Loaded Peanut Butter Cookies – The Ultimate Cookie Indulgence

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a cookie packed with flavor and texture. Unlike simple peanut butter cookies, this recipe takes things to the next level by incorporating an assortment of mix-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, pretzels, or even candy pieces. The result is a cookie that is soft and chewy at the center, slightly crisp around the edges, and brimming with sweet and salty goodness in every bite. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or an afternoon indulgence, these cookies strike the right balance between rich peanut butter flavor and irresistible add-ins. They are simple to prepare, versatile enough to suit your preferences, and guaranteed to impress both kids and adults. If you are looking for a cookie that delivers more than just one flavor, these Loaded Peanut Butter Cookies are exactly what your dessert table needs.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

The ingredients in these cookies combine to create a rich peanut butter base while leaving room for playful variations with mix-ins.

Peanut butter is the star of this recipe, offering a nutty richness and creamy consistency that defines the flavor of the cookies.

Unsalted butter brings additional richness, creating a tender texture and helping the cookies bake up soft and chewy.

Granulated sugar adds sweetness and balances the saltiness of the peanut butter and mix-ins.

Brown sugar contributes moisture and depth, giving the cookies a caramel-like undertone and helping achieve a chewy bite.

Eggs provide structure and help bind the dough, ensuring the cookies hold their shape while staying soft.

Vanilla extract enhances the flavors, bringing warmth and subtle sweetness that rounds out the cookie base.

All-purpose flour serves as the structural foundation, giving the dough stability and the perfect balance between softness and chew.

Baking soda acts as the leavening agent, helping the cookies rise slightly while maintaining their chewy texture.

Salt sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness, making the peanut butter taste more pronounced.

Chocolate chips add melty, sweet bursts throughout the cookie, pairing perfectly with the peanut butter base.

Chopped peanuts provide crunch and an extra punch of nutty flavor, complementing the creamy peanut butter.

Mini pretzels or crushed pretzels give a salty crunch that enhances the sweet elements of the cookie.

Candy pieces such as chocolate-coated candies or peanut butter cups can be added for a playful and colorful twist.

Directions

Start by preheating your oven and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated to avoid overworking the dough. Gently fold in chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, pretzels, and candy pieces until evenly distributed.

Scoop generous portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for spreading. Flatten each slightly with the back of a spoon or your palm. Bake until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm for maximum gooeyness or at room temperature for a chewier bite.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your scoops. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, baking requires 10–12 minutes per batch, and cooling adds another 10 minutes. In total, you can expect to enjoy these cookies in under 40 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to two months. To enjoy warm, reheat a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds until soft and gooey again.

Variations and Customizations

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Add cocoa powder to the dough and use white chocolate chips for a rich, chocolate-peanut butter twist.

Trail Mix Cookies
Mix in dried fruit, seeds, and nuts along with chocolate for a wholesome yet indulgent option.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
Swirl raspberry or strawberry jam into the dough before baking for a nostalgic flavor pairing.

Oreo-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies
Wrap dough around mini Oreo cookies for a surprise filling in the center.

Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cookies
Add caramel bits to the dough and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking for a sweet-salty balance.

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
Use a gluten-free flour blend or rely solely on peanut butter, eggs, and sugar for a naturally gluten-free version.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds extra texture to the cookies.

Can I chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and intensifies the flavor.

What kind of candy works best?

Chocolate-coated candies, chopped peanut butter cups, or toffee bits are all excellent choices.

Can I make the cookies smaller or larger?

Yes, adjust the scoop size and baking time accordingly. Larger cookies may need extra minutes in the oven.

Do these cookies spread a lot while baking?

They spread moderately. For thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking.

Can I substitute butter with margarine?

Butter is recommended for flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if necessary.

How do I prevent cookies from becoming dry?

Avoid overbaking; remove them when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.

Conclusion

Loaded Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Packed with chocolate, nuts, pretzels, and candies, these cookies are the definition of indulgence. They are quick to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you stick to the classic mix-ins or experiment with your own, each batch guarantees a rich, chewy, and satisfying treat. These cookies are proof that when it comes to dessert, more truly is more.

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