If there’s one classic cookie recipe that will win over kids and adults alike, it’s Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies. These gems are irresistibly soft and packed with peanut butter flavor, offering that perfect combination of sweet, salty, and chewy that keeps you coming back for just one more bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, baking for a party, or just treating yourself, you’ll love how easy they are to make and how magical they taste fresh from the oven.

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients are the secrets behind the chewy perfection in every bite. Each component plays its own special role, working together to create cookies with that dreamy texture and just the right amount of peanut butter punch.

Unsalted butter: Start with softened butter for that melt-in-your-mouth richness and chewy crumb.
Creamy peanut butter: The unmistakable star of the show, delivering deep peanut flavor and smoothness.
Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a caramel note that accentuates chewiness.
White granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with just the right amount of crisp around the edges.
Egg: Binds everything together for the ultimate chewy finish.
Pure vanilla extract: Gives warmth and rounds out the flavor.
Unbleached flour: The base structure for the cookies—you want it light for perfect softness.
Baking soda: A little lift to make the cookies tender and airy.
Baking powder: Works with baking soda to keep these cookies thick and soft.
Sea salt (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a delightful hit of salt that brightens every bite.

How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies bake evenly and lift off without sticking. This simple prep step is a big secret to golden, bakery-style Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies!

Step 2: Soften the Butter

Pop your butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds to soften it up. If needed, give it another quick 5 seconds—just until it’s creamy, not melted. This helps the butter blend perfectly with the peanut butter for that signature chewy texture.

Step 3: Cream the Peanut Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix everything together until it’s smooth, luscious, and lighter in color. This is when that aroma starts to fill your kitchen!

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Give it all a good stir until fully combined. The egg keeps everything chewy, while the vanilla rounds out the peanutty flavor.

Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the unbleached flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add these to your wet mixture, stirring gently. The dough will become thick and easy to roll, with that unmistakable peanut butter cookie scent.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Using two tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop and roll into balls. Space them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet since they’ll spread a little while baking.

Step 7: Create the Classic Look

Take a fork and gently press the cookies in both directions, creating those beloved crosshatch lines. This flattens them just slightly and gives Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies their signature look.

Step 8: Add Sea Salt and Bake

If you love that sweet-salty touch, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of sea salt. Then, bake for 9 minutes—the cookies will still look a bit pale and underdone, but trust the process! They’ll continue to set up and get perfectly chewy as they cool.

Step 9: Cool Before Moving

Let your cookies cool right on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes. This helps them hold their shape and keeps every bite irresistibly chewy and soft.

How to Serve Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

For that extra bakery-style finish, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the cookies while they’re still warm. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a few crushed peanuts on top can really make these Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies pop.

Side Dishes

A cold glass of milk is a timeless classic alongside these cookies, but you can also serve them with hot chocolate or even vanilla ice cream for an effortless dessert. Stack them up next to a fruit platter or a bowl of berries for a playful, colorful snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies in a tall, clear jar for a nostalgic touch, or tie them up in a ribboned gift bag for a sweet, homemade present. You can even sandwich a little ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate summer treat—or crumble the cookies over pudding or yogurt for a delicious twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days—though good luck making them last that long with hungry snackers around!

Freezing

To enjoy fresh cookies any time, freeze the cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer (just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time), or freeze already-baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Reheating

If you like your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This revives that fresh-baked gooeyness and makes the kitchen smell amazing all over again.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds a bit of texture and tiny peanut bits to each bite, making your Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies a little more rustic and nutty. Just expect them to be slightly thicker.

What if I only have salted butter?

You can use salted butter—just skip the added salt in the dough or sprinkle sparingly on top. Salted butter won’t hurt the recipe, but it can make the cookies a touch saltier overall.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required! These Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are designed to be quick, so you can satisfy your craving from start to finish in about 30 minutes from scratch.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Definitely. For smaller cookies, use a tablespoon-sized scoop and check for doneness a minute or two early. For extra-large cookies, add a couple minutes to the bake time and keep an eye on them so they stay chewy in the center.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses unbleached all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if needed—just make sure it’s suitable for cookies to keep that signature chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a batch of Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies, fresh from your own oven. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just because, these cookies deliver classic comfort with every bite. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite treat!