Craving something sweet but also easy to whip up? Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate comfort food—crisp on the edges, soft and chewy on the inside, and packed with rich, nutty flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a nostalgic treat, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Keep reading to discover all the details, from ingredients to expert tips, to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

What Are Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies?
Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies are the quintessential peanut butter treat, known for their dense, moist texture and rich flavor. These cookies are typically made with a combination of peanut butter, sugar, butter, and flour. The goal is to create a cookie that is thick yet incredibly soft on the inside, with a slightly crisp exterior. Unlike traditional, thinner cookies, the key to this recipe is achieving the perfect balance of chewiness and thickness without making them overly cakey.
Ingredients List for Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
To make the perfect batch of Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies, you'll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter is preferred for this recipe to achieve that smooth, chewy texture, though chunky peanut butter can be used for extra texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and moisture to the cookies. Unsalted is best so you can control the salt level in the recipe.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar gives the cookies a deep, caramel flavor and helps maintain their soft, chewy texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the edges of the cookies get that crisp finish.
- 1 large egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookies.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the flavor and adds a delicious aroma.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Flour provides the structure for the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda gives the cookies a slight lift without making them too cakey.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Baking powder ensures that the cookies rise evenly, resulting in a soft and thick texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Ingredient List (Optional Add-ins)
To customize your cookies, you can incorporate the following add-ins for extra flavor and texture:
- ½ cup chocolate chips: Peanut butter and chocolate are a classic pairing. Adding chocolate chips will make your cookies extra indulgent.
- ½ cup chopped peanuts: If you like a crunch in every bite, add chopped peanuts for texture.
- ¼ cup peanut butter chips: For a double hit of peanut butter flavor, these chips melt right into the cookie dough.
- ¼ cup oatmeal: Adding a small amount of oats can give the cookies a rustic, hearty texture.
Substitutions and Variations
There are several ways to modify this Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookie recipe depending on dietary preferences and ingredient availability. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking powder and baking soda are also certified gluten-free.
- Vegan Variation: Use a vegan butter substitute and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
- Sugar-Free Option: Substitute the granulated sugar and brown sugar with a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
- Nut-Free Variation: If you or someone you’re baking for is allergic to peanuts, you can use sunflower seed butter or almond butter in place of peanut butter.
- Chunky Peanut Butter: For those who enjoy a bit of texture in every bite, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra indulgent touch.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to bake? Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies turn out perfect every time.

- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and well-combined. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla: Mix in the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Add-ins (optional): If using chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or peanut butter chips, fold them into the dough gently.
- Chill the dough: For best results, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten slightly: Gently press down on each dough ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern to flatten slightly and create the classic peanut butter cookie look.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake; the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Cook Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies is easy as long as you follow the steps carefully. Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:
- Preheat the oven and prepare your baking sheet.
- Cream the butter and sugars to form the base of the dough.
- Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla for moisture and flavor.
- Combine the dry ingredients separately and mix them into the wet ingredients.
- Add optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or peanuts.
- Chill the dough for 20-30 minutes to prevent excess spreading.
- Scoop, shape, and flatten the cookies.
- Bake for the recommended time, ensuring not to overbake.
- Let cool and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Skipping the Chill Time: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much and become flat.
- Overbaking: These cookies should be slightly underdone when they come out of the oven, as they will continue to bake on the cookie sheet.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better consistency.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies are a crowd-pleaser and can be served in several creative ways. Here are some presentation and serving ideas to elevate your cookies:
- Classic Stack: Stack the cookies in a neat pile on a dessert plate, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a rustic touch.
- Cookie Sandwich: Turn these cookies into sandwich cookies by spreading a layer of peanut butter or chocolate ganache between two cookies.
- Gift-Wrapped Treat: Wrap cookies in cellophane bags with a cute ribbon for a homemade gift.
- Cookie Platter: Arrange them on a platter with a variety of other cookies like chocolate chip and oatmeal for a diverse dessert spread.
How to Serve Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Serve these cookies fresh with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate pairing. You can also serve them alongside coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, and holiday cookie exchanges. For a fun twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Presentation Ideas for Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
To make your cookies look as good as they taste, try some of these presentation ideas:
- Crisscross Pattern: Press a fork into the top of each dough ball before baking to create the traditional crisscross peanut butter cookie design.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: For an elegant touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
- Decorative Plates: Serve the cookies on a colorful or decorative plate to make them pop visually.
Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smoother dough and ensures even baking.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour and peanut butter.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Leave enough space between cookies to allow for even baking.
- Store Properly: Keep your cookies soft by storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or apple, which will help maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze peanut butter cookie dough?
A: Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough in balls and bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How long do Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies last?
A: Stored in an airtight container, they will last 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: It’s best to use traditional peanut butter, as natural peanut butter tends to be too oily and may affect the texture.
Q: Why did my cookies turn out flat?
A: This could be due to not chilling the dough long enough or using too much butter. Make sure to follow the recipe closely for best results.
Conclusion
Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless favorite, offering a delightful mix of rich flavor and chewy texture. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, anyone can make these cookies and enjoy their sweet, nutty goodness. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will surely hit the spot. Be sure to try the substitutions and variations to customize the cookies to your liking. Happy baking!
PrintSoft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
This Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies recipe creates rich, melt-in-your-mouth treats that are soft, sweet, and full of peanut butter flavor. With a handful of pantry ingredients, this simple recipe is ideal for baking a quick and satisfying dessert. Enjoy a classic taste in every bite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Flatten the cookies slightly with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden but still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra softness, slightly underbake the cookies.
- Add chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
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