I’m so excited to share this Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe with you because it’s one of those classic, cozy treats that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. You know those days when you want something sweet, comforting, and utterly satisfying? These cookies hit every mark—soft and thick with that perfect peanut butter flavor that makes you smile with each bite.

What I love most is how easy it is to whip up a batch, and yet the results taste like you spent hours perfecting them. Whether you’re baking for a casual snack, a holiday treat, or just because, this Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe delivers that homemade feeling with every chew. Plus, the best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just common pantry staples that come together like magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All of these ingredients work in harmony to create that buttery, peanut buttery softness you’re craving. When shopping, opt for good-quality peanut butter (creamy works best here) and fresh baking soda to get the perfect rise and texture.

All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level the flour for accurate measurement to keep your cookies thick, not dry or crumbly.
Baking soda: This little leavening agent helps your cookies puff up and stay soft.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the peanut butter flavor and balance sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature; it adds richness and keeps the texture tender.
Light or dark brown sugar: The brown sugar adds moisture and depth with its molasses tones.
Granulated sugar: Some goes into the dough for sweetness, and the rest is for rolling to give a slight crunch on the outside.
Large egg: Helps bind everything together and adds a little lift.
Creamy peanut butter: I recommend creamy for the smoothest, thickest texture. Natural peanut butter can work but might alter texture a bit.
Pure vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon rounds out all the flavors beautifully.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on my mood, and you should totally feel free to make this Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe your own. Adding a personal twist can make a good cookie feel like a gourmet treat.

Chocolate chips: Adding a handful of chocolate chips makes these cookies even more indulgent—I’ve done this so many times and it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Crunchy peanut butter: Swap creamy for crunchy if you want more texture and those little peanut bits inside.
Gluten-free flour blend: If you’re gluten-free, using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour works well here without sacrificing texture.
Oats: For a heartier cookie, fold in ½ cup rolled oats to the dough—just reduces the cookie’s super soft feel slightly but adds great chewiness.
Salted butter: If you use salted butter, reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe to keep those flavors balanced.

How to Make Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. I always do this first so the leavening is evenly distributed, which helps the cookies rise uniformly. Set it aside while you get the fun part going.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a larger bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which adds to the softness and helps your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 3: Add Egg, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla

Beat in the egg, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The dough will look thick and slightly glossy here. If your peanut butter is chilled, warming it slightly helps it incorporate smoothly.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so I usually switch to a spatula for this part and fold gently. The dough should be thick, which is exactly what you want for these soft, thick cookies.

Step 5: Shape and Roll the Dough

Now, roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls, then roll each in granulated sugar for a bit of that sweet, crackly outside texture. Placing them on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart will give them enough room to puff up without losing that thickness.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until they’re just set but still soft in the center. Don’t be tempted to bake them until hard—they’ll firm up as they cool and stay wonderfully chewy. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

How to Serve Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to contrast the sweetness and intensify the peanut butter flavor. Sometimes I also sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips just on one side while the cookies are warm—it feels fancy and tastes divine.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect with a tall glass of cold milk—classic for a reason! I also enjoy pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a smooth latte if I’m serving them for an afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or gatherings, I’ve arranged these cookies on a platter layered with parchment and garnished with fresh strawberries or chopped nuts for a rustic look. You can get playful by sandwiching two cookies with peanut butter frosting in the middle—kids (and adults!) love that twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper to keep them soft and prevent sticking. They usually stay fresh and chewy up to 4-5 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If I want to freeze them, I do so after baking and cooling completely. I wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and arrange them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature—it’s as easy as that, and the texture remains lovely.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked softness, I pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, a quick 3-minute warm-up in a 300°F oven works great if you want a slightly crisp exterior with a gooey center.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just keep in mind natural peanut butter has more oil separation and less sugar, which might change the dough’s texture a bit. I recommend stirring it well before measuring and maybe chilling the dough a bit longer before baking to help it hold together.
Why are my peanut butter cookies flat instead of thick?

Flat cookies often happen if the butter is too melted or you over-cream the butter and sugar. Make sure your butter is just softened, not oily, and avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh—it helps the cookies rise and stay thick.
Can I make these cookies vegan or egg-free?

Absolutely! For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tbsp ground seed + 3 tbsp water, chilled) and use vegan butter or coconut oil. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious and soft.
How do I get the sugar coating on the cookies?

Simply roll each cookie dough ball into granulated sugar before baking. This sugar coating creates that beautiful crackly texture on top and adds a delightful slight crunch that contrasts the soft cookie inside.
Can I double this Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely, doubling works great. Just be sure to mix your ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution, and bake on multiple sheets as needed without overcrowding. The baking time stays about the same, but keep an eye on the cookies from 10 minutes onward.

Final Thoughts

This Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my baking repertoire because it’s reliably delicious, simple, and downright comforting. Whether you’re a peanut butter fan or just looking for a foolproof cookie that stays soft for days, I truly hope you give these a try and make them your own. Baking is all about joy and sharing, and these cookies never fail to bring smiles around my kitchen table—so I’m pretty sure you’ll love them too!