The Easiest Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe for All Ages

Peanut butter cookies represent the ultimate comfort treat for sweet-loving souls.

Craving something nostalgic and indulgent will instantly draw you toward these delectable morsels.

Soft, rich textures promise a delightful experience with each bite.

Perfectly balanced sweetness meets classic bakery charm in this beloved recipe.

Kitchen enthusiasts adore these cookies for their simplicity and crowd-pleasing potential.

Warm memories of childhood gatherings emerge with every golden-edged morsel.

Passionate bakers understand the magic of refineing humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

What Makes Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies So Craveable

• Savor Irresistible Texture: Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers that melt in your mouth with each delightful bite.
• Whip Up Effortless Delight: Experience a super simple recipe that comes together quickly, requiring minimal baking skills and just one mixing bowl for easy cleanup.
• Create Nostalgic Comfort: Relish the classic peanut butter cookie that brings back warm memories of grandma's kitchen, with its iconic crisscross pattern and rich, nutty flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize your cookies by adding a sprinkle of sea salt or experimenting with different peanut butter types to match your taste preferences.

Ingredients List for Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Soft and room temperature butter provides rich, creamy texture and helps bind cookie ingredients.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth, high-quality peanut butter ensures intense peanut flavor and chewy consistency.

• Brown Sugar, White Granulated Sugar: Combination creates deep caramel notes and balanced sweetness with soft cookie texture.

• Large Egg: Helps bind ingredients and provides structure to the cookie.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor that complements peanut butter perfectly.

• Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps create tender cookie base.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help cookies rise and achieve perfect soft texture.

• Sea Salt: Enhances peanut butter flavor and adds subtle savory contrast to sweet cookies.

How to Bake Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Soften the Butter

Pop butter in the microwave for 20-25 seconds until just soft. Avoid melting- we want it creamy, not liquid!

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Brown sugar
• White sugar

Whip these ingredients until they’re smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters

Crack in the egg and splash of vanilla extract. Blend thoroughly until the mixture looks silky and combined.

Step 5: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder

Stir until the dough looks uniform with no flour streaks.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Gems

Scoop dough using a tablespoon, rolling into golf ball-sized rounds. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

Step 7: Create Classic Crosshatch

Use a fork to press down on each dough ball, making a beautiful crisscross pattern. This isn’t just decorative- it helps cookies cook evenly!

Step 8: Optional Salty Twist

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over each cookie for an unexpected flavor pop.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven for 9 minutes. Cookies should look slightly underbaked- they’ll firm up while cooling.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 15 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and get ready to bite into pure happiness!

Pro Tip: These cookies stay wonderfully chewy when stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Tips That Make Peanut Butter Cookies Even Better

• Butter Brilliance: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture, preventing tough or greasy results.
• Dough Density Control: Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender and prevent them from becoming dense or tough.
• Fork Finesse: Press cookie dough gently with a fork to create signature crisscross marks without flattening the cookies completely.
• Salt Magic: A light sprinkle of sea salt enhances the peanut butter's rich flavor and adds a delightful sweet-salty balance.
• Cooling Technique: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 15 minutes to set their structure before transferring, preventing potential crumbling.

How to Keep Peanut Butter Cookies Soft and Tasty

• Refrigerate: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. They'll stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
• Reheat: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, chewy texture.

Sweet Snacks and Drinks to Pair with These Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Milk: Indulge in a cold glass of whole milk that perfectly complements the rich, nutty flavor of these chewy peanut butter cookies. The smooth, cool milk balances the warm, sweet cookie, creating a delightful taste sensation.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Serve alongside dark chocolate pieces or a hot mocha to enhance the peanut butter's deep, roasted notes. The bitter chocolate provides a sophisticated contrast to the cookie's sweet and creamy profile.
• Fruity Contrast: Accompany the cookies with fresh raspberry jam or strawberry preserves. The bright, tangy fruit cuts through the cookie's richness, adding a refreshing layer of flavor that dances on your palate.
• Coffee Companion: Brew a robust espresso or a smooth cappuccino to enjoy with these cookies. The strong coffee notes highlight the peanut butter's warmth, making each bite a luxurious experience.

Ways to Mix Up Your Peanut Butter Cookie Game

• Chocolate Chip Fusion: Add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, decadent flavor that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
• Nutty Adventure: Mix in 1/4 cup of chopped almonds or pecans to introduce extra crunch and depth to the classic cookie texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Spiced Sensation: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic twist that elevates the traditional peanut butter cookie.

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Grandma’s classic peanut butter cookies deliver nostalgic comfort with rich, crumbly texture and deep nutty flavor. Crisp edges and chewy centers make these simple American treats irresistible for cookie lovers seeking a quick homemade dessert.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (180 ml) creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) white granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ⅓ cups (167 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Optional: Sea salt for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and arrange a parchment-lined baking sheet for optimal cookie preparation.
2. Gently microwave butter until softened, ensuring it remains solid and not melted.
3. In a spacious mixing vessel, whisk together butter, peanut butter, and sugars until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Introduce egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to create a homogeneous wet mixture.
5. Gradually fold in flour, baking soda, and baking powder, stirring until the dough reaches a smooth, cohesive texture without visible flour pockets.
6. Craft uniform dough spheres using a tablespoon measure, positioning them strategically across the prepared baking surface with adequate spacing.
7. Imprint each cookie ball with a fork, creating the quintessential peanut butter cookie crosshatch design – first horizontally, then vertically.
8. For an enhanced flavor profile, dust cookies with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt crystals.
9. Slide the tray into the preheated oven, baking until edges turn pale golden but centers remain tender, approximately 9-10 minutes.
10. Transfer cookies to a wire rack, allowing them to stabilize and develop a perfectly chewy texture for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Storing tip: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and that classic soft texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg