Subway’s Signature Peanut Butter Cookies

The Best Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies: Recreate Subway’s Iconic Recipe at Home!

Craving those unforgettable, melt-in-your-mouth Subway Peanut Butter Cookies? Look no further! This incredible recipe delivers perfectly chewy, intensely peanut buttery cookies, packed with delightful peanut chunks, that are remarkably similar to the beloved discontinued Subway classic. Get ready to bake up a batch of tender, flavorful deliciousness that will transport you straight back to your favorite sandwich shop!

Homemade chewy peanut butter cookies laying flat on top of each other, reminiscent of Subway's style

Cookies are universally adored, making them the ultimate dessert choice for any occasion. Here at [Blog Name, if applicable, or simply “we”], we’re passionate about creating delightful cookie recipes that satisfy every craving. If you love a good chewy cookie, be sure to also try our Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies or our festive Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookie Recipe. But for now, let’s dive into the glorious world of homemade peanut butter perfection!

Why These Are the Best Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Forget the traditional fork-pressed peanut butter cookies or those ultra-simple 3-ingredient versions. While those have their place, this recipe is meticulously crafted to replicate the specific, irresistible texture and rich flavor profile of Subway’s famous peanut butter cookies. These are wonderfully chewy, incredibly soft, and bursting with an intense peanut butter flavor that stands out from the rest. The cookie dough is whipped to an airy perfection, creating a light yet satisfying bite. When scooped, each cookie even bears those distinctive, signature marks on top – just like the ones you remember from Subway!

What sets these cookies apart is the meticulous balance of ingredients that ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience without being overly crumbly or dry. We’ve cracked the code to achieve that ideal chewy center and slightly crisp edge, making every bite a delightful journey for your taste buds. The combination of both butter and shortening contributes significantly to their unique texture and consistent spread, allowing them to bake beautifully without needing any extra flattening or manipulation.

The Nostalgia of Subway Peanut Butter Cookies

For many, the mention of Subway cookies evokes a wave of nostalgia. Back in the day, Subway’s cookies were a legendary treat, and their peanut butter cookies were arguably among the best. I vividly recall my time baking these delightful treats for Subway; they arrived frozen and pre-scooped, requiring only a quick pop into the oven for about 8 minutes. The subtle streak marks on top, created by the scoop, were a tell-tale sign of their authenticity and part of their charm. These cookies captured a unique combination of rich flavor and satisfying chewiness that made them a fan favorite.

Sadly, Subway has since discontinued their peanut butter cookies. Today, you’ll find only four cookie flavors on their menu: Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, White Chip Macadamia Nut, and Dark Chocolate Cherry. While these are certainly delicious in their own right, none quite fill the void left by the beloved peanut butter variant. That’s precisely why this recipe is such a treasure – it brings that cherished flavor and texture back to life, allowing you to enjoy your favorite Subway-style peanut butter cookies anytime you wish, right from your own kitchen!

Crafting the Perfect Peanut Butter Cookie: A Recipe Journey

My quest for the ultimate Subway-style peanut butter cookie led to this truly unique and experimental project. Much like my successful endeavor to create the perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, this recipe involved careful experimentation to achieve just the right balance of ingredients and technique. The result is a gem you won’t easily find elsewhere. I poured my heart into perfecting the texture, ensuring these cookies spread beautifully on their own, resulting in uniform, perfectly baked treats every time. This unique approach means you’re not just getting a recipe; you’re getting the culmination of a dedicated effort to bring back a classic.

These aren’t just any peanut butter cookies; they are a testament to the power of homemade baking to recreate cherished flavors. From the moment you mix the dough to the first bite of a warm, fresh-from-the-oven cookie, you’ll understand why I’m so thrilled with this experiment’s outcome. They are incredibly delicious and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire, whether you remember the Subway originals or are simply seeking an outstanding chewy peanut butter cookie.

Chewy peanut butter cookies with visible chopped peanuts, ready to enjoy

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Cookies

Can I substitute shortening?

Shortening is a type of solid fat that contributes to a tender texture and helps with the spread of cookies without making them overly thin or greasy. If you don’t have shortening on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of margarine or softened butter. While the texture might vary slightly (margarine often produces a slightly softer cookie, while all butter can make them a bit richer and potentially spread more), using either of these will still yield delicious results. Ensure your substitute is at room temperature for optimal creaming.

Can I use Chunky Peanut Butter?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter works wonderfully in this recipe and will add even more texture and intensified peanut goodness to your cookies. The existing recipe already includes an option for chopped peanuts, but if you opt for chunky peanut butter, you can simply omit the additional chopped peanuts called for in the ingredients list, as the chunky peanut butter will provide plenty of delightful nut pieces throughout your cookies.

Why do some Peanut Butter Cookies have Fork Marks?

Traditional peanut butter cookies often feature a distinctive crosshatch pattern pressed with a fork. This practice originated because many older peanut butter cookie recipes resulted in denser doughs that didn’t spread much on their own during baking. Pressing the dough flattened it, ensuring a more uniform shape and promoting even baking. However, this particular recipe is specifically formulated with a generous amount of butter and peanut butter, which naturally helps the cookies spread beautifully on their own in the oven, achieving that desired chewy and soft consistency. Therefore, there’s no need for fork marks here; these cookies will develop a lovely, slightly crinkled top as they bake, mirroring the authentic Subway style without any extra effort.

Can Peanut Butter Cookies be Frozen?

Yes, these cookies are excellent for freezing, both as baked cookies and as raw dough! In fact, the original Subway cookies themselves were baked from a frozen state, which highlights the convenience and quality of this method.

To freeze Cookie Dough: To prepare for future baking, scoop individual portions of the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet into the freezer and flash freeze until the dough balls are solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once firm, transfer the frozen cookie dough balls into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding approximately 2-3 extra minutes to the suggested baking time.

For Refrigerator Cookies (Dough): If you prefer to prepare the dough ahead for short-term storage, place the whipped cookie dough batter into a large airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 1 week. Scoop and bake as needed. A helpful tip for refrigerated dough: if using butter, it will solidify and make the dough harder to scoop directly from the fridge. For consistently easy scooping, consider using margarine instead of butter in the initial recipe, as margarine remains much softer when cold.

How long do you bake these cookies?

The key to achieving perfectly chewy cookies is to slightly underbake them. Overbaked cookies tend to become dry, hard, and crumbly, losing that desirable soft, chewy texture. For dough scooped with a 1 1/2-inch scoop (Size 40), bake for approximately 7-8 minutes. If you’re using a larger cookie scoop size 24, which yields bigger cookies, extend the baking time to about 11 minutes. Always look for edges that are just set and a center that still looks slightly soft and moist – they will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I add Oatmeal?

Yes, oatmeal and peanut butter are a classic combination that creates a wonderfully textured and slightly healthier cookie! To incorporate oats into this recipe, you can easily modify the flour content. Simply reduce the amount of all-purpose flour by 1/2 cup and add 1 cup of either old-fashioned rolled oats or quick-cooking oats to the dough. This will give your cookies a delightful chewiness, a more complex texture, and a wholesome, hearty flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich peanut butter.

What can I substitute for Butter?

In this recipe, butter contributes significantly to both the rich flavor and the tender, chewy texture of the cookies. If you need a substitute due to dietary restrictions or availability, margarine or a high-quality buttery blend will work well. Margarine often results in a slightly softer cookie, which can be quite desirable for achieving a perfectly chewy texture. Ensure your chosen substitute is at room temperature for proper creaming with the sugars, which is a vital step for the cookie’s final consistency.

Expert Tips for Baking Your Best Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

  1. Customize Your Peanut Texture: For a different take on texture, you can omit the optional chopped peanuts entirely and rely solely on creamy peanut butter for a smoother cookie. Alternatively, use chunky peanut butter from the start, or stir in some peanut butter chips for an extra burst of flavor and a varied, delightful texture.
  2. Add a Festive Touch: For a fun and colorful twist, especially for holidays or celebrations, gently fold in a handful of peanut butter M&Ms or regular M&Ms into the dough before scooping. This adds visual appeal and a delightful chocolatey crunch that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
  3. Embrace Oatmeal Goodness: Transform these into Chewy Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies by simply swapping out some of the flour for oats. Reduce the flour by 1/2 cup and incorporate 1 cup of old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats. This variation adds a wholesome chewiness and a hearty texture that many adore.
  4. Master Baking Times for Perfect Texture: Achieving the ideal chewy texture depends critically on proper baking time. For standard 1-inch cookies (approximately using a Size 40 scoop), bake for 7-8 minutes. If you prefer larger cookies (using a Size 24 scoop), extend the baking time to around 11 minutes. Always watch for lightly golden edges and a slightly soft center; cookies continue to set as they cool.
  5. Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your butter, shortening, peanut butter, and eggs are all at proper room temperature before you begin. This allows them to cream together effectively with the sugars, creating an emulsified, airy base for your dough. This step is crucial for the cookies’ light, chewy texture and even spread.
  6. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can overdevelop the gluten in the flour, which will result in tougher cookies instead of the desired soft and tender ones. A gentle hand during the final mixing stage is key.
  7. Cool on the Pan Briefly: After removing your perfectly baked cookies from the oven, resist the urge to transfer them immediately to a wire rack. Let them cool on the hot baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. This allows them to finish setting up without breaking apart and helps maintain their soft, chewy centers before they are sturdy enough to move.

More Delicious Cookie Recipes to Try

If you’ve enjoyed these amazing peanut butter cookies, you’re sure to love some of our other popular cookie creations that are perfect for any occasion:

  • Hearty & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
  • Simple 4-Ingredient Thumbprint Cookies
  • Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookie Recipe
  • Irresistibly Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Bakery-Style Copycat M&M Cookies

How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Like Subway: The Full Recipe

Homemade chewy peanut butter cookies, perfectly baked and stacked
Print
Rate
Pin

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Servings: 27 cookies
Author: Alyona Demyanchuk
These Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are loaded with rich peanut butter flavor and optional peanut chunks! They taste remarkably like the discontinued Subway Peanut Butter Cookies and are incredibly easy to make. Prepare for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness that will become your new favorite!

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 4 oz unsalted butter (1 stick, softened)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped unsalted peanuts (optional, for extra crunch)

Instructions

How to make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies:

  • In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the shortening, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that characteristic chewy texture.
  • Peanut butter cookie dough batter inside a stainless steel mixing bowl, ready for baking
    Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Finally, gently fold in the chopped peanuts (if using) for added crunch.
  • Scooping peanut butter cookie dough onto a baking sheet, spaced out for baking
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 1 1/2-inch cookie scoop (or a size 40 scoop, approximately 1.5 tablespoons), scoop generous balls of cookie dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  • Freshly baked chewy peanut butter cookies cooling on a wire rack
    Bake for approximately 11 minutes (for larger cookies, size 24 scoop) or 7-8 minutes (for smaller, 1-inch cookies, size 40 scoop) in the preheated oven. Cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade Subway-style chewy peanut butter cookies!

Notes

Yield: This recipe typically yields about 27 large cookies when using a size 40 cookie scoop (approx. 1.5 tablespoons). A 1/4 measuring cup can be used as an alternative for scooping.

  • To freeze Cookie Dough: For future baking convenience, scoop individual portions of cookie dough onto a tray and flash freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time, and enjoy fresh-baked cookies anytime!

  • For Refrigerator Cookie Dough: If preparing ahead for refrigeration, place the prepared cookie dough batter into a large airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 1 week. Scoop and bake as needed. Tip: If you plan to refrigerate the dough, using margarine instead of butter will make the dough much easier to scoop directly from the fridge, as butter tends to solidify more when cold.

Nutrition per serving

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 248mgPotassium: 87mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 123IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Close-up of freshly baked chewy peanut butter cookies with visible peanuts

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

We hope you’re as excited as we are about this incredible chewy peanut butter cookie recipe! It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a journey back to a beloved classic, delivering all the rich flavor and perfect texture you remember from Subway’s discontinued favorites. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these homemade peanut butter cookies are destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these tender, melt-in-your-mouth delights are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy even the most intense peanut butter cravings. So preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the best chewy peanut butter cookies you’ve ever tasted!