Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a soft and chewy texture that will melt in your mouth. These cookies are simple to make and are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With just a few ingredients, you can bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for extra indulgence)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, mix everything together until smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, add the baking soda and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir everything together until combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, take a portion of the dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 5: Flatten the Dough
For the classic peanut butter cookie look, use the tines of a fork to press down gently on each dough ball, creating a crisscross pattern on top. This not only adds texture but also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. The cookies should be golden brown around the edges, but soft in the center. Don’t overbake them – they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the soft, chewy goodness of these peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk or on their own!
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies:
- Peanut Butter: Make sure to use creamy peanut butter for the best texture. If you prefer crunchy peanut butter, feel free to substitute for an extra crunch in your cookies.
- Sugar: The sugar in this recipe helps create the chewy texture. If you’d like to reduce the sweetness, you can use a bit less sugar, but keep in mind that this may affect the final texture.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Add-Ins: For added texture and flavor, you can mix in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the cookies after they’re baked.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the dough for later use. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen when ready.
These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a soft and chewy texture that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. With their easy preparation and delicious taste, they make for a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy any peanut butter lover’s cravings
