### **Introduction**
Dream up a dessert that’s rich, heavenly, and oozes the exotic taste of peanut butter, and you’ll get the Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies. It’s the culinary masterpiece that you can prepare in a flash for your next dinner party or a sweet craving. Warm, chewy, and loaded with the creamy goodness of peanut butter, these cookies are perfect for afternoon tea or as a snack any time of the day!
### **Why Make This Recipe**
If you’re a fan of peanut butter and cookies, then this recipe is just for you! It’s easy to make, needs a handful of simple ingredients, and voila; you have a batch of freshly baked cookies ready. Plus, the buttery richness of peanut butter melds beautifully with the sweet goodness of sugars makes these cookies a delight to savor.
### **How to Make Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies**
#### **Ingredients:**
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
#### **Directions:**
1. Shift the oven rack to the middle and preheat to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment.
2. Beat together the softened unsalted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light, fluffy, and well combined.
3. Integrate the egg and vanilla extract into the mixture until it’s smooth.
4. In a different bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Blend this into the wet mix gradually.
5. Extract tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, shape them into balls, and place them on the lined baking trays ensuring there’s adequate spacing between each ball.
6. Gently flatten each cookie using a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on the top.
7. Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the base takes on a golden hue. Ensure not to over-bake to maintain a good chewy texture.
8. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool off entirely.
### **How to Serve Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies**
These divine peanut butter cookies are best enjoyed when still slightly warm. Savored with a glass of cold milk or hot cup of tea, they melt in your mouth, leaving behind the enticing flavor of creamy peanut butter. You can also wrap them up as gifting treats for friends and loved ones.
### **How to Store Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies**
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just ensure to thaw them fully before consuming.
### **Tips to Make Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies**
– Always start with room temperature ingredients. This ensures the cookies bake evenly.
– Don’t overmix the dough. It can result in stiff cookies affect the final texture.
– Do not over-bake. Remove from the oven when slightly underdone, and they’ll firm up as they cool.
### **Variation**
– For a health twist, replace the flour with whole wheat flour or almond meal.
– Add in a handful of chocolate chips for an extra decadent version.
### **FAQs**
Q1. Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Yes, for a crunchier texture, chunky peanut butter can be used.
Q2. How do I ensure my cookies are chewy, not crumbly?
The secret to chewy cookies is not to over-bake them. When you remove them from the oven, they should still be a little soft in the middle.
Q3. Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace regular flour with any gluten-free flour of your choice.