Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

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There’s something magical about a warm, soft peanut butter cookie fresh out of the oven. The way it melts in your mouth, the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and that unmistakable nutty aroma that fills the kitchen—it’s pure comfort in cookie form.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably tried dozens of peanut butter cookie recipes, always searching for the one. The one that stays thick and chewy, the one that doesn’t dry out, the one that actually tastes like peanut butter. Well, friends, this is it. This is the peanut butter cookie recipe you’ll make forever.

Whether you’re baking a batch for a cozy night in, bringing treats to a gathering, or sneaking bites of dough straight from the bowl (no judgment), these cookies are everything you want them to be.

Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and thick with just the right amount of chew.
• Packed with peanut butter flavor—none of that subtle nonsense.
• Quick and easy with only nine simple ingredients.
• No complicated techniques—just mix, chill, roll, and bake.
• Perfectly sweet and slightly salty for that classic peanut butter taste.

And let’s not forget the criss-cross fork marks on top—because peanut butter cookies must have those. It’s tradition.

Key Ingredients & Why They Matter

• Creamy Peanut Butter – The heart and soul of these cookies. Stick with creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Natural peanut butter works but makes the cookies a little crumblier.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and keeps the cookies soft.
• Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar – Brown sugar makes them moist and chewy, while white sugar helps with structure and slight crispness.
• Egg – Helps bind everything together and adds tenderness.
• Vanilla Extract – A little warmth to enhance the peanut butter flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – Just enough to hold everything together without making the cookies dry.
• Baking Soda – A little lift to keep them soft and puffy.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the peanut butter flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – A light coating before baking gives the cookies a subtle crunch and a beautiful, sparkly finish.

How to Make the Best Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This step is key to creating that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined. At this point, the dough will be thick, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. Try not to eat it all.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, which is exactly what we want.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill for at least 1–2 hours. This is the secret to thick cookies that don’t spread too much. If you’re patient, overnight chilling makes them even better.

Step 6: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 7: Roll & Shape

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Coat in granulated sugar, then place on the baking sheet, spacing the cookies 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Criss-Cross Time

Using a fork, press down on each dough ball to create the classic peanut butter cookie criss-cross pattern. If the edges get a little flat, use your fingers to gently reshape them so the cookies stay nice and thick.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 11–12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. The centers will still look slightly underbaked—this is what makes them so soft.

Step 10: Let Them Cool (If You Can Wait)

Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They will firm up as they cool, but still stay soft and thick.

Now, pour yourself a cold glass of milk and enjoy the best peanut butter cookie of your life.

Pro Tips for Success

• Chill the dough—this step makes all the difference in keeping the cookies thick.
• Use creamy peanut butter for the perfect texture. Crunchy peanut butter makes them too crumbly.
• Don’t overbake! The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out. They’ll finish setting as they cool.
• Want extra chewiness? Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
• For a stronger peanut butter flavor, reduce the butter slightly and add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter.

Fun Variations & Add-Ins

• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips before chilling the dough.
• Peanut Butter Blossoms – Roll in sugar, bake, and press a chocolate kiss into the center.
• Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprints – Make an indentation before baking and fill with jam after cooling.
• Reese’s Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies – Wrap the dough around a mini peanut butter cup before baking.

This dough is incredibly versatile, so have fun experimenting!

How to Store & Freeze

Storing Baked Cookies:

• Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For extra softness, place a slice of bread in the container—it keeps the cookies moist!

Freezing Baked Cookies:

• Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing Cookie Dough:

• Roll the dough into balls (skip rolling in sugar) and freeze on a baking sheet until firm.
• Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, thaw for 30 minutes, roll in sugar, criss-cross, and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but the cookies will be a little crumblier. Make sure to stir the peanut butter well before using.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes! Chilling prevents spreading and gives the cookies their thick, soft texture.

How do I make the cookies extra soft?

Use more brown sugar than white sugar, and don’t overbake them.

Final Thoughts

These Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies are everything a peanut butter cookie should be—rich, chewy, and bursting with peanut butter flavor.

Once you make these, you’ll never go back to another recipe. They’re the kind of cookies you’ll bake for years to come, the ones that remind you of childhood, and the ones you’ll pass down to the next generation.

So go ahead—bake a batch, pour a glass of milk, and enjoy every last crumb.

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