Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

There is nothing quite like a warm, chewy peanut butter cookie fresh from the oven, and this Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe perfectly delivers that nostalgic comfort with each bite. Balancing the rich nuttiness of creamy peanut butter with the deep caramel notes of brown sugar, these cookies are wonderfully soft yet hold just the right amount of chewiness that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a festive gathering, or just because, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a batch of delightful treats that truly feel like a hug in cookie form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe are everyday staples that come together beautifully to create amazing flavor, soft texture, and that perfect golden hue. Each ingredient serves a key role, from tenderizing the dough to adding sweetness or that subtle lift.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create a tender, luscious texture.
• Creamy peanut butter (3/4 cup): The star of the show, delivering creamy nuttiness and moisture.
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup): Brings deep molasses flavor and keeps cookies wonderfully chewy.
• White granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a touch of crispness and balances sweetness.
• Egg (1): Binds everything together and contributes to softness.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with a rich aroma.
• Unbleached flour (1 1/3 cups): Provides structure without overpowering the delicate chewiness.
• Baking soda (3/4 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift and balances texture.
• Sea salt (optional): Adds a subtle contrast that makes the sweetness pop delightfully.

How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This no-stick base ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide right off once cooled.

Step 2: Soften the Butter

Place the unsalted butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds until soft but not melted. If it’s still too firm, add five more seconds. Soft butter blends smoothly with peanut butter for the best texture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat them together until you achieve a smooth and creamy blend — this step is key to that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix these in until they are fully incorporated, adding moisture and that lovely fragrant lift.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir in the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Be gentle here—overmixing can make cookies tough. These leavening agents will help your cookies rise just enough for perfect chewiness.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Roll into balls and place them at least 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Create Classic Peanut Butter Impressions

Press a fork gently but firmly, first horizontally then vertically across each dough ball, creating the iconic crosshatch pattern. This step not only looks charming but also slightly flattens the cookies so they bake evenly.

Step 8: Add Sea Salt and Bake

Lightly sprinkle sea salt on top for a subtle savory balance, if you like. Bake the cookies for about 9 minutes. They may look a touch underdone and pale upon removal – that’s perfect since they will finish cooking on the warm baking sheet and stay soft inside.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This rest period lets them set up perfectly chewy, soft, and utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies taste fantastic on their own, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking makes an irresistible contrast that brightens the peanut butter flavor. For a festive touch, you can drizzle some melted dark chocolate or add a few chopped peanuts on top before baking.

Side Dishes

Pair your chewy peanut butter cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm mug of coffee or tea for a comforting treat. They also complement a scoop of vanilla ice cream wonderfully when served as a dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, stack your cookies with parchment paper in between and tie with a rustic ribbon. You can even sandwich them with chocolate ganache or marshmallow fluff for a decadent twist that highlights the chewy peanut butter goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your chewy peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps preserve their soft texture and flavors, keeping your batch fresh bite after bite.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, simply bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen; thaw to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees for 5 minutes. This reheating keeps the chewy texture perfect and revives that fresh-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add delightful bits of texture throughout the cookies, giving an extra peanutty crunch that some people love alongside the chewiness.

Why do my cookies turn out dry instead of chewy?

Overbaking is the most common culprit. Make sure to bake just until the edges are set and the cookies look slightly underdone in the center—the cookies will finish baking as they cool, maintaining that perfect chew.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Butter adds flavor and helps create the chewy texture, so substituting with oil may alter the taste and make the cookies less tender. If you must, use a mild oil and reduce the amount slightly, but butter is highly recommended.

Is it necessary to add both baking soda and baking powder?

Yes, they work together to give the ideal rise and texture. Baking soda neutralizes acidity and helps spread, while baking powder provides gentle lift, ensuring your cookies aren’t too dense or cakey.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can swap the unbleached flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend with xanthan gum. This substitution usually works well, but always check your blend’s instructions for best results.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the complete guide to the Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake a batch of these irresistible treats. Their perfect balance of soft chewiness and rich peanut butter flavor makes every bite feel like a little celebration. It’s a recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your kitchen and beyond. So grab your ingredients, have fun with the process, and get ready to indulge in some truly memorable cookies!

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