Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are a delightful treat that you can whip up in just about 30 minutes! These Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in, a fun gathering with friends, or even a sweet surprise for your loved ones. With their rich peanut butter flavor and a sprinkle of sea salt on top, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only around 10 minutes to prep and 8 minutes to bake, making it perfect for when you’re short on time.
• Irresistibly Chewy: Each cookie boasts a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth, giving you the ultimate peanut butter experience.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy these cookies on their own or pair them with ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• No Special Equipment Needed: You don’t need fancy gadgets; just basic kitchen tools will do!
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved in shaping the dough and creating those iconic fork marks.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make making these Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: It provides a sturdy surface to bake multiple cookies at once.
• Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Mixing bowl: A good bowl allows for easy mixing without spilling ingredients.
• Fork: Essential for creating the classic fork pattern on each cookie.

Ingredients

Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are easy to make in about 30 minutes! You’re going to love munching on these classic cookies, full of peanut butter flavor and sprinkled with sea salt.

For the Dough

• 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

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups unbleached flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• sea salt (optional)

How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of your cookies after baking.

Step 2: Soften the Butter

Soften your butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds. If it’s not fully softened, microwave it an additional 5 seconds as needed.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, add your softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and white granulated sugar. Mix well until everything is smooth.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in one egg and the pure vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir in the unbleached flour along with the baking powder and baking soda. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Shape Dough Balls

Scoop out portions of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) and shape them into balls. Place them onto your prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each ball.

Step 7: Create Fork Patterns

Using a fork, press down gently on each dough ball to create horizontal and vertical lines. This classic design also flattens them slightly.

Step 8: Sprinkle Sea Salt

If desired, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for added flavor contrast.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 9 minutes. The cookies may look slightly pale; they will continue to cook as they cool down.

Step 10: Cool Down

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for approximately 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your deliciously chewy peanut butter cookies!

How to Serve Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Serving chewy peanut butter cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Pair these delightful treats with complementary flavors and textures to impress your family and friends.

With Milk

• Enjoy a classic pairing of chewy peanut butter cookies with a glass of cold milk. The creaminess of the milk balances the rich peanut butter flavor.

Ice Cream Sandwich

• Create an indulgent ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. Vanilla or chocolate ice cream works wonderfully!

Warm with Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle melted chocolate over warm cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. This combination is perfect for chocolate lovers.

Coffee or Tea

• Serve these cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage complements the soft texture of the cookies beautifully.

Fresh Fruit

• Pair chewy peanut butter cookies with fresh fruit like apple slices or banana halves. The freshness adds a light contrast to the richness of the cookies.

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How to Perfect Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

To ensure your chewy peanut butter cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and promotes even baking.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading during baking.

• Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look slightly under-baked when you take them out; they will firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even Reese’s Pieces for variation in flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Chewy peanut butter cookies can shine even brighter when served with delightful side dishes. Here are some great accompaniments that complement their rich taste.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a sweet contrast to the dense flavor of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that balances indulgence.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses alongside crackers for a savory pairing that enhances the sweet notes of the cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Serve warm chocolate fondue for dipping cookie pieces, making it a fun dessert experience.
5. Nut Mix: A bowl of spiced nuts adds crunch and savory flavor that pairs well with sweet cookies.
6. Pudding Cups: Individual cups of chocolate or vanilla pudding make for a creamy side dish that complements chewy cookie textures.
7. Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake can create an interesting combination, perfect for brunch gatherings.
8. Sliced Bananas with Honey: Simple yet delicious, this light side brings natural sweetness that harmonizes well with peanut butter flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies can be a joy, but certain mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make cookies tough. Stir just until ingredients are combined for a softer texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Allow the dough to rest in the fridge for 30 minutes if you have time.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to unevenly cooked cookies. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees for consistent results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can alter the cookie’s texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precision.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter will not blend well with sugar, leading to a dense cookie. Ensure your butter is softened before mixing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on medium power for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes; this helps restore softness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies:

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies added texture and flavor.

How do I know when my Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are done?

Cookies should look slightly under-baked but set around the edges. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips or chunks make a delicious addition and pair wonderfully with peanut butter.

What if I have leftover cookie dough?

You can freeze the dough for later use. Just shape it into balls, freeze, then transfer them to a container.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.

Final Thoughts

These Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies offer comfort and satisfaction with each bite. Their soft texture and rich peanut butter flavor make them irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a delightful treat that everyone will love!