Introduction
Peanut butter cookies are one of the most loved cookies around the world. They are sweet, soft, and full of rich peanut butter flavor. What makes them extra special is when they are chewy in the middle and just a little crispy on the outside.
In this recipe, you will learn how to make chewy peanut butter cookies that are easy to bake at home. You don’t need any fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. If you love peanut butter, you’ll love these cookies. Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Here is a list of all the things you need to make chewy peanut butter cookies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts for extra crunch
These ingredients are easy to find, and you might already have most of them in your kitchen.
Step by Step Process – Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it can heat up while you make the dough.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix them together using a spoon or a mixer until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix again until everything is combined well.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Now, add the baking soda, salt, and flour into the bowl. Mix slowly until it turns into a thick cookie dough. Don’t mix too hard—just until the flour is no longer visible.
If you want to add chocolate chips or peanuts, stir them in at this point.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to take small portions of dough. Roll each one into a ball and place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Leave some space between each cookie.
Step 6: Flatten with a Fork
Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie, making a criss-cross pattern. This helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Put the tray in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. When the edges start to turn golden, they’re ready. The middle may look soft, but that’s what keeps them chewy.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies sit on the tray for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now they’re ready to eat!
Nutritional Information :
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sodium | 90 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why are my cookies dry and not chewy?
A: That may happen if you bake them too long or use too much flour. Always measure your flour with care and take the cookies out when the edges are just turning golden.
Q2: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Yes, you can! Crunchy peanut butter adds a little texture, and it still makes chewy cookies.
Q3: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes! Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, then put them in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen by adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Q4: How do I store the cookies?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Q5: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A: Yes, you can try using a 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg.
Final Thoughts
Making chewy peanut butter cookies at home is fun and easy. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy warm, delicious cookies that everyone will love. The key to making them chewy is to not overbake them and to use soft butter and good peanut butter.
These cookies are perfect for snacks, parties, lunch boxes, or just enjoying with a glass of milk. You can also get creative and add things like chocolate chips or nuts. Once you bake them, they will disappear fast!
