The BEST Peanut Butter Cookies – 9 Irresistible Reasons These Thick & Chewy Cookies Will Absolutely Steal Your Heart

Oh my sweet friends… thank you for being here. There’s something about peanut butter cookies that takes me right back to childhood — warm kitchens, flour on the counter, and that unmistakable nutty aroma drifting through the house.

These BEST Peanut Butter Cookies are everything you want: thick, chewy centers, crisp golden edges, and a rich peanut butter flavor that truly shines. The first time I baked these for family, they vanished before they had fully cooled. And honestly? I wasn’t surprised.

If you adore peanut butter the way I do, this recipe will become your forever favorite. Be sure to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a cozy, heartwarming bake like this one.

Now let’s make magic happen.

Overview of The BEST Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are thick and bakery-style, with soft, tender centers and slightly crisp edges. They hold their shape beautifully and have that classic crisscross fork pattern on top.

Why You’ll Love Them

• Deep peanut butter flavor
• Thick and chewy texture
• Crisp golden edges
• Perfectly balanced sweetness
• Freezer-friendly dough
• Crowd-pleasing and nostalgic

What They Taste Like

Rich, nutty, buttery, and perfectly sweet. The brown sugar gives a caramel depth, while the peanut butter adds warmth and creaminess. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes them to another level.

Full Ingredients (Complete & Detailed)

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• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (high-quality, not natural-style separated)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt
• Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional but recommended)

Tools You’ll Need

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Fork (for crisscross pattern)
• Cooling rack

How to Make The BEST Peanut Butter Cookies

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Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together:

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

Beat until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter & Eggs

Mix in:

• Peanut butter
• Eggs (one at a time)
• Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gradually add to wet mixture.

Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough.

Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.

Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern on top.

Sprinkle flaky sea salt if desired.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes.

Edges should be golden while centers remain soft.

Do not overbake — they will firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool

Let cookies cool on pan 5 minutes before transferring to rack.

That first warm bite? Pure comfort.

What to Serve with Peanut Butter Cookies

• Cold glass of milk
• Hot coffee
• Vanilla ice cream sandwich-style
• Dark chocolate drizzle

For more irresistible treats from my kitchen, try:

• https://poulef.com/best-ever-soft-peanut-butter-cookies
• https://poulef.com/greek-yogurt-cinnamon-banana-bread
• https://poulef.com/limoncello-ricotta-bundt-cake
• https://poulef.com/chocolate-loaf-cake
• https://poulef.com/honey-butter-cornbread

Because one cookie is never enough.

Tips for Making Them Perfect

• Use room-temperature butter.
• Avoid natural peanut butter (too oily).
• Chill dough 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
• Slightly underbake for soft centers.
• Sprinkle flaky salt immediately after baking.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in airtight container for 4 days.
Freezer (Baked): Up to 2 months.
Freezer (Dough): Freeze dough balls and bake from frozen (+1–2 minutes).

General Information

Peanut butter cookies became popular in the early 1900s and gained iconic status with the crisscross fork pattern. The texture contrast — crisp edges and chewy centers — makes them a timeless American classic.

This version balances chewiness and structure for bakery-style perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes — adds extra texture.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Butter may have been too soft or flour under-measured.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely — ½ to 1 cup works beautifully.

How do I make them extra thick?

Chill dough 30–60 minutes before baking.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – 24 cookies)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	210 kcal
Carbohydrates	25g
Sugar	15g
Protein	5g
Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	4g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	140mg

Interactive Element

If these cookies steal your heart the way they did mine, I’d LOVE to see them!

Save and share on Pinterest here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Leave a comment below — do you like yours extra soft or slightly crisp?

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