Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Ah, Peanut Butter Cookies—is there anything more comforting than the warm, nutty aroma filling your kitchen as these delicious treats bake? If you’re a fan of peanut butter (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), then you’re in for a real treat. These cookies are chewy, rich, and have the perfect balance of sweet and salty. They’ll melt in your mouth with every bite and offer that classic peanut butter goodness you crave.

Whether you’re baking for a family snack, a get-together, or just because you need something sweet to brighten your day, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never go back to anything else. Prepare yourself for the delicious crunch on the outside and soft, chewy center—cookie perfection.

Why You’ll Love Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

Chewy & Soft Texture

The key to these cookies is their chewy texture. They’re soft but with just enough bite, and they don’t dry out after a day or two—perfect for enjoying with a glass of milk.

Peanut Butter Lovers Rejoice

If you love peanut butter as much as I do, then you’ll be in heaven. These cookies are loaded with peanut butter flavor in every bite, plus a hint of vanilla to round things out.

Simple Ingredients

No need for fancy, hard-to-find ingredients. You likely already have everything you need in your pantry. This recipe is made with simple, pantry staples that come together to make a delicious, nostalgic treat.

Quick & Easy

With just a handful of steps, these cookies come together in about 30 minutes. That means you can satisfy your peanut butter cravings in no time!

Customizable

Want to add a little twist to these cookies? Toss in some chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a pinch of sea salt on top for extra flavor. The sky’s the limit!

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Cookies:

• Peanut Butter: Use creamy or chunky depending on your texture preference. Both will work, but creamy will give you a smoother, chewier cookie.
• Butter: Softened, because soft butter creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture we’re all after.
• Sugar: A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives these cookies the perfect sweetness and chewiness.
• Egg: One large egg for binding everything together.
• Flour: All-purpose flour, the essential structure for these cookies.
• Baking Soda: To help the cookies rise and become perfectly puffed without being cakey.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and richness to the overall flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the peanut butter flavor.

Optional Add-ins:

• Chocolate Chips: If you’re feeling fancy, chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in heaven.
• Chopped Peanuts: For a bit of crunch.
• Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top for a sweet-and-salty finish.

Instructions

Let’s get these cookies in the oven! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be munching on warm peanut butter cookies in no time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden color.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until the combination is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Sugar and Egg: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and egg to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Beat until the sugars are dissolved and everything is smooth.
3. Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract, and then sift the flour, baking soda, and salt into the bowl. Stir everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Flatten the Cookies: Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, creating a crisscross pattern. This step not only makes them look classic but helps them bake evenly.
3. Optional: If you’re adding chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt, this is the time to add them on top of the dough balls.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, but the centers should still be soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

1. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and become that perfect chewy texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Serve these delicious cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot drink, and enjoy the peanut butter perfection!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 150
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 60mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 10g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 4% of your daily value
Vitamin C: 0% of your daily value
Calcium: 2% of your daily value
Iron: 6% of your daily value

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your dessert experience:

With a Glass of Milk

There’s nothing like a cold glass of milk to complement a warm, chewy peanut butter cookie. It’s the classic pairing that never gets old.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Feeling adventurous? Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two peanut butter cookies for an indulgent treat.

A Cup of Coffee

If you prefer something a little more grown-up, enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for the ultimate cozy vibe.

Additional Tips

• Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help create a smooth dough and result in chewy cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: The key to chewy cookies is not overbaking them. Once the edges are golden and the center is slightly soft, take them out!
• Cool on a Wire Rack: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack to avoid them becoming soggy. This helps them retain their chewy texture.
• Store Properly: To keep the cookies chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A1: Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will give the cookies an extra crunch, but they will still be chewy. If you prefer a smooth texture, go for creamy peanut butter.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go.

Q3: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze them for about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Q4: Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
A4: Yes! Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in heaven. Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough before baking for a sweet surprise.

Q5: How do I get perfectly shaped cookies?
A5: Rolling the dough into uniform balls and using a fork to flatten them creates those perfect, traditional cookie shapes. You can also use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size.

Q6: Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
A6: Yes, a hand mixer works just fine for creaming the butter and peanut butter together. It’s a great option if you don’t have a stand mixer.

Q7: How do I store leftover cookies?
A7: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to stay extra chewy, you can add a slice of bread to

the container, and it will keep the cookies moist.

Q8: Can I make these cookies with less sugar?
A8: You can reduce the sugar by about 1/4 cup, but keep in mind it may slightly affect the texture and sweetness. You might also try using a sugar substitute.

Q9: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A9: Yes! You can substitute the egg with flaxseed meal or applesauce as a binding agent, but the texture might be slightly different.

Q10: Can I use peanut butter powder?
A10: Yes, you can use peanut butter powder, but you’ll need to add a little extra moisture (like a splash of milk or more butter) to compensate for the difference in consistency.

Conclusion

These Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are everything you want in a cookie—chewy, sweet, and packed with peanut butter flavor. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers big-time comfort in every bite. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for the most delicious, chewy cookies you’ve ever tasted. Happy baking!

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