Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These chewy peanut butter cookies are a delightful treat that balances rich peanut flavor with a soft, tender texture. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make and satisfy both creamy and crunchy peanut butter lovers.

Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and peanut butter together using an electric mixer or by hand. Add both sugars and mix until light and fluffy. Stir in the eggs and vanilla until fully combined.
- Step 4: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture in three additions. The dough should be non-sticky and easy to roll into balls.
- Step 5: Using a 2 tablespoon measure, scoop out dough and roll into balls. Flatten each ball slightly by pressing the top with a fork in a criss-cross pattern. If you don’t have a 2 tablespoon scoop, use a 1/4 cup measure, then divide the portion in half before rolling.
- Step 6: Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 375˚F for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on desired crispiness. Remove from oven and let cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips & Variations
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture or creamy for a smoother bite.
- Sift the flour with baking soda and salt to ensure even mixing and lighter cookies.
- If you prefer sweeter cookies, increase the white sugar slightly.
- To make smaller cookies, use a tablespoon measure instead of 2 tablespoons.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if desired.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure it is well stirred to avoid separation. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, chill the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.
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Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These chewy peanut butter cookies are perfectly soft with a rich, nutty flavor. Made with creamy or crunchy peanut butter, they have a delightful sweetness balanced by a slight hint of salt. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, they’re a classic treat that’s perfect for any peanut butter lover.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it is ready for baking when your cookies are prepared.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or beat by hand to cream the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and well combined.
- Add Sugars: Mix in the brown sugar and white sugar to the creamed peanut butter mixture. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth batter base for your cookies.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Stir the eggs and vanilla extract into the peanut butter mixture until everything is fully combined and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts. Mix well after each addition. The dough should be firm enough to roll into balls and not sticky.
- Form Cookies: Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, portion out the dough and roll each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly using a fork to create a criss-cross pattern on top. Alternatively, measure 1/4 cup of dough, divide it in half, then roll and flatten.
- Bake: Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated 375°F oven for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on your preferred crispiness.
- Cool: After baking, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter depending on your texture preference.
- Adjust baking time to get softer or crispier cookies; less time for chewy texture, more for crunchy.
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- If dough is too sticky, chill it for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peanut butter cookies, chewy cookies, classic cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade cookies

