Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is pure magic—packed with rich peanut butter flavor, perfectly tender texture, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you want to bake up a batch for a cozy afternoon snack or impress friends at a gathering, these cookies deliver every single time. Get ready to fall in love with peanut butter all over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple kitchen staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating those irresistible soft peanut butter cookies. From the creamy fats to the leavening agents, every component boosts flavor, texture, or appearance to perfection.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup, softened: Adds richness and moisture, helping create that soft cookie texture.
- Creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup: The star ingredient providing deep, nutty flavor and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Sweetens while contributing to a delicate crisp edge.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup, packed: Adds a hint of molasses and keeps the cookies chewy.
- Large egg, 1: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for softness.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all flavors with a subtle warm note.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups: The base that gives structure to each cookie.
- Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Provides gentle lift and airiness.
- Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Reacts with acidic ingredients for perfect texture and slight browning.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This small prep step makes a big difference when it’s time to bake.
Step 2: Cream Together the Fats and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine your softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat these ingredients until they turn light, fluffy, and beautifully combined. This creaming process traps air in the mixture, giving your cookies a lighter texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and smooth. The egg adds moisture and richness, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile with a lovely aromatic kiss.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and soft.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough should feel soft and pliable. Then press each dough ball gently with the back of a fork, creating a classic crisscross pattern. This not only flattens the cookies for even baking but also adds a charming homemade touch.
Step 6: Bake Until Just Golden
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely for the edges to turn a delicate golden color. The centers will look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set while staying soft and chewy.
How to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. It balances the sweetness perfectly and adds a delightful crunch. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or scatter mini chocolate chips on freshly baked cookies for an extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk, making for a classic and comforting snack. For an adult twist, serve alongside a cup of rich coffee or a lightly sweetened chai latte. If you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh berries on the side makes an irresistible dessert combo.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or make your cookie gift stand out, stack the soft peanut butter cookies in a rustic jar or wrap them individually with twine and a handwritten tag. You can also sandwich them with a thin layer of Nutella or peanut butter cream filling for a delightful twist that will wow anyone lucky enough to try them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay beautifully soft and fresh for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy these treats throughout the week or share with friends and family.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies on hand longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. After they harden, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookies maintain their softness well and can be stored for up to 3 months, perfect for sudden cookie cravings.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked softness, simply warm your cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This little trick refreshes their chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and makes them taste as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add delightful texture bits to your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, giving them a little extra crunch and a fun twist on the classic soft cookie.
What makes these cookies soft instead of crispy?
The combination of brown sugar, butter, and just the right amount of leavening agents keeps these cookies tender and chewy. The baking time is carefully calibrated to avoid overbaking, which helps retain that wonderful softness.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend can often replace all-purpose flour in this recipe. Just keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the peanut butter flavor will remain wonderfully rich.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking if you find your cookies are spreading too thin. Also, spacing them properly on the baking sheet helps maintain their shape.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Stirring in chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even butterscotch chips can add exciting flavors and textures to your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Just fold them in gently before scooping the dough.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the secrets to the ultimate Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bake a batch that will steal the show at any gathering, or just become your go-to comfort snack at home. These cookies are as easy as they are delicious, and once you taste that tender, peanut-buttery goodness, you’ll understand why they quickly become a beloved classic. Enjoy every bite—you deserve it!
Print
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Soft Peanut Butter Cookies combine creamy peanut butter and a perfect blend of sugars to create tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats. With a simple preparation and a quick bake time, these cookies are ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth without fuss.
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, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined for a uniform dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and a tough cookie.
- Shape Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Flatten with Fork: Use a fork to press each dough ball in a crisscross pattern, gently flattening each to encourage even baking and the classic peanut butter cookie look.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating doneness while retaining softness inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set without breaking.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake by reducing baking time to around 8 minutes.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for enhanced flavor contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
