Baking is a joyful dance between science and art, and nothing brings more comfort and connection than a freshly baked batch of homemade cookies. These Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser – soft and pillowy in the middle, with a delightful crunch around the edges. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy night in or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to every face.
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Why You’ll Love This Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies are a classic for a reason – the combination of salty, nutty peanut butter and sweet, chewy goodness is simply irresistible. These cookies are the perfect balance of textures, with a soft, fudgy interior and a satisfying crunch on the outside. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it a great choice for beginner bakers or anyone who wants to enjoy the comforting taste of homemade without the fuss. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or looking to share a little joy with friends and family, these Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – just a few pantry staples are all you need to whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies. You’ll start with creamy peanut butter, which provides the rich, nutty flavor that’s the star of the show. Paired with brown sugar, butter, eggs, and a touch of vanilla, the peanut butter creates a wonderfully chewy texture that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
- 1 cup (240g) – Creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup (200g) – Brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (113g) – Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large – Egg
- 1 teaspoon – Vanilla extract
Ingredient Substitutions
- Peanut Butter: Crunchy peanut butter for a bit of extra texture (the crunch is delightful!)
- Nut Butter: A combination of peanut butter and another nut butter, like almond or cashew, for a unique twist on the classic (great for those with peanut allergies).
How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 1: Prep Work
Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use a fork to gently press a criss-cross pattern onto the top of each cookie, which will help them develop that classic peanut butter cookie look.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Chilling the Dough: For an extra-chewy texture, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies spread less and develop a heartier, fudgier center.
- Mix-Ins: You can experiment with adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
- Nut Butter Swap: Try using a different nut butter, such as almond or cashew, in place of the peanut butter for a unique flavor profile.
- Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or resealable bag.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a cold glass of milk or a steaming mug of coffee for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: You can reheat the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, chewy texture.
Make-Ahead: The dough can be made in advance and chilled for up to 3 days before baking.
For more cookie inspiration and delicious peanut butter dessert ideas, visit our Pinterest.
Nutrition Information
These Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful indulgence, but they can also be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each cookie contains approximately 140 calories, 8 grams of fat, 13 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein. While they’re not a health food, they can be a perfectly acceptable treat when enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbs: 13 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
These chewy peanut butter cookies are a delightful treat with a rich, nutty flavor. Perfectly soft and slightly chewy, they melt in your mouth and are great for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: 🍪 Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, sugar, egg, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Flatten each ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
6. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough. Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peanut butter, cookies, chewy, dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give you a slightly different texture, with a bit more crunch throughout the cookie. Feel free to experiment and see which you prefer.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading. You can also try using a slightly higher proportion of flour in the recipe.
Can I freeze the dough for later?
Yes, you can! Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
How do I get that classic criss-cross pattern on top?
Using a fork to gently press a pattern onto the top of each cookie dough ball before baking is the key to achieving that classic peanut butter cookie look. This not only creates a visually appealing design, but it also helps the cookies spread and develop a delightful texture.
Can I add mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt. Just be sure not to overstuff the cookies, as this can affect their structure and baking time.