Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate treat that’s rich, chewy, and bursting with nutty goodness, look no further than these Soft Peanut Butter Cookies. Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right amount of sweetness and a subtle salty note, making them absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a special occasion or just to satisfy a weeknight craving, this recipe promises cookies that are tender, flavorful, and sure to leave everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Soft Peanut Butter Cookies so special is the perfect balance of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, contributing to the delectable flavor, texture, and golden color that make these cookies unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Brings richness and moisture, making the cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The heart and soul of these cookies, delivering that classic peanut flavor and creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create those perfectly crisp edges.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Lends a touch of caramel flavor and keeps the cookies chewy and moist.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and gives structure to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and brings out the nuttiness of the peanut butter.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides the perfect base, ensuring the cookies hold together without becoming dry.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and gives them their soft, puffy interior.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Works alongside the baking soda for a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens the flavor of the peanut butter.
How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Before you do anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this simple step guarantees easy cleanup and prevents sticking, so your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies slide off perfectly every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the blend turns light and fluffy—this introduces air for a tender cookie and ensures sweetness is distributed evenly throughout every bite.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in one large egg and pour in your vanilla extract. Mix until just combined; this step binds your dough together and infuses those warm, aromatic notes that make these cookies so inviting.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Doing this ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly dispersed, preventing any pockets of bitterness or uneven texture in your finished cookies.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies ultra-tender and prevents them from turning tough.
Step 6: Shape and Flatten the Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Use a fork to gently flatten each ball, creating that classic crisscross pattern that signals homemade peanut butter cookie goodness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Resist the urge to overbake—they’ll continue to set as they cool, resulting in the signature softness you crave.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This rest time allows them to firm up just enough to handle, while still preserving their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies with a handful of chopped peanuts right before baking. This not only boosts the peanut flavor but also adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal. A light dusting of flaky sea salt after baking is another way to elevate their rich, nutty taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, a mug of hot coffee, or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. For a fun dessert platter, serve them alongside chocolate chip cookies or brownies for a crowd-pleasing cookie spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for irresistible ice cream sandwiches, or drizzle them with melted chocolate for a decadent finish. You can also crumble them over yogurt or parfaits for a nutty, crunchy topping. Present a stack tied with ribbon as a sweet homemade gift—everyone loves Soft Peanut Butter Cookies wrapped with love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your freshly baked Soft Peanut Butter Cookies soft and chewy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Slip a slice of bread into the container to help maintain their tender texture—the cookies will absorb the moisture and stay bakery-fresh.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Alternatively, freeze unbaked dough balls and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If warming a larger batch, arrange them on a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until just warmed through—this revives their soft, gooey centers perfectly.
FAQs
Why did my cookies turn out dry or crumbly?
Dry or crumbly Soft Peanut Butter Cookies often result from overbaking or adding too much flour. Make sure to measure flour using the spoon-and-level method and remove the cookies from the oven while the centers are still soft for best results.
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular creamy peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may yield a slightly crumblier texture since it has less stabilizer and more oil separation. For the best classic softness, creamy processed peanut butter is recommended.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’ll have Soft Peanut Butter Cookies that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary needs.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just be sure to mix the dough thoroughly and bake in batches so each cookie has plenty of space to bake evenly.
What’s the best way to get the fork crisscross pattern?
Dip the tines of your fork in a little flour or sugar before pressing down on each dough ball. This prevents sticking and creates a clean, classic crisscross look on every Soft Peanut Butter Cookie.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the way Soft Peanut Butter Cookies bring comfort and joy to any moment. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a friend, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!
Print
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft peanut butter cookies are a delightful treat featuring a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and sweet sugars. They bake up tender and chewy with a subtle crisp around the edges, making them a favorite classic American dessert that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until all ingredients are well combined, producing a smooth and consistent batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Form Cookie Dough Balls: Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, portion out dough balls, then roll each ball gently between your hands to create smooth spheres. Place them about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten Dough Balls: Gently press each ball down with the back of a fork in a crisscross pattern to create the classic peanut butter cookie appearance and help them bake evenly.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. This timing ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they set properly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies; they will continue to firm up as they cool, so removing them while centers are soft is key for perfect texture.
- For an extra peanut punch and added crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top of each cookie before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
