Best Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Wow, I just tried the best chewy peanut butter cookies ever. They smelled amazing right out of the oven. I could not wait to take a big bite.

I love how they melt in my mouth. They are soft yet so yummy. My friends keep asking me for the recipe.

I found a super easy way to make them at home. It makes the cookies even chewier, um, and so tasty. I can’t wait to share it with you.

Try these cookies now. You will love them as much as I do, I promise. Let’s bake them together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Chewy: Soft inside, lightly crisp on the edges—a texture everyone loves.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples.
• Easy to Make: Beginner-friendly, no complicated steps.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated.
• Freezer-Friendly: Both the dough and baked cookies freeze well for future cravings.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Bake Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.

Difficulty:

Easy. Suitable for beginners but enjoyable for seasoned bakers too.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you begin, gather these basic tools to make the process smooth:

• Mixing Bowls: One large, one medium.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: Helps cream the butter, peanut butter, and sugars.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Spatula: To scrape the bowl and mix dough evenly.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cookie Scoop (Optional): For uniform cookie size.
• Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly.
• Fork: To create the classic crisscross pattern on the cookies.

Key Ingredients (With Short Descriptions)

These simple ingredients work together to create chewy, flavorful cookies:

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base, giving structure to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
• Salt: Enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth and rich, providing the signature flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and buttery taste.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and keeps the cookies soft.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges.
• Egg: Binds the dough together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors.
• Sugar (for Sprinkling, Optional): Adds a light, sugary crunch on top.

How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies (Step-by-Step Instructions)

These cookies come together quickly with simple ingredients and an easy process. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect chewy texture with rich peanut butter flavor.

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Tools

Before starting, set yourself up for success:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it reaches the right temperature by the time your cookies are ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Gather Your Ingredients: Having everything measured and ready saves time and prevents mistakes.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Properly combining the dry ingredients ensures even distribution in the dough.

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
   • 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
   • 1 teaspoon baking soda
   • ½ teaspoon salt
2. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

This step is key to achieving a soft, chewy texture.

1. In a large mixing bowl, add:
   • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
   • ¾ cup (190g) creamy peanut butter
   • ¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
   • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and slightly paler in color. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is well mixed.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract

These ingredients add moisture and enhance the overall flavor.

1. Crack 1 large egg into the mixture and add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
2. Beat on low speed just until incorporated. Overmixing at this stage can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, about ⅓ at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
2. Mix just until the flour disappears—do not overmix. Overworking the dough can lead to dense cookies instead of a soft, chewy texture.
3. Scrape down the bowl and fold the dough gently with a spatula to make sure no flour pockets remain.

Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional, But Recommended)

Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much and enhances their chewiness.

1. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. If you’re short on time, you can bake the cookies immediately, but chilling will yield the best texture.

Step 7: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to form the cookies and bake them to chewy perfection.

1. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie) to ensure uniform size. If you don’t have a scoop, use a tablespoon and roll the dough into balls with your hands.
2. Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
3. Create the Classic Crisscross Pattern:
   • Use a fork dipped in granulated sugar to gently press down on each cookie in one direction.
   • Rotate the fork 90 degrees and press again to create the signature peanut butter cookie pattern. This also helps flatten the cookies slightly for even baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake in the Preheated Oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
   • The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly soft.
   • If you prefer a chewier texture, remove them closer to the 10-minute mark.
   • For a firmer cookie, bake for 12 minutes, but be careful not to overbake.
2. Let the Cookies Set on the Baking Sheet for 5 Minutes.
   • The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t move them right away.

Step 9: Transfer to a Wire Rack to Cool Completely

1. After 5 minutes, use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack.
2. Allow them to cool completely—this helps develop the best texture and ensures they don’t fall apart when handled.

Serving and Decoration Ideas

These chewy peanut butter cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Plain and Simple: Perfectly delicious on their own with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle it over cooled cookies for a richer treat.
• Sandwich Cookies: Spread a layer of peanut butter or chocolate frosting between two cookies for an indulgent sandwich.
• Ice Cream Pairing: Serve alongside vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful dessert combo.

Storing Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Room Temperature:

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain softness—the cookies absorb moisture from the bread.

Freezing:

• Baked Cookies: Store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Cookie Dough: Scoop dough into balls, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time.

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	145 kcal
Carbohydrates	18g
Protein	3g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	3g
Sodium	95mg
Sugar	10g

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies FAQs

Why are my peanut butter cookies dry?

Dry cookies often result from overbaking or too much flour. Measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Bake just until edges are set.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, but expect a slightly different texture. Crunchy peanut butter adds bits of peanuts to each bite.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling is optional but recommended. It prevents spreading and results in thicker, chewier cookies.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients and work in batches when baking.

Conclusion

These chewy peanut butter cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors in every bite. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, dunked in milk, or dressed up with chocolate, they’re a classic treat that never goes out of style.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade peanut butter cookies. Happy baking!