Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe with Simple Ingredients

Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies: Irresistibly Chewy & Rich in Every Bite 🍪🥜✨

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, soft peanut butter cookie that’s thick, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. This easy homemade peanut butter cookies recipe requires just a handful of simple pantry ingredients and delivers bakery-style results every single time. Whether you’re a baking beginner looking for foolproof cookie recipes or a seasoned pro wanting to perfect your technique, these classic peanut butter cookies will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation. The aroma alone as they bake will have your family gathered in the kitchen!

2. Ingredients

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. You probably have everything you need right in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need for about 24 perfect cookies:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (unsweetened) – For more peanut butter inspiration, check out our peanut butter recipes collection
• 1 cup granulated sugar (you can substitute half with brown sugar for extra chewiness)
• 1 large egg (room temperature works best)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (the good stuff makes a difference!)
• ½ tsp baking soda (this helps them rise beautifully)
• A pinch of fine sea salt (balances the sweetness perfectly)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture. This is especially important for the egg and peanut butter. Measure everything out precisely – baking is a science after all! If you love easy baking projects, you might also enjoy our simple banana bread recipe that uses similar preparation methods.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir until the mixture forms a thick, sticky dough that holds together when pressed. Avoid overmixing – we want tender cookies, not tough ones! For another delicious peanut butter treat, try our chocolate peanut butter cake.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For perfectly uniform cookies, I like to use a small cookie scoop. If you love baking cookies, you’ll find more great ideas in our snack recipes section.

Step 4: Flatten with a Fork

Here’s the fun part! Dip a fork in sugar (this prevents sticking) and gently press down on each dough ball at a 90-degree angle to create that classic crisscross pattern. Not only does this give them the traditional peanut butter cookie look, but it helps them bake evenly. For more baking inspiration, check out this similar peanut butter cookie recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction.

4. Baking Tips

After testing this recipe dozens of times, here are my pro tips for perfect soft peanut butter cookies every time:

• Chill for thickness: For extra-thick cookies that don’t spread too much, chill the shaped dough balls for 30 minutes before baking.
• Peanut butter matters: Natural peanut butter gives a richer taste, but make sure it’s well-stirred. The oil separation can affect texture.
• Baking time is key: Remove the cookies when the edges are just set but centers still look slightly underdone – they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Rotate pans: If baking two sheets at once, rotate them halfway through for even browning.

5. Delicious Variations

While these classic soft peanut butter cookies are amazing as-is, here are some fun ways to mix them up:

• Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for a decadent twist.
• Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies: Use chunky peanut butter or add ¼ cup chopped peanuts for added texture.
• Stuffed Cookies: Press a chocolate kiss or small piece of brownie into the center of each dough ball before baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free – just ensure all ingredients are certified GF.
• Peanut Butter Blossoms: After baking, press a chocolate kiss into each warm cookie.

6. Storage & Serving Suggestions

Store these soft peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days (if they last that long!). For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

• Classic style with a cold glass of milk
• Crumbled over vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert
• Sandwiched with chocolate frosting or cheesecake filling
• As part of a cookie platter with our pumpkin spice cupcakes

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
A: Absolutely! Using half brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor and creates an even chewier texture. The cookies will be slightly darker in color.

Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: This usually happens if the dough is too warm or your baking soda is old. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, and always check your leaveners’ expiration dates.

Q: Can I make these without eggs?
A: While I haven’t tested it, you could try using a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan version. The texture might be slightly different.

Q: How do I get my cookies to be extra soft?
A: The key is not overbaking them! Take them out when they look slightly underdone in the center – they’ll continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

8. Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

While these are definitely a treat, here’s the nutritional breakdown per cookie (based on 24 cookies per batch):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g (4% DV)
• Protein: 3g (a nice protein boost from the peanut butter!)
• Fat: 7g (includes 1.5g saturated fat)
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

9. Final Thoughts

These soft peanut butter cookies are truly a dream come true for peanut butter lovers! With their thick, chewy texture and irresistible nutty flavor, they’re perfect for everything from lunchboxes to holiday cookie exchanges. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity – no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients needed. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, meal prepping sweet treats for the week, or just craving a homemade cookie, this easy peanut butter cookies recipe delivers delicious results every single time. The hardest part will be waiting for them to cool before digging in! Happy baking! 🍪✨

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