These delicious chewy peanut butter cookies are bursting with a rich peanut butter taste! They have edges that are pleasantly chewy and centers that are delightfully gooey. This simple recipe can be prepared in just 10 minutes and does not require any dough chilling. These cookies are perfect for all sorts of occasions!

Chewy peanut butter cookies.

These cookies are the soft version of old fashioned peanut butter cookies! I will always pick a chewy cookie over a crunchy and these soft peanut butter cookies are no exception. In fact, most of my cookie recipes are chewy! Guilty as charged.

Try these chewy sugar cookies or even these cut out sugar cookies for your next party, or just dive head first into the peanut butter pond and make this peanut butter skillet cookie too! Now that we’re brainstorming, I am thinking this cookie dough would make an excellent base for kitchen sink cookies too!

Table of contents

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Chewy peanut butter cookies offer a delightful combination of softness and slight chew when bitten into. The chewy texture provides a satisfying texture.
  • These cookies are packed with the unmistakable taste of peanut butter.
  • The nutty and slightly sweet flavor adds depth and richness to each bite, making them a true treat.
  • The contrast between the chewy edges and gooey centers is a delightful surprise with every bite.
  • The crispy edges offer a satisfying crunch, while the soft, gooey centers melt in your mouth.
  • Unlike some cookie recipes that call for chilling the dough before baking, these peanut butter cookies are no chill.
  • This means you can enjoy freshly baked cookies sooner and with less waiting time.
  • These cookies are incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed as a delicious snack, a dessert to share with friends and family, or even as a base for ice cream sandwiches. Their universal appeal makes them suitable for any occasion.
  • Peanut butter cookies often evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. The familiar flavors and textures can transport you back to cherished childhood memories or simply provide a sense of warmth and familiarity.
  • This recipe is naturally vegan and egg-free! This contributes to their chewiness.
  • Check out these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies for a sweet treat!

Ingredients & Substitutions

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for chewy peanut butter cookies. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.

Use creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. All-natural peanut butter may be too thin for this recipe.

Granulated sugar adds the classic sweetness. For a deeper flavor, feel free to use half white sugar and half brown sugar.

Maple syrup adds moisture and chewiness. In addition, it adds a unique sweet flavor.

Dairy-free milk helps thin out the dough slightly. If not vegan, feel free to use regular milk.

Vanilla extract adds a warmth of flavor.

All-purpose flour helps add thickness. If you are gluten-free, check out these Gluten Free Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies.

Baking powder helps leaven the cookies slightly. Overall, these cookies remain relatively flat.

Lastly, add a pinch of salt if using unsalted peanut butter.

Ingredients for chewy peanut butter cookies.

Taste & Texture

These chewy peanut butter cookies have a strong peanut butter flavor! They are great for peanut butter lovers like me. In fact, I eat peanut butter every single day. So, I can attest these are the real deal.

These cookies have golden chewy edges and a soft center. The crisscross pattern makes them fun and nostalgic.

How to Make

Step 1

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract.  Stir well until thoroughly combined.

Smooth creamy dough.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.  You may need to use your hands to fully incorporate the ingredients.

Peanut butter dough.

Step 5

Once the dough is well mixed, roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.  Then, place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.

Peanut butter cookie balls.

Step 6

Next, flatten each cookie slightly with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on top.

Fork with criss cross.

Step 7

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown.

Step 8

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Peanut butter cookies.

Step 9

Repeat the process with the remaining dough until all the cookies are baked.

Step 10

Once cooled, serve chewy peanut butter cookies! Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Tips & Tricks for Success

  • Make this chewy peanut butter cookie recipe exactly as written for the best texture and flavor.
  • Use thick creamy peanut butter. Jif and Skippy are great brands for this.
  • The cookie dough will be thick. Use your hands to mix if needed.
  • Use a fork to make the crisscross pattern on top!
  • These cookies do not spread much while baking. If you do not push down on them with the fork, they will remain very tall.
  • Do not overbake. These cookies are done when they have lightly golden edges.
Criss cross cookies.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

There are various flavor variations and mix-ins that can be incorporated into these chewy peanut butter cookies to enhance their taste. Here are some ideas.

  • Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips or chunks to the cookie dough for a classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate. You can use semisweet, dark, or even white chocolate to suit your preference.
  • Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped nuts such as roasted peanuts, almonds, or pecans to add a crunchy texture and enhance the nuttiness of the cookies. You can either replace a portion of the flour with finely ground nuts or simply fold in the chopped nuts into the dough.
  • Sweet and Salty: Sprinkle a touch of sea salt or coarse salt flakes on top of each cookie before baking. This creates a delicious sweet and salty contrast that complements the peanut butter flavor.
  • Fruity Delight: Add dried fruit pieces like raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for a burst of sweetness. The chewy texture of the dried fruit pairs well with the softness of the cookies.
  • Peanut Butter Cups: Incorporate mini peanut butter cups into the cookie dough for an extra decadent and indulgent treat. The creamy peanut butter filling will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey deliciousness.
  • Spiced Sensation: Enhance the flavor profile by adding warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. These spices can add warmth, depth, and complexity to the cookies.
  • Jam-Filled Centers: Make thumbprint peanut butter cookies by forming balls of dough and pressing your thumb into the center of each cookie. Fill the indentation with a small dollop of your favorite jam or jelly before baking.

How to Serve & Store

Serving

Let the chewy peanut butter cookies cool completely on a wire rack after baking. This allows them to set properly and ensures the best texture.

Serve the cookies at room temperature for optimal flavor and chewiness.

Consider serving them with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea.

Serve with ice cream or as ice cream sandwiches!

Storing

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.

Properly stored, chewy peanut butter cookies can remain fresh for about 3 to 5 days.

Freezing

If you have leftover cookies or want to make a larger batch for future enjoyment, you can freeze them.

Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.

Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.

Thaw frozen chewy peanut butter cookies at room temperature before serving. They may need a few hours to soften and regain their chewiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of peanut butter should you use?

Use creamy peanut butter. Brands like Skippy and Jif work well.

Are they supposed to have eggs?

No, this recipe is purposely eggless.

What type of maple syrup should you use?

Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor result. If needed, replace it with honey.

Can you freeze them?

Yes! These chewy peanut butter cookies freeze and thaw well.

Stack of peanut butter cookies.

Equipment Needed

Hand Mixer: This electric hand mixer works well for making these chewy peanut butter cookies.

KitchenAid Stand Mixer: I love this stand mixer! I grew up making cookies every weekend with my mom and we used this stand mixer.

USA Pan 3 Piece Cookie Sheet Set: These are the gold standard for cookie pans.

Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean up.

Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: These mixing bowls are easy to clean.

Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups: Measure the ingredients with these glass cups.

You May Also Enjoy

If you enjoy this chewy peanut butter cookie recipe, please leave a rating and review! You can find more great recipes on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Check out these Cookies for more recipes!

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Chewy peanut butter cookies.

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

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  • Author: Addison LaBonte
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Total Time: 20
  • Yield: 12 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

These chewy peanut butter cookies are rich, decadent, indulgent, and flavorful!  This quick and easy recipe has a strong peanut butter flavor.  They are nostalgic and classic!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any other non-dairy milk)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract.  Stir well until thoroughly combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.  You may need to use your hands to fully incorporate the ingredients.
  5. Once the dough is well mixed, roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.  Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
  6. Next, flatten each cookie slightly with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
  7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown.
  8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Repeat the process with the remaining dough until all the cookies are baked.
  10. Once cooled, serve chewy peanut butter cookies! Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use a creamy thick peanut butter like Jif.
  • The cookie dough will be pretty thick.
  • These cookies do not spread much while baking.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months.

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