Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
If you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate comfort treat, these Soft Peanut Butter Cookies will become your new obsession. Each bite is packed with rich peanut butter flavor, a hint of sweetness, and that signature melt-in-your-mouth softness. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic snack or planning a sweet surprise for your loved ones, this recipe has you covered with simple steps and everyday ingredients. Let’s bake a batch of pure joy together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these cookies lies in their straightforward ingredient list. Every item plays a crucial role in achieving the perfectly soft peanut butter texture and dreamy, rich taste that makes these cookies so special.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb, ensuring each cookie turns out perfectly soft.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show, lending creaminess and unmistakable peanut flavor to every bite.
- Granulated Sugar: Helps the cookies spread and creates a gentle sweetness.
- Brown Sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a touch of caramel depth for that classic chewy texture.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together and gives the cookies lift.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors, adding a warm and cozy aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the cookies depends on this reliable staple.
- Baking Soda: Gives the cookies their lightly puffed, tender texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the peanut butter complexity.
How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and guarantee easy cleanup. This step is a small effort that goes a long way toward perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential—it incorporates air for a lighter texture and ensures sweetness is perfectly blended throughout your dough.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
To your creamed mixture, add the large egg and vanilla extract. Beat again until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This simple action ensures that every bite of your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies is subtly fragrant and cohesive.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Making sure these are evenly combined first prevents pockets of baking soda or uneven saltiness in your finished cookies.
Step 5: Combine and Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, mixing just until a soft, cohesive dough forms. The key is to avoid overmixing—just combine until you see no more streaks of flour, and you’ll end up with irresistibly tender Soft Peanut Butter Cookies.
Step 6: Scoop, Shape, and Crisscross
Scoop the dough out in tablespoon-sized portions and gently roll each into a ball. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For that classic peanut butter cookie look, use a fork to press a crisscross pattern into the top of each. This also helps flatten the cookies slightly for even baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still look a touch underdone. They’ll continue setting as they cool, resulting in wonderfully soft and chewy centers. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
You can make these cookies even more special by drizzling them with melted chocolate or sprinkling a touch of sea salt right after baking. For festive occasions, a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped peanuts pressed on top adds flair and extra crunch.
Side Dishes
These Soft Peanut Butter Cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a frothy cappuccino, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make a delightful companion for fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or bananas, for a fun and balanced snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Package them in a cute tin tied with twine for easy gifting, or create a cookie sandwich by adding a dollop of whipped cream or chocolate ganache between two cookies. Stack them high for a rustic cookie tower or use as a base for a playful dessert parfait with layers of pudding and whipped cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for lunchboxes, midnight snacks, or sweet moments throughout your week.
Freezing
If you want to savor them even longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature whenever you crave a treat.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked softness, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds. The warmth brings out the peanut butter aroma and makes the texture irresistibly gooey once again—almost as if they just came out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds a delightful crunch and bits of peanut throughout, but the base recipe using creamy peanut butter gives the softest and most uniform texture.
What can I do if I don’t have parchment paper?
If you’re out of parchment, simply lightly grease your baking sheets with butter or a non-stick spray. This will help prevent sticking and keep your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies looking picture perfect.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
You sure can! Just double all the ingredients and bake in batches, ensuring you leave enough space between each dough ball for spreading.
Why are my cookies not soft?
The secret to super soft cookies is taking them out of the oven when the centers are just slightly underbaked. Also, make sure not to overmix your dough and to measure your flour lightly for the best results.
Is it possible to make these Soft Peanut Butter Cookies gluten free?
Definitely! Swap out the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Look for one that’s a one-to-one substitute to ensure your cookies stay tender and delightful.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch of these Soft Peanut Butter Cookies and experience their dreamy softness and homey flavor. Share them with friends and family, or simply treat yourself—you deserve it! Happy baking!
Print
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic favorite, featuring a chewy texture and rich peanut butter flavor. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 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
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Form dough balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern into the tops of each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra softness, slightly underbake and let the cookies finish setting on the pan.
- Add chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate for a twist.
- Store in an airtight container 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: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
