Name: Thick and Chewy XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies You’ll Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened); 1 cup Peanut Butter (creamy or chunky); 1 cup Brown Sugar (light or dark); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 Large Eggs; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 2 tablespoons Milk; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (accurately measured); 1 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Chips (or chocolate chips); 1/2 cup Chopped Peanuts (optional)

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As I walked into my favorite bakery last week, the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies enveloped me like a warm hug. I couldn’t resist the allure of XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies—thick, chewy, and loaded with peanut goodness. That’s when the inspiration struck! This recipe is my twist on those delightful creations, designed for anyone who longs for that bakery experience at home. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and ideal for sharing with friends, these cookies come together quickly, making them a go-to treat for any occasion. With every bite, you’ll experience a soft center, a golden crust, and the richness of peanut butter that will make you swoon. Ready to indulge in a cookie that feels like a sweet escape? Let’s dive into making your new favorite, XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies!

Why are These Cookies Unforgettable?

Thick, Chewy Goodness: Each XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookie boasts a thick and chewy texture that’s sure to impress even the most discerning cookie aficionados.

Bursting with Flavor: With a generous amount of peanut butter and Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips, these cookies deliver delightful flavor in every bite, making them a true indulgence.

Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in no time, making them the perfect solution for unexpected guests or a sweet craving.

Perfect Pairing: These cookies shine with a glass of chilled milk or as a sweet afternoon snack, enhancing your enjoyment even more.

Endless Variations: Why stop at peanut butter? Experiment with chocolate chips or alternate nut butters for a unique twist! For more dessert inspiration, check out these Peanut Butter Banana treats or Cookies Cream Oreo delights!

XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookie Ingredients

Get ready to bake some delightful treats!

For the Batter

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use softened for easy mixing.
Peanut Butter – Core flavor; creamy or chunky varieties work, but avoid stir varieties.
Brown Sugar – Provides moisture and chewiness; using more brown than white enhances thickness.
Granulated Sugar – Contributes to sweetness and texture.
Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients; standard size works well.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor.
Milk – Adds moisture; a secret ingredient for a softer cookie.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Baking Soda – Leavening agent for a light texture; ensures cookies rise properly.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; accurately measure for the best results.

For Extra Flavor

Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips – Adds extra peanut buttery flavor; can substitute with chocolate chips or omit.
Chopped Peanuts (optional) – For added crunch; substitute with additional peanut butter chips if desired.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to achieve that perfect bake. While the oven heats, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats; this ensures your XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter and peanut butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well blended. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks smooth and shiny.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the large eggs, vanilla extract, milk, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined; this should only take about a minute. The mixture will become creamy and slightly thick, ready to welcome the dry ingredients that follow.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour into your batter, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to stay soft and tender. Once there are no visible streaks of flour, gently fold in the Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips and optional chopped peanuts for extra crunch.

Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a ¼ cup measuring scoop, portion out the cookie dough and place them on your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they’re spaced at least 4 inches apart. With a fork, gently press down on each dough mound to create a crisscross pattern on top, adding a delightful touch to your XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies; they’ll be done when they’re light golden around the edges and just set in the center, without a glossy finish.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Their thick and chewy texture will be perfect for enjoying with a glass of milk once cooled—your homemade XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies are ready to be devoured!

Make Ahead Options

These XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies are a perfect choice for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor. Simply scoop the dough onto your baking sheets and store them tightly covered in the fridge to prevent drying out. If you want to go further, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, bake straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly thick and chewy cookies that taste just as delicious as if they were freshly made!

Storage Tips for XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and deliciousness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to one month.

Reheating: If desired, reheat frozen XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to refresh their softness.

XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies Variations

Feel free to add your own creative touch to these delightful cookies and make them truly yours!

Nutty Swap: Substitute half of the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a nutty twist, bringing a unique flavor profile to your cookies.
Chocolatey Delight: Add mini chocolate chips alongside the peanut butter chips for a delightful blend of chocolate and peanut butter that will please any crowd.
Double Peanut: Omit the chopped peanuts entirely and increase peanut butter chips to 3 cups for a cookie that’s bursting with peanut flavor in every bite.
Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure you check the packaging to avoid cross-contamination.
Reduce Sugar: Use a sugar substitute or lessen the granulated sugar to lower the sweetness while keeping that thick and chewy texture intact.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the batter for a subtle spice that complements the sweetness of the peanut butter beautifully.
Fruity Finish: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins into the dough; they will add a lovely chewiness and a burst of flavor that enhances each cookie.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over cooled cookies for an indulgent topping that transforms them into gourmet treats.

These variations not only let you cater to personal tastes and dietary needs but also invite delicious exploration in your baking adventure. For more delightful inspirations, try these Honey Butter Cornbread for a sweet side, or indulge in some Garlic Butter Shrimp for a savory treat!

Expert Tips for XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies

Butter Temperature: Softened, not melted: For the best texture, ensure your butter is softened at room temperature, making it easy to cream with sugars.
Flour Measurement: Avoid dry cookies: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately, avoiding dense and dry cookies.
Baking Time: Watch for doneness: Adjust the baking time if making smaller cookies. They should take around 7-10 minutes for 1-2 tablespoons of dough.
Cool Cookies: Don’t skip cooling: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to maintain their thickness and chewiness.
Store Properly: Keep them fresh: Store XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container or freeze them for longer shelf life, ensuring they remain delicious.

What to Serve with XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies?

These delightful cookies are perfect for a cozy gathering or a simple afternoon treat, wrapped in the warm embrace of nostalgia.

Chilled Milk: The classic pairing that complements the richness of peanut butter, bringing a comforting balance to each bite.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a dreamy combination, as the warm cookies melt the ice cream just right. Enjoy this harmonious blend as an indulgent dessert!
Fresh Berries: Light and refreshing, berries like strawberries or raspberries cut through the sweetness, adding a pop of color and freshness to your dessert spread.
Chocolate Milkshake: For a truly decadent treat, pair your cookies with a thick chocolate milkshake, elevating snack time to a delightful experience.
Coffee or Espresso: The nutty flavors of peanut butter harmonize beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, making it the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie: Blend up a creamy smoothie with banana and peanut butter; it’s a delicious, nutritious option that pairs seamlessly with your cookies, capturing the essence of your baked treat!
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over your cookies adds an irresistible touch of sweetness and decadence, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Coconut Macaroons: Keep that nutty theme going with a bite of chewy coconut macaroons, creating a fun contrast of textures and flavors alongside your cookies.

Enjoy these pairings to create an unforgettable experience around your XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies!

XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs

How can I tell if my peanut butter is fresh?
Absolutely! Fresh peanut butter should smell nutty and aromatic without any off odors. If you see dark spots all over, it’s time to toss it out. For the best results, opt for creamy or chunky varieties but avoid those that need stirring, as they can be inconsistent in texture.

What’s the best way to store XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies?
You can easily store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cool to prevent moisture buildup. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to one month!

How do I thaw frozen cookies, and can I reheat them?
Very! To thaw frozen XL Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies, simply leave them at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer them warm and soft, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. They’ll taste like they just came out of the bakery!

What should I do if my cookies turn out too dry?
If your cookies end up dry, ensure you’re measuring your flour accurately. I recommend using the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping straight from the bag, as this can pack down the flour. If they still seem dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk to the dough next time or check for doneness earlier to maintain that chewy texture.

Can I substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies, you can substitute the peanut butter with sun butter or tahini. For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free butter and plant-based milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still end up with delicious cookies!