Dessert

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Name: Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, softened); 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 egg; 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 1/3 cups unbleached flour; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup white granulated sugar; Sea salt (for sprinkling)

ByRita Bennet December 29, 2025December 29, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

These chewy peanut butter cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and slightly crisp. With rich peanut butter flavor and a hint of sweetness, they’re an irresistible treat that’s quick to make and perfect for sharing.

A stack of six golden brown, round peanut butter cookies is shown with a rough, crumbly texture on each cookie. The top cookie has fork marks pressed into the dough creating a crisscross pattern. The cookies are placed on a white marbled surface with scattered peanuts and coarse salt flakes around the stack. In the background, there is a blurred white cloth and a small black bowl with a creamy brown spread inside. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

1 1/3 cups unbleached flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Sea salt (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Soften the butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds. If it’s not soft enough, heat for an additional 5 seconds.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Gradually stir in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda until combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Scoop dough balls about 2 tablespoons each and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Gently flatten each ball with a fork, pressing down to create crisscross lines for the classic peanut butter cookie appearance.
Step 8: If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on each cookie. Bake for 9 minutes. The cookies may look pale and slightly underbaked, but they will finish cooking as they cool.

Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
Substitute half of the creamy peanut butter with chunky peanut butter for added texture.

Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped peanuts to the dough for a tasty variation.
Use natural peanut butter for a more intense peanut flavor, but expect a softer dough.
Sprinkling sea salt on top enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.

Storage

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds if you want that fresh-baked warmth.

How to Serve

A stack of four thick peanut butter bars rests on a white marbled surface. Each bar has a crumbly texture with a golden-brown top layer that shows a slightly rough and crunchy surface, while the inside layers are denser and softer in a light tan color. The stack is surrounded by scattered peanut halves and small salt crystals, adding texture to the scene. In the background, there is a white plate holding more bars and a measuring cup partly filled with peanut butter, all set against a soft white cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added sea salt on top to avoid overly salty cookies.

Will these cookies be crunchy or soft?

They are designed to be chewy and soft with a slight crisp edge. Baking exactly 9 minutes and letting them cool on the baking sheet helps achieve the perfect texture.