Introduction to Soft Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
There's something undeniably special about homemade cookies, especially when they’re soft and thick peanut butter cookies. Imagine coming home to the rich, inviting scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through your space—it’s a warm welcome that store-bought treats just can’t replicate.
Why choose homemade cookies over store-bought?
When it comes to cookies, homemade means both quality and customization. Store-bought versions often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and sweeteners, while homemade cookies allow you to control every ingredient. You can experiment with your favorite peanut butter, choose the perfect level of sweetness, and even add in some delightful mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
Additionally, the joy of preparing cookie dough from scratch can be a calming experience, a moment to connect with your kitchen and unleash your creativity. Thinking about a weekend baking session? It’s a perfect opportunity for bonding—whether it's with family or friends, sharing the cookie-making experience is always a hit. So why not charm your loved ones with a batch of soft and thick peanut butter cookies? With just the right balance of creaminess and richness, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Interested in the recipe? Jump right in and let’s bake!
Ingredients for Soft Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Creating delightful soft thick peanut butter cookies that are perfect for any occasion requires some kitchen essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 and ⅓ cups (170g). Make sure to spoon and level the flour for accurate measurement to ensure the best texture.
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon. This will help your cookies rise beautifully.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon. A little salt enhances the flavor of the peanut butter, balancing sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (8 Tbsp; 113g), softened to room temperature. Softened butter mixes more seamlessly, contributing to that soft texture you crave.
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup (100g), packed. This adds moisture and a bit of chewiness.
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (50g), plus an additional ½ cup (100g) for rolling. The sugar coating gives a lovely crunch.
- Large Egg: 1, at room temperature. Eggs help bind the ingredients and create that soft consistency.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: ¾ cup (about 185g). Opt for a stable brand to avoid crumbliness in your cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for a touch of warmth and depth in flavor.
Gather these ingredients, and you're well on your way to baking those irresistible cookies that everyone loves! Need tips on choosing the right peanut butter? Check out this handy guide.
Step-by-Step Preparation of Soft Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Creating soft thick peanut butter cookies at home is not just a delightful experience; it’s also incredibly rewarding. Let’s dive into the step-by-step preparation to ensure each cookie turns out perfectly!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients on hand:
- 1 and ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
This list will help streamline your baking and make things easier!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the dough, ensuring your cookies rise uniformly. Set this bowl aside for later.
Cream Butter and Sugars
Now for the fun part! Using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on high speed for about one minute until creamy. Gradually mix in the brown sugar and ¼ cup of granulated sugar, beating for around two minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. For a detailed guide, check out this tutorial on how to cream butter and sugar effectively.
Add Egg, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla
Add in the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined—about another minute. Your batter should be smooth and invitingly aromatic by this stage!
Mix in Dry Ingredients
At this point, combine the dry ingredients with your wet mixture, beating on low speed. You’ll want the dough to be creamy but not too wet—just the right consistency!
Chill the Dough
Cover your cookie dough bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours, and if you’re planning ahead, it can stay in there for up to three days. This step is crucial—it helps develop the flavors and ensures your cookies are thick and chewy!
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Roll and Coat the Cookie Dough
Time to shape those cookies! Take about a tablespoon of chilled dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in the remaining granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Don’t forget to make a criss-cross pattern on top with a fork—this classic touch is both decorative and functional!
Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies for 11–12 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the edges are set and lightly browned, while the centers remain soft.
Cooling the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling is essential for setting their texture—patience is key!
By following these steps, you’ll create soft thick peanut butter cookies that are sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy the deliciousness of your homemade treats!
Variations on Soft Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
For a delightful twist on the classic soft thick peanut butter cookies, why not add chocolate chips? Simply fold in about 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into your dough right after mixing the wet and dry ingredients together. The sweet, melty chocolate pairs marvelously with the nutty flavor, creating a deliciously indulgent treat. These cookies are perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth!
Almond Butter Cookies
If you're looking for a different nutty flavor profile, try substituting almond butter for peanut butter. Just keep in mind that soft thick almond butter cookies may come out a bit crumblier than their peanut butter counterparts. The almond’s unique taste gives a delightful change, and you can even add cinnamon for an extra kick! Discover various nut butter options and their unique qualities at Healthline.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Soft Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
When crafting your soft thick peanut butter cookies, a few tips can elevate your baking game:
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Use room-temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for a smooth mixture. This helps in achieving that light, fluffy texture. Check out this guide for details!
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Don’t skip chilling: Allow the dough to chill for 1–2 hours. This step prevents spreading and helps your cookies maintain their thick shape.
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Pick the right peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter gives the best results. Crunchy varieties may lead to a crumbly texture.
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Get your measurements right: If you're unsure how to measure flour correctly, refer to this handy tutorial.
Enjoy baking and savor every bite of these delicious cookies!
Serving Suggestions for Soft Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Once your delicious soft thick peanut butter cookies come out of the oven, the serving possibilities are endless! Here are some creative ideas to elevate your cookie experience:
- Pair with Milk: A classic choice! A glass of cold milk complements the rich, creamy flavors of peanut butter beautifully.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Try placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a decadent treat.
- Garnish with Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate your cookies by drizzling melted chocolate on top before serving. Not only does it look inviting, but it adds a delicious twist!
- Serve Warm: For a comforting snack, microwave the cookies for a few seconds before enjoying. The warmth will intensify the peanut butter flavor.
- Combine with Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or chai for a delightful afternoon snack.
For more tips on enhancing your cookie experience, check out this guide to dessert pairings for inspiration!
Time Breakdown for Soft Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Understanding the time commitment for your baking adventure can help you plan ahead, especially for these delicious soft thick peanut butter cookies. Here's how the timing breaks down:
Preparation Time
About 15 minutes are needed to gather ingredients and mix up the dough. It’s a straightforward process where you’ll whisk the dry ingredients and cream the butter with sugars.
Chilling Time
Let the dough chill for 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This rest helps the cookies develop their flavor and gives them that soft, thick texture we all love.
Baking Time
When you’re ready to bake, set aside 11-12 minutes for baking. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be set while the centers look soft.
Total Time
In total, you're looking at about 2 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish, including chilling and baking. With these soft thick peanut butter cookies, the wait will definitely be worth it!
Nutritional Facts for Soft Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
When you're indulging in soft thick peanut butter cookies, it's nice to know what you're treating yourself to! Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional facts per cookie to help you enjoy every bite guilt-free.
Calories per cookie
Each cookie typically contains around 160-180 calories, depending on the size and specific ingredients used. Perfect for a sweet snack without going overboard!
Protein content
With the addition of peanut butter and eggs, these cookies pack a protein punch of about 3-4 grams per cookie. Great for those looking for a little boost in their snack options!
Sugar content
On the sweeter side, each cookie contains approximately 8-10 grams of sugar. While they satisfy your sweet tooth, you might want to enjoy them in moderation, especially if you're mindful of your sugar intake.
For more insights on healthy snacking, you might find this resource helpful in balancing your diet while enjoying your treats!
FAQs about Soft Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely! While creamy peanut butter is preferred for that smooth, soft texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter. Just keep in mind that it may result in a slightly more crumbly cookie. If you're craving a little extra texture, give it a try!
How do I store these cookies for freshness?
To keep your soft thick peanut butter cookies delicious and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay tasty for up to a week. If you notice they start to dry out, consider adding a slice of bread to the container — it acts as a moisture absorber!
Can I freeze cookie dough or baked cookies?
Yes, you can! Both the cookie dough and baked cookies freeze beautifully. For dough, shape into balls (omit sugar rolling), freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Baked cookies can also be kept for up to three months, making it easy to enjoy fresh cookies anytime!
Check out this article on freezing cookie dough for more tips.
Conclusion on Soft Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
In summary, soft thick peanut butter cookies are the ultimate comfort treat, perfect for any occasion. With their rich flavor and chewy texture, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy baking, and remember—these cookies are best shared (or savored alone)! For more tips, check out Sally’s Baking Addiction.
Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Equipment
- hand mixer
- stand mixer
- baking sheets
- silicone baking mats
- cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ½ cup brown sugar packed light or dark
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar for rolling
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter see note
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat the butter for 1 minute on high speed until creamy. Switch to medium-high speed and beat in the brown sugar and ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar until completely creamed and smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and beat until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract and beat until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat on low speed until combined. The dough will be very creamy and soft. Cover and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours, and up to 3 days.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Roll chilled cookie dough into balls, about 1 scant Tablespoon (⅝ ounce or 18g) of dough each. Roll each ball in the sugar and arrange on baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Use a fork to make a criss-cross indent on top of each. To prevent the cookies from over-spreading, after indenting the cookies, use your fingers to reshape into a thicker disc.
- Bake for 11–12 minutes or until the edges appear set and are very lightly browned. The centers will still look very soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to 1 week.
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