Quick Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Peanut butter cookies are one of those classic baked goods that everyone loves. They are simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. The nutty richness of peanut butter combined with a soft and chewy texture makes them an irresistible choice for cookie lovers of all ages. This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned home cooks.
What sets these cookies apart is how effortlessly they come together while still delivering bakery quality results. With a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes and fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies. These cookies strike the perfect balance between crispy edges and soft chewy centers, making them a versatile treat for lunchboxes, parties, or cozy evenings at home.
Why You Need This Recipe
You need this recipe because it combines speed, simplicity, and great taste in one. Many cookie recipes require chilling the dough, multiple steps, or long preparation times, but this one keeps it stress free without sacrificing flavor. Whether you are short on time or just want a quick dessert that still feels special, this recipe fits the bill.
It is also highly adaptable. You can keep it classic with just peanut butter or add chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch. These cookies are also great for meal prepping, as they store well and maintain their chewy texture for days. If you are looking for a foolproof recipe that guarantees soft chewy cookies every time, this is the one to keep on hand.
Ingredients
These cookies use simple pantry staples that come together to create rich, flavorful, and chewy cookies. Below is a detailed ingredients table with approximate calorie counts
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut butter | 1 cup | 1500 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 774 |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup | 415 |
| All purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups | 570 |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | 0 |
| Egg | 1 large | 70 |
| Butter | 1/2 cup | 810 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
These carefully balanced ingredients create the perfect chewy texture and rich peanut butter flavor in every bite
How to Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies a light yet chewy texture.
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough instead of chewy. The dough should be thick but easy to scoop.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into even balls, about a tablespoon each, and place them on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between them. Use a fork to gently press down each dough ball in a crisscross pattern, giving the cookies their signature peanut butter cookie look. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. They should look slightly underbaked in the center, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven. Let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips
Use room temperature butter and peanut butter for smooth mixing and even texture
Slightly underbake the cookies for the best chewy centers and allow them to finish baking on the hot sheet
For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 20 minutes before baking to reduce spreading
If you like a stronger flavor, swap half the white sugar for extra brown sugar which adds moisture and richness
For a crunchy texture, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on top before baking
These small adjustments can take your cookies from simple to unforgettable
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
Peanut butter cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. For a classic pairing, serve them with a cold glass of milk or hot chocolate. If you prefer something more grown up, they pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea.
To make them extra special, drizzle the baked cookies with melted chocolate or dip half of each cookie in chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts or crushed pretzels. For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with marshmallow fluff, Nutella, or vanilla frosting for a decadent treat. You can also crumble them over ice cream for a quick and indulgent dessert topping.
Conclusion
Quick chewy peanut butter cookies are a treat that never fails to please. They are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver the perfect texture with every batch. Whether you enjoy them plain, paired with your favourite drink, or dressed up with toppings, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. With this recipe in your collection, you will always have a reliable go to cookie that is both simple and delicious.
