Fluffy and rich, these peanut butter cookies will melt in your mouth with every bite! These soft and thick peanut butter cookies offer a delightful blend of nutty goodness and buttery comfort, making every moment spent in the kitchen feel like pure bliss. With just a handful of pantry staples and only 15 minutes of active preparation, you’ll be on your way to baking a tray of golden, chewy delights that are guaranteed to brighten any afternoon or cap off a cozy evening. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving a sweet pick-me-up, this beginner-friendly recipe promises perfectly thick cookies every time—no fancy equipment required. At roughly 120 calories per cookie, they’re a scrumptious treat that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. From creaming the peanut butter and butter until they’re luxuriously smooth, to the final fork-pressed criss-cross pattern, each step is designed to build on that signature soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
These cookies are the very definition of comfort food, combining peanut butter’s rich, savory depth with the sweet kiss of brown and granulated sugars. A gentle hint of vanilla underlines the flavors, while the careful balance of baking soda and baking powder ensures a subtle lift and tender crumb. After a quick 12-minute bake and a brief 5-minute rest on the pan, the edges turn just lightly golden—your cue to let them cool completely on a wire rack. Whether you’re packing them into an airtight container for later snacking or savoring them fresh from the oven with a cold glass of milk, every bite is bound to be a mini celebration. Let these soft & thick peanut butter cookies become your go-to dessert recipe for moments when you want a simple, yet unforgettable, sweet escape.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SOFT & THICK PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
Before we dive into the mixing and baking, it’s worth highlighting the star players that make these cookies so irresistibly soft, thick, and full of peanut butter flavor. Each ingredient has a special role to play in texture, taste, and structure, so gathering high-quality items will set you up for baking success.
- Creamy peanut butter – The heart and soul of these cookies, creamy peanut butter delivers that unmistakable nutty richness. It also contributes to the moisture and density, ensuring each bite stays soft.
- Unsalted butter – When softened and creamed with peanut butter, unsalted butter adds a tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Using unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness.
- Granulated sugar – This white sugar helps create structure and crispness along the edges, balancing sweetness with a fine texture.
- Light brown sugar – Packed with molasses, light brown sugar lends deep caramel notes and extra moisture, keeping the cookies chewy.
- Egg – Acting as a binder and leavener, the egg helps hold the dough together while contributing to a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla brightens the nutty flavors and rounds out the sweetness with its warm, aromatic profile.
- All-purpose flour – The backbone of the dough, all-purpose flour provides structure and stability, ensuring the cookies hold their thick shape.
- Baking soda – This leavening agent reacts with acidic components to offer a gentle rise and tender lift.
- Baking powder – Working alongside baking soda, baking powder ensures an even puff and lightness, resulting in cookies that aren’t too dense.
- Salt – A pinch of salt amplifies the peanut butter’s natural sweetness and balances the sugars for a more complex flavor.
HOW TO MAKE SOFT & THICK PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
Now that our ingredients are prepped and waiting, it’s time to combine them into a buttery, peanut-packed dough and transform it into irresistible cookies. Follow these steps carefully to achieve that signature soft center and pillowy thickness.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning, then set them aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter and softened butter using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is smooth, velvety, and fully combined.
3. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color—this step incorporates air for a tender texture.
4. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the bowl. Mix on medium speed until the dough is uniform and glossy, scraping down the sides as needed.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents clumps.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined—overmixing can make cookies tough.
7. Roll the dough into small balls, each about 1 tablespoon in size. Space them evenly on the prepared baking sheets, leaving room for gentle spreading.
8. Using a fork, gently flatten each ball of dough and create a classic criss-cross pattern on top. This helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them that signature look.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as the centers should remain soft.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, locking in that chewy texture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SOFT & THICK PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
After all that baking magic, it’s time to savor these soft and thick peanut butter cookies in style. Whether you’re creating an indulgent dessert spread or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a sweet treat, these serving ideas will elevate every bite.
- Pair with a glass of cold milk for a classic match. The creamy chill of milk cuts through the richness, making each mouthful feel refreshingly balanced.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, chewy cookie and creamy, cold ice cream creates a delightful temperature play.
- Drizzle with melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with finely chopped peanuts. The bittersweet notes of dark chocolate enhance the peanut butter’s depth, adding a touch of elegance.
- Add a pinch of sea salt flakes on top just before serving. The subtle crunch and briny pop of salt creates a gourmet twist that highlights the sweetness.
HOW TO STORE SOFT & THICK PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
Storing these cookies properly means you can enjoy their fresh-baked softness days later. Whether you plan to nibble on them throughout the week or freeze extras for a rainy day, follow these methods to maintain flavor and texture.
- Airtight container at room temperature: Place cooled cookies in a single layer or separated by parchment paper. Seal in an airtight container to keep them soft for up to one week.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer bite, store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Let them come to room temperature for optimal chewiness before serving.
- Freezing baked cookies: After cooling completely, arrange cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment layers. Freeze for up to three months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
- Freezing cookie dough: Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer frozen balls to a sealed bag and store for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
CONCLUSION
Bringing this recipe for Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies to life has been a delightful journey from pantry staples to fresh-from-the-oven goodness. These cookies strike the perfect balance of rich peanut flavor, a tender crumb, and that classic criss-cross pattern we all adore. With only 15 minutes of prep, 12 minutes in the oven, and a quick 5-minute rest period, you’ll have golden, chewy treats ready to enjoy in under half an hour. Whether you’re serving them as a sweet ending to a family dinner or packing them in lunchboxes, they’re sure to please cookie lovers of all ages. Don’t forget: these cookies come in at about 120 calories apiece, making them easy to portion and share. Feel free to print this article, save it in your favorite recipe binder, or bookmark it for a future baking session. And if you’re curious about troubleshooting, ingredient swaps, or creative twists, you can find an FAQ section below to answer all your burning questions.
I hope this guide inspires you to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. If you try these Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies, I would love to hear how they turned out. Did you add a sprinkle of sea salt on top? Did you opt for crunchy peanut butter for extra texture? Share your comments, questions, or feedback—whether you’re wondering about oven temperature adjustments, storage tips, or just want to share a baking victory, I’m here to help. Happy baking!
Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Description
These soft and thick peanut butter cookies offer a delightful blend of rich peanut flavor and buttery goodness. Perfectly chewy and irresistibly comforting, they’re a must-bake treat for all cookie lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter and softened butter using an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
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Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
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Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the mixture. Continue to mix until everything is well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
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Roll the dough into small balls, each about 1 tablespoon in size, and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave space between each cookie.
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Using a fork, gently flatten each ball of dough and create a criss-cross pattern on the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
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Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- For a richer flavor, consider using crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- To achieve perfectly round cookies, you can roll the dough into balls before pressing them with a fork.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- These cookies can be easily frozen, both in baked and unbaked form.
