There’s something comforting about a warm cookie, especially when it’s thick and soft, just waiting to be enjoyed. These cookies are perfect for a cozy weeknight treat, a weekend baking project, or a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. Their familiar flavor and simple preparation make them great for gatherings or family moments. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying a batch of delicious cookies in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
This recipe is all about ease, reliability, and a comforting, balanced flavor. The rich peanut butter combined with the sweetness of brown and granulated sugar creates a delightful taste that’s always welcome. You can rely on these cookies as a practical everyday treat, fitting perfectly into any routine.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Spoon or cookie scoop
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/3 cups (170g) all-purpose flour (provides structure)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (helps cookies rise)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor)
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (adds moisture)
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar (contributes sweetness and moisture)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, plus 1/2 cup (100g) for rolling (provides sweetness and crunchy texture)
- 1 large egg (binds ingredients)
- 3/4 cup (185g) creamy peanut butter (gives flavor and richness)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (adds depth of flavor)
How to Make Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed, ensuring there are no lumps. This will help the cookies rise evenly when baked.
Step 2. In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the light or dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and pale. This process incorporates air into the fats and sugars, helping create a soft, tender cookie.
Step 3. Add the egg, creamy peanut butter, and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together until it is well combined and creamy. The mixture should be smooth and cohesive, with a rich peanut butter aroma.
Step 4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, but all the flour should be incorporated without any dry spots.
Step 5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the flour to hydrate and can make the cookies softer and thicker in texture after baking.
Step 6. Preheat your oven, and while it heats, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper if desired. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out dough, rolling each ball in granulated sugar for a sweet, crunchy exterior.
Step 7. Place the rolled cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading. You can slightly flatten the dough balls if you prefer a different texture.
Step 8. Bake the cookies until they are lightly golden around the edges yet still soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up once removed from the oven. Keep an eye on them, as you want to avoid overbaking for that desired soft texture.
Step 9. After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents them from becoming too soft and helps maintain their shape.
Step 10. Once cooled, enjoy the cookies fresh as a delightful treat. Their thick and soft interior pairs beautifully with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. You can store any leftovers for later enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
These soft and thick peanut butter cookies are versatile enough to fit into any part of your day. They make for a delightful breakfast on the go, pairing well with a cup of coffee or tea. As a snack, they satisfy sweet cravings, whether for kids or adults. They also shine during family meals or gatherings, adding a comforting touch to shared experiences. If you have any leftovers, they hold up nicely for a late-night snack or lunchbox treat.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Ensure your butter is properly softened for ease in mixing, but not melted.
- For a thicker cookie, avoid overmixing once the flour is incorporated.
- Rolling the dough in sugar before baking not only adds sweetness but also a pleasing texture.
- Keep an eye on baking time; cookies will continue to set once out of the oven.
- Enjoy variations by adding chocolate chips or nuts if desired, without altering the main recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter: It can result in a tough dough that doesn’t spread properly. Make sure it is softened, but not melted, to create a tender texture.
- Overmixing the dough: This can lead to cookies being too tough rather than soft. Mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method to ensure accuracy in measuring.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated appropriately. Baking at too high a temperature can lead to burnt edges before the cookie centers are properly cooked.
- Skipping the resting step: Letting the dough rest allows for improved texture. This hydration helps the cookies bake more evenly.
- Not cooling properly: Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet can lead to sogginess. Transferring to a wire rack ensures they maintain their texture.
Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top. If you want to change the flavor profile, consider incorporating a bit of cinnamon or using chunky peanut butter for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. They also freeze well; just ensure they are in a sealed bag or container. For best texture when reheating, place cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm, creating that freshly-baked feeling again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping.
How long does it last in the fridge?
These cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely, cookies can be frozen for up to three months. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
What can I substitute for one ingredient?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use all granulated sugar. The cookies may be less moist but should still be tasty.
Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?
A common issue could be incorrect measurements, particularly of flour. Another reason might be overmixing the dough or not letting it rest before baking, which can affect the final texture.
Final Thoughts
Making these Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies is a joyfully simple endeavor that yields comforting results. With their rich flavor and satisfying texture, they fit seamlessly into everyday life. Whether enjoyed straight from the oven or throughout the week, these cookies promise to bring a little warmth to your moments. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome, knowing that your efforts will be rewarded with each soft bite.
Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour provides structure
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda helps cookies rise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt enhances flavor
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened adds moisture
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar contributes sweetness and moisture
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar provides sweetness and crunchy texture
- 1 large egg binds ingredients
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter gives flavor and richness
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract adds depth of flavor
For Rolling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling the dough
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the light or dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and pale.
- Add the egg, creamy peanut butter, and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together until it is well combined and creamy.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for about 15 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out dough, rolling each ball in granulated sugar.
- Place the rolled cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them.
- Bake the cookies until they are lightly golden around the edges yet still soft in the center.
- After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, enjoy the cookies fresh or store them for later enjoyment.