Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you're a fan of cookies and love the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter, this recipe is perfect for you. These Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, savory taste of peanut butter with a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. Keep reading for all the ingredients, tips, and step-by-step instructions you need to create the perfect batch of peanut butter cookies!

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What are Peanut Butter Cookies?

Peanut butter cookies are a classic American dessert that dates back to the early 1900s. They are typically characterized by their iconic crisscross fork marks on the top and a rich, nutty flavor. What sets this particular recipe apart is its soft, thick texture. Unlike traditional peanut butter cookies that can sometimes be dry or crumbly, these are moist and tender on the inside, with just the right amount of chewiness. The combination of butter, sugar, and peanut butter creates a flavor profile that is both sweet and savory, making these cookies a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients List for Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Opt for a smooth, no-stir peanut butter for the best texture.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter helps make the cookies tender and flavorful.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies achieve a chewy texture.
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar deepens the flavor and contributes to the soft texture.
• 1 large egg: This acts as a binder and helps give the cookies structure.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
• 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.

Additional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

If you want to take your peanut butter cookies to the next level, consider adding some optional ingredients for an extra burst of flavor:

• ½ cup chocolate chips: Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven.
• ¼ cup chopped peanuts: For an added crunch and extra peanut flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: A hint of spice that complements the peanut butter.
• Sea salt flakes: Sprinkle on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet-and-salty combo.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about baking is that you can often tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations for this peanut butter cookie recipe:

• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it's a mix that includes xanthan gum for the best results.
• Sugar-free option: Swap out the granulated and brown sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia.
• Dairy-free option: Replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter substitute or coconut oil.
• Chunky peanut butter: If you prefer more texture, you can use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
• Nut-free option: If you're baking for someone with a peanut allergy, use sunflower seed butter as a substitute.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these easy instructions to bake your Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, as this will make it easier to cream with the sugars.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the peanut butter and continue mixing until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring your cookies hold together while baking.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Optional Mix-Ins

At this point, you can fold in any optional ingredients like chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for extra flavor.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Create the Classic Crisscross Pattern

Using a fork, gently press down on each cookie to flatten it slightly and create the traditional crisscross pattern on the top. If you prefer your cookies to remain thick, press them only lightly.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly underbaked. This ensures they will remain soft and chewy after cooling.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

How to Cook Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking peanut butter cookies is a breeze when you follow the right steps. To summarize the process:

1. Preheat your oven and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla for a rich, creamy base.
4. Add dry ingredients gradually to avoid overmixing.
5. Shape and flatten the dough balls, creating the iconic crisscross pattern.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
7. Cool and enjoy with a tall glass of milk!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough, dense cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Overbaking: Peanut butter cookies can go from soft to dry very quickly. Remove them from the oven while the centers are still slightly soft.
• Using natural peanut butter: Stick to creamy, processed peanut butter for the best texture. Natural peanut butter can make the dough too oily and affect the cookie’s consistency.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving these delicious cookies, simplicity is key. Serve them warm with a cold glass of milk or hot cocoa for a comforting treat. If you’re making them for a special occasion, here are a few presentation ideas to elevate the experience:

How to Serve Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

• Serve warm: These cookies are at their best when they are fresh out of the oven and still warm.
• With ice cream: Turn them into a decadent dessert by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• As part of a cookie platter: These cookies pair well with chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin cookies, making them a great addition to a holiday cookie platter.

Presentation Ideas for Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

• Gift-wrapped: Place a stack of cookies in a clear cellophane bag, tie with a ribbon, and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Decorative tin: Arrange the cookies in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper for a classic presentation.

Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe Tips

• Chill the dough: If you want an even thicker cookie, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Use a cookie scoop: To get evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop for portioning the dough.
• Sprinkle with sea salt: For an added layer of flavor, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the dough. Simply shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Q: How do I store these cookies? A: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe? A: While you can use natural peanut butter, the cookies may turn out a bit crumbly and greasy. For the best texture, use processed creamy peanut butter.

Conclusion

Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect comfort food treat, combining the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with a soft, chewy texture that’s impossible to resist. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is great for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether you're baking them for a party or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy some delicious peanut butter cookies!

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