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
Scale
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
