Best Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
If you have a sweet spot for peanut butter cookies that strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, you are in for a treat with the Best Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples into a magical dough that bakes up with delicate edges and irresistibly tender centers. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just craving a cozy homemade snack, these cookies will become your go-to for peanut buttery comfort. The journey to peanut butter cookie bliss is easier than you think!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to achieving that signature soft and chewy texture, with each one playing a vital role in the final cookie experience.
- Creamy peanut butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture, ensuring the cookie stays soft.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
- Brown sugar, packed: Infuses a deep, caramel-like taste and keeps the texture chewy.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and aids in creating that tender crumb.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder and gives moisture to the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm aroma.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough, contributing to a light texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the peanut butter’s natural flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookie soft.
How to Make Best Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the perfect baking temperature from the start. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream together peanut butter, sugars, and butter
In a large bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is key to blending flavors and creating a luscious base for your cookies.
Step 3: Add egg and vanilla
Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
Step 4: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms, but avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 5: Shape the cookie dough balls
Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows each cookie to bake evenly without merging.
Step 6: Create the classic crisscross pattern
Press each dough ball gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern. This not only makes the cookies recognizable but also helps them bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake to perfection
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly undercooked. This is the secret to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth softness and chewiness.
Step 8: Cool properly
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step lets the cookies firm up just right while maintaining their tender centers.
How to Serve Best Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking can intensify the peanut butter flavor and add a delightful contrast. For a festive twist, drizzle melted chocolate or add chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combo that never fails. For a cozy treat, serve with a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite coffee blend to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite frosting for a decadent dessert. You can also crumble them over plain yogurt or ice cream to add texture and a burst of peanut buttery goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your peanut butter cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay soft and chewy for up to a week, perfect for those days when you want a quick snack or to share with family and friends.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. This method preserves their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze dough balls spaced apart on a sheet, then transfer to a container, baking straight from frozen when ready.
Reheating
Warm your cookies for a few seconds in the microwave or briefly in a preheated oven to revive their fresh-baked softness. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become dry quickly.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add delightful bits of texture to the cookies, making them even more interesting. Just keep in mind the overall texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Why are my cookies not soft and chewy?
Ensuring you don’t overbake is crucial—the cookies should be pulled out when edges are firm but the centers look slightly undercooked. Overmixing the dough and substituting ingredients can also affect texture.
Can I substitute the butter with another fat?
Butter is ideal for flavor and texture, but you can use margarine or coconut oil. Keep in mind that coconut oil may add a slight coconut flavor and change the cookie’s chewiness.
Is baking soda necessary in this recipe?
Yes, baking soda helps the cookies rise just enough to create a tender crumb and prevents them from becoming too dense. It also contributes to the slight browning that enhances flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures similarly. This can alter the texture slightly, so choose a blend designed for baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that’s straightforward and results in irresistibly soft and chewy treats, the Best Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is your answer. It’s like hugging your taste buds with peanut buttery goodness. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll be baking these favorites again and again, sharing smiles and satisfaction with everyone lucky enough to get a bite!
Print
Best Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
Description
These BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, sweet brown and granulated sugar, and a tender, chewy texture. With a simple mix of ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come out soft in the center and slightly crisp on the edges, making them an irresistible treat for peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the sugars are well incorporated.
- Add egg and vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the peanut butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined and the batter is smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning in the dough.
- Create the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet peanut butter mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the cookies: Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Form crisscross pattern: Use a fork to press down on each dough ball, creating a classic crisscross pattern. This also helps flatten the cookies for even baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly undercooked to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without losing their softness inside.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, do not overbake; slightly undercooked centers are ideal.
- You can substitute chunky peanut butter for added texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- Chilling dough before baking for 30 minutes can reduce spreading if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
