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Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies (Classic Recipe)

These classic chewy peanut butter cookies feature a soft center, perfectly crisp edges, and the iconic crosshatch pattern. They are quick to make and bake up wonderfully thick and delicious.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (Do not use natural style that requires stirring)
  • 3/4 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Granulated White Sugar plus 2 tablespoons for fork dipping/rolling
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer (or large mixing bowl and hand mixer)
  • Baking Sheets
  • Medium Cookie Scoop (1.5 tbsp)

Method
 

Mixing the Dough
  1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Cream Fats and Sugars: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, usually about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour has been added.
Baking
  1. Scoop and Shape: Using a standard cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons of dough), scoop the dough and roll it into smooth balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart.
  2. Create the Crosshatch Pattern: Using a fork, gently flatten the top of each cookie dough ball, creating the classic crosshatch (crisscross) pattern. Dip the fork in extra granulated sugar between cookies if the tines start to stick.
  3. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden brown, but the centers still look slightly soft. Overbaking will result in a dry, less chewy cookie.
  4. Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven, as they are very fragile when hot. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping. Ensure your butter and eggs are truly at room temperature for the best creamy texture when creaming the fats and sugars. Store airtight at room temperature for up to one week.