Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe
Thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are the ultimate comfort treat. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday party, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. With their soft centers, golden edges, and irresistible peanut butter flavor, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Thick Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions for Thick Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls and space them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Create the classic fork marks by gently pressing a fork into each cookie ball in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are firm.. Do not overbake.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Variations
- Chunky Peanut Butter: Swap creamy peanut butter for chunky to add bits of peanut in every bite.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Healthier Version: Substitute half the sugar with coconut sugar and use whole wheat flour for a more wholesome treat.
- Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies: Spread a layer of peanut butter or chocolate ganache between two cookies for a decadent twist.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Dough: Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.Bake from frozen, extending the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs AboutT hick Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Why aren’t my peanut butter cookies chewy? Chewy cookies require the right balance of moisture and fat. Overbaking or using too much flour can make them dry and crumbly. Ensure precise measurements and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges set.
How do you thicken peanut butter cookie mix? If the dough is too soft, chill it for 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator. Alternatively, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour to achieve the desired consistency.
How to make a cookie more dense? Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar and avoid overmixing the dough. Both techniques increase moisture, leading to denser cookies.
What does baking soda vs. baking powder do? Baking soda helps cookies spread and brown, while baking powder creates a lighter, fluffier texture. This recipe uses baking soda for chewy cookies with golden edges.
What are 3 factors that contribute to a chewy cookie?
- Using brown sugar for added moisture.
- Underbaking slightly to retain softness.
- Incorporating more fat, such as butter or peanut butter.
What is the effect of adding cream of tartar to cookies? Cream of tartar adds acidity, which can help stabilize the dough and create a softer texture.
What makes cookies chewy instead of crispy? Chewy cookies require more moisture, often achieved by using brown sugar, butter, and underbaking slightly. Reducing baking time also contributes to a chewy texture.
What happens if you don’t chill peanut butter cookie dough? Skipping the chilling step can cause the cookies to spread too much, leading to thinner, less chewy cookies. Chilling the dough helps it maintain its shape while baking.
Why does melted butter make cookies chewy? Melted butter adds liquid to the dough, which enhances moisture and results in chewier cookies. However, it can also cause more spreading, so chilling is recommended.
Conclusion
These thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their simple preparation, versatile variations, and guaranteed deliciousness, they’re a must-try for peanut butter lovers. These thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are easy to bake and loved by all, making them ideal for sharing with friends or indulging solo. So grab your ingredients, whip up a batch of thick and chewy peanut butter cookies, and enjoy every bite of these soft, flavorful cookies. Happy baking!
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