Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, you’re in for a treat! These cookies come out perfectly tender, with just the right amount of chew and fluffiness. Unlike those thin, crispy peanut butter cookies you sometimes get, this recipe gives you a soft, thick bite that melts in your mouth—it’s the kind of cookie I find myself craving again and again.

What I love most about this Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to pull together with common pantry staples, yet it delivers rich, indulgent flavor at every bite. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon snack, a school lunchbox, or a cozy night with tea, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. Let me walk you through all the little tips I’ve learned to help your cookies turn out just right every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is chosen to create the perfect balance of softness and flavor. Here’s a quick handpicked list and why they matter so much.

• All-purpose flour: This gives the cookies structure but we only use 1 and 1/3 cups to keep them soft, not cakey.
• Baking soda: Helps with a slight rise so your cookies stay thick but don’t puff up too much.
• Salt: A pinch enhances the peanut butter flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter keeps the cookie soft and adds richness without overpowering the peanut flavor.
• Light or dark brown sugar: Adds moisture and a tiny hint of caramel, key for that chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Used for both the dough and rolling to give a light crunch and sweet snap on the outside.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and keeps the cookies thick and moist.
• Creamy peanut butter: The heart of this recipe – using creamy peanut butter gives a smooth, luscious texture inside every bite.
• Pure vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon brings out the nutty notes and adds depth.

Variations

I think the fun of baking this Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to your taste or diet. Feel free to get creative and make it yours!

• Chunky peanut butter: If you like a little crunch in your cookies, swap in chunky peanut butter instead of creamy. I love the texture contrast it adds.
• Chocolate chips: I often toss in a handful of semisweet or milk chocolate chips—because who can say no to peanut butter and chocolate?
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend if you’re avoiding gluten—it won’t be quite the same, but still delightful!
• Vegan swap: Replace butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) to make a plant-based version that still stays super soft.

How to Make Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This simple step ensures the leavening is evenly distributed, so your cookies rise just right and stay thick. I usually whip this up first so I can focus on the buttery goodness next.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—usually about 3 to 4 minutes. I find this is where the magic starts, giving the cookies a tender crumb and that irresistible chew.

Step 3: Add Egg, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla

Mix in the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter-sugar blend. Make sure your egg and butter are at room temperature, which helps everything combine smoothly without the dough splitting. I like to pause and scrape down the sides so everything is evenly mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing at this point can make cookies tough, so take it easy and stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour. Your dough will be thick and sticky—that’s exactly what you want.

Step 5: Roll and Bake

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball, then roll each ball in the remaining granulated sugar to create a lightly crispy outer layer. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just set but the center is still soft. Don’t overbake—these cookies will firm up as they cool and you want them chewy inside.

How to Serve Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are beautiful on their own, I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. That little salty contrast brings out the peanut butter’s richness perfectly. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted chocolate adds a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these soft & thick peanut butter cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of chai tea—something creamy to balance the richness. They’re also delightful with vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert mashup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday party, I like to stack these cookies with small dollops of peanut butter frosting or sandwich them with a thin layer of chocolate ganache. They also look cute when arranged in a mason jar lined with parchment paper for gifting—instant crowd-pleasers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftover soft & thick peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay wonderfully soft for up to 5 days—just make sure to layer them between parchment sheets if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze really well. I usually freeze the dough balls on a tray first, then transfer them into a freezer bag. When I want fresh cookies, I pop the dough in the fridge overnight or bake straight from frozen by adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To refresh leftover cookies, I warm them for about 10 seconds in the microwave or for a few minutes in a low oven (300°F). This brings back that fresh-baked softness and makes the peanut butter scent come alive again—trust me, it’s worth it!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe cookies have become a family favorite in my kitchen, and I hope they become yours, too. They’re the kind of bake that makes everything feel a bit cozier—the perfect way to show some love with simple, delicious ingredients. Next time you want that comforting, soft cookie fix, don’t hesitate to try this recipe; you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to get bakery-quality results at home.

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