Thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are the perfect balance of soft centers and lightly crisp edges, packed with rich, nutty flavor in every bite. These cookies deliver a nostalgic comfort that feels both classic and indulgent.

Whether warm from the oven or cooled to perfection, their soft-baked texture and bold peanut butter taste make them an instant favorite. They’re easy to whip up and hard to stop eating.

Key Ingredients That Make These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Irresistible

Unsalted butter – Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb and chewy texture.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s light golden edges.
Light brown sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of molasses for deeper flavor and extra chewiness.
Creamy peanut butter – The star ingredient, delivering bold, nutty richness and that signature flavor.
Egg – Binds the dough together and adds structure for the perfect thick cookie.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the peanut butter flavor beautifully.
All-purpose flour – Gives the cookies their structure without making them dense.
Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise just enough while staying thick and chewy.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and highlights the peanut butter flavor.

Let’s Bake: How to Make These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Start by creaming the butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures a soft texture and a slightly crisp edge.

Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will smell incredible at this point.

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mix to the wet ingredients in one go, and mix until just combined—don’t overwork the dough.

Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underdone. Let them rest on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack.

Tricks and Twists: Peanut Butter Cookie Tips & Variations

For cookies that stay soft for days, avoid overbaking—pull them from the oven while the centers are still pale. Want extra depth? Use dark brown sugar instead of light for a bolder, caramel-like flavor.

Craving crunch? Fold in chopped roasted peanuts or a sprinkle of flaky salt before baking. Chocolate lovers can stir in chunks or chips for a peanut butter cup vibe. Prefer crisp edges? Flatten the dough balls slightly before baking.

If you like your cookies on the smaller side, adjust baking time down by a minute or two for perfectly tender results.

Storing Your Peanut Butter Cookie Stash

These cookies stay soft and chewy for up to five days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies or even the unbaked dough balls.

To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container once solid. Reheat briefly in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven texture. Unbaked dough balls can go straight from freezer to oven—just add a minute or two to the baking time.