Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re looking for a simple yet delightful treat, you’ve come to the right place! These Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are a cherished recipe in my home. They are soft, sweet, and packed with that irresistible peanut butter flavor we all love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

What makes this recipe extra special is how quick and easy it is to whip up a batch. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have warm cookies ready for dunking in milk or snacking on straight from the oven. Trust me; once you take that first bite, you’ll find yourself going back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can prepare these cookies in just 10 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves peanut butter cookies! They are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for those sweet moments when you need a little pick-me-up.
• Delicious Flavor: With rich peanut butter and a sprinkle of sea salt, these cookies offer an amazing taste that’ll keep you coming back.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to create delicious Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies right at home. Gather the following:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, softened)
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups unbleached flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• sea salt (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an indulgent twist!
• Incorporate Nuts: Toss in chopped peanuts or your favorite nuts for extra crunch.
• Try Different Nut Butters: Swap creamy peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a unique flavor profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the unbleached flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary preferences.

How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookie dough bakes evenly and creates that lovely chewy texture we crave.

Step 2: Soften the Butter

Soften your stick of butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds. If it still feels firm, give it another 5 seconds. Softened butter blends better with the sugars, creating a smooth cookie dough.

Step 3: Mix the Sugars and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy—this step builds that wonderful flavor base!

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add in the egg and pure vanilla extract. The egg helps bind everything together while adding moisture. Stir until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the unbleached flour along with baking soda and baking powder into your mixture. This will ensure even distribution of leavening agents which is key for achieving those chewy cookies!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Using about two tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop out portions and roll them into balls. Place them on your lined baking sheet with enough space (about 2 inches apart) so they have room to spread while baking.

Step 7: Create Classic Fork Marks

Take a fork and gently press down on each cookie ball to create crisscross patterns—this not only looks charming but also helps them cook evenly!

Step 8: Sprinkle Sea Salt

If you love that sweet-and-salty combination (and who doesn’t?), sprinkle each cookie lightly with sea salt before popping them in the oven.

Step 9: Bake Them Up!

Bake your cookies for about 9 minutes. They may look slightly under-baked because they’ll continue cooking as they cool down on the baking sheet.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!

Let your beautiful Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies cool on the sheet for around 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once they’re cooled just enough to handle, dig in!

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Making the perfect chewy peanut butter cookies can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your baking game!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with softened butter and room temperature eggs ensures a smooth batter, resulting in even-textured cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined helps maintain the chewy texture. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking allows the flavors to meld and can help prevent spreading during baking.
• Adjust baking time based on your oven: Every oven is different; check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. They should look slightly under-baked when you take them out.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture!

How to Serve Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Serving your chewy peanut butter cookies can be just as fun as making them! Here are some charming ways to present this delicious treat.

Garnishes

• Flaky sea salt: A light sprinkle right before serving enhances flavor and adds a beautiful finishing touch.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some dairy-free chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an irresistible sweet contrast.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit platter: Pairing these cookies with slices of crisp apples or juicy strawberries offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the cookies.
• Non-dairy ice cream: Serve your cookies warm alongside a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream for a delightful dessert sundae.
• Nutty granola: A small bowl of crunchy nutty granola complements the creamy peanut butter flavor while adding texture.
• Herbal tea: Brew a warm cup of herbal tea to enjoy with your cookies; it makes for a cozy afternoon snack that’s sure to please!

With these serving suggestions, your chewy peanut butter cookies will shine at any gathering or just as a sweet treat at home. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy peanut butter cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance, making them a delightful treat to enjoy throughout the week or to share with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For optimal freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies in the container.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies again, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and reheat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious chewy peanut butter cookies:

Can I make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will keep your cookies moist and chewy!

How do I get my Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies to stay soft?

To keep your cookies soft and chewy, avoid overbaking. They should look slightly under-baked when you take them out of the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet, as they will continue cooking slightly from residual heat.

What can I use instead of creamy peanut butter?

If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Just ensure they have a similar consistency to maintain that chewy texture!

Can I add chocolate chips to my Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in 1/2 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips (or your favorite type) into the dough before shaping them into balls for an extra sweet touch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making these chewy peanut butter cookies as I do! They’re not just simple to whip up; they’re also incredibly satisfying and full of rich peanut butter flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to take a moment to savor each delicious bite!