Gourmet Thick Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
These Gourmet Thick Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are pure peanut butter bliss in every bite, with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center and a perfectly crisp edge. This recipe brilliantly balances velvety peanut butter flavor with a touch of crunch from real peanuts and a generous sprinkle of sugar on top. Whether you’re baking a batch for a special occasion or just because you need a little comfort, these cookies deliver bakery-level results right at home. It’s the kind of treat that makes every moment feel a little more special, and trust me when I say you’ll want to hide a few for yourself before they vanish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create cookies that taste like a gourmet bakery masterpiece. Each ingredient plays its role in building the irresistible richness, dreamy chewiness, and pure peanut butter goodness that sets these cookies apart.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides that silky, melt-away texture and a mellow base to let the peanut butter shine.
- Light Brown Sugar (1½ cups, packed): Adds a deep, caramel sweetness that keeps the cookies thick and flavorful.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup + ½ cup for topping): Delivers the perfect touch of crispness inside and that sparkling finish on top.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup): The heart of your cookies—use a good-quality, no-stir peanut butter for maximum flavor and that lush, soft crumb.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together and create that beautiful volume and tenderness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Balances and elevates the nutty notes for that classic, bakery-style aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour (3½ cups): Gives the cookies their sturdy, thick structure while keeping them soft and puffy.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for waking up all the flavors and balancing sweetness.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for that signature thick, cloud-like texture.
- Peanut Butter Chips (one 10-ounce bag): Little bursts of peanutty flavor in every bite—you don’t want to skip these!
- Peanuts, Cocktail Style (1 cup): For extra crunch and an old-fashioned, hearty feel that takes these cookies to the next level.
How to Make Gourmet Thick Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. This not only prevents sticking but makes clean-up a breeze, helping your cookies bake up evenly every time.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, packed light brown sugar, half a cup of granulated sugar, creamy peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step builds an airy base and ensures every cookie can puff up thick and tender.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning, so you get perfect lift and flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Blend the flour mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed, just until combined; no need to overmix. Stir in the peanut butter chips and cocktail peanuts. These mix-ins turn simple dough into a chunky, gourmet treat loaded with texture.
Step 5: Shape and Coat
Divide the dough into 14 equal balls, about 4.6 ounces each if you want those bakery-style giants. Roll each dough ball in the remaining granulated sugar, ensuring an even coating for that irresistible crunchy exterior.
Step 6: Arrange and Chill
Place seven cookie balls onto each prepared baking sheet, leaving room for spreading. Gently press a fork over the tops to flatten slightly and create a classic criss-cross pattern. If you love a sweeter touch, sprinkle even more sugar on top, then refrigerate the trays for one hour—this step is key for ultra-thick, bakery-style cookies.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Depending on your oven type, you may need to adjust the baking time, but start with 16 to 18 minutes. Your cookies are done when the edges just turn golden and the tops look set, even if the centers seem a little underdone.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Using the parchment, slide the cookies off the baking sheet and directly onto your countertop to cool completely. Don’t try to pick them up or move them yet—they’re still setting inside and can break if moved too soon! The patience pays off with that coveted gooey-soft center.
How to Serve Gourmet Thick Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Dust your cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt or drizzle them with a little melted chocolate for ultimate indulgence. A simple sprinkle of extra peanuts or a dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant, homemade touch.
Side Dishes
Pair each gourmet thick soft peanut butter cookie with a classic glass of cold milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or a toasty cup of coffee for the perfect sweet break. These cookies are also fantastic alongside a tangy fruit salad, which cuts the richness and adds freshness to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these gorgeous cookies high on a vintage cake stand, tuck them into bakery bags and tie them with a ribbon for gifting, or serve them warm and broken in half on a rustic cutting board—let those gooey chips and soft centers speak for themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover Gourmet Thick Soft Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days—just keep them away from heat and sunlight to maintain their perfect chewy texture.
Freezing
To freeze, layer the cooled cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep their bakery-fresh flavor and softness for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when your peanut butter craving hits!
Reheating
If you love a gooey, fresh-from-the-oven cookie, pop a single cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. It’ll warm up the peanut butter chips and bring that just-baked warmth right back.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds even more texture, making the cookies extra fun to bite into. Just be sure to keep the measurement the same for best results.
Why do my cookies look underbaked in the center?
The magic of Gourmet Thick Soft Peanut Butter Cookies is their soft, slightly doughy-looking center, which stays gooey even when fully baked. Let them cool completely, and you’ll find the inside perfectly set and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Can I make smaller cookies with this recipe?
Yes! For a smaller size, scoop about 2-ounce balls instead and you’ll get close to double the quantity. Bake for about 13 minutes and enjoy more cookies to share (or stash away for yourself).
How do I substitute some flour with oats?
Try swapping out half the flour for quick oats—this boosts the fiber and adds a lovely chew. Oats are an easy way to transform these cookies into a hearty snack without losing their signature softness.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is essential for achieving thick, bakery-style peanut butter cookies. It helps the dough firm up so the cookies don’t spread too much, resulting in that coveted thick, soft bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate peanut butter treat, it’s time to get your hands (and kitchen) into these Gourmet Thick Soft Peanut Butter Cookies. They’re a true delight—so simple to make but so impressive to serve. Go on, bake a batch, and experience the joy of a warm, extra-thick, and irresistibly soft cookie melting in your mouth!
Print
Gourmet Thick Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 14 Large Cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Gourmet Thick Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are a peanut butter lover’s dream. With a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, these cookies are thick, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor. Topped with a sprinkle of sugar, they are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 (10 ounce) bag peanut butter chips
- 1 cup peanuts (I used cocktail)
Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar for the topping
Instructions
- Prep Cookie Sheets: Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla to a large mixing bowl. Mix until light and fluffy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Add to wet ingredients and blend until combined.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in peanut butter chips and peanuts.
- Form Dough: Divide dough into 14 balls, roll in sugar, and place on cookie sheets. Press each cookie with a fork and sprinkle more sugar on top. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 16-18 minutes. Cool on the counter before removing.
Notes
- Cookie Size Variation: For smaller cookies, refrigerate the dough for 2 hours, then scoop and bake for 13 minutes.
- Oatmeal Variation: Substitute half of the flour with quick oats for added whole grain and fiber.
- Cookie Texture: The soft and chewy center of these cookies may appear underbaked but will set as they cool. Avoid overbaking for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cookie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Peanut Butter Cookies, Gourmet Cookies, Thick Cookies, Bakery-Style Cookies
