cookies before baking. If you prefer a nuttier and less sweet cookie, opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars. To elevate the experience, pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

These thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are the ultimate comfort treat, perfect for any time of the year. Simple to make yet packed with flavor, they’re a surefire way to brighten anyone’s day. Try pairing them with our other cookie recipes for a dessert platter that will impress. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us—we love seeing your creations!