These thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are the ultimate comfort treat. With their soft centers, crisp edges, and rich peanut butter flavor, they bring all the nostalgic goodness of your favorite childhood cookie — but even better. Every bite melts into a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and buttery bliss.

What makes these cookies irresistible is their texture. Slightly underbaked centers keep them moist and chewy, while a generous scoop of peanut butter gives them an unmistakable depth of flavor. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or sneak one with your morning coffee, these cookies never disappoint.

You’ll love these cookies for their no-fuss, pantry-friendly ingredients and how fast they come together. The dough requires no chilling, which means quicker access to cookie joy. They also freeze well, making them perfect for prepping ahead. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a potluck, or a late-night snack, this recipe always hits the spot.

What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

For best results, use a creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butters tend to separate and don’t hold the cookie structure as well. If you prefer crunchy peanut butter for added texture, it works beautifully too, just expect a slightly different bite.

Ingredients for the Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

The magic of these cookies lies in how a few key ingredients come together to create the ideal balance of chew and fluff. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Creamy peanut butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract

Each of these plays an essential role. Butter and peanut butter give the cookie richness. Brown sugar adds moisture and chew, while granulated sugar helps with those golden edges. Vanilla ties it all together with warmth.

Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies (1)

How To Make the Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Stir in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 5: Scoop and Shape

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out even portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 9-11 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to set as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or fully cooled!

How to Store and Serve These Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies make about 18 to 20 depending on the size. Serve them warm for a melt-in-your-mouth moment or let them cool for an easy snack that keeps well. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months — just thaw at room temp before serving.

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Cookies?

Milk

A classic. Nothing complements warm cookies like a tall glass of cold milk.

Ice Cream

Turn them into dessert sandwiches with vanilla or chocolate ice cream.

Coffee

Pair with your morning brew for a sweet start.

Hot Cocoa

Perfect for chilly nights and cozy vibes.

Banana Slices

A fun snack twist — peanut butter and banana always work.

Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a decadent touch.

Yogurt Parfait

Crumble a cookie into a vanilla yogurt parfait with berries.

Strawberry Jam

Spread a bit of jam on the cookie for a PB&J inspired dessert.

If you love these thick and chewy peanut butter cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other cozy treats from the site:

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe for a rich, buttery experience.
Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies Delight if you’re in a playful mood.
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls when you want fruit-filled baked goodness.
Pumpkin Bread With Maple Cream Cheese Filling for a seasonal spin.
Butter Pecan Cheesecake if you’re craving nutty decadence.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you keep them classic or add a chocolate twist? Maybe even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

These thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are the kind of recipe you’ll reach for over and over. They’re easy to make, packed with nostalgic flavor, and flexible enough to tweak to your taste. Whether it’s a holiday tray or a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, they’ll always be the star.

Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

Ingredients for the Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies