Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
If you’ve been on the lookout for a treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, then this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies strike the perfect balance between tender, chewy, and irresistibly soft, flavored with that cozy, nutty richness only peanut butter can deliver. Whether you’re baking for a casual snack or sharing with friends, this recipe effortlessly combines simple pantry staples into something irresistibly delicious that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe plays a vital role, coming together simply yet with purpose to create the perfect texture, flavor, and color. Let’s break down why these essentials bring this cookie to life.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter adds creaminess and richness, helping create a tender crumb.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, providing that nutty aroma and smooth, luscious flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a slightly crisp edge without drying out the cookie.
- Brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel undertone that keeps the cookies soft.
- Large egg: Binds all ingredients together and helps give the cookie structure while maintaining softness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor, rounding out the peanut butter’s earthiness with sweet warmth.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the necessary body to the cookie but not too much to sacrifice softness.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These raising agents work together to give the cookie a gentle lift and prevent it from becoming dense.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the peanut flavor.
How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cookies from sticking and promote even baking, which is key to achieving that soft, tender texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because properly creamed fats and sugars trap air, allowing the cookies to bake up soft yet slightly airy.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These ingredients add moisture and richness, plus the vanilla lifts the peanut butter flavor wonderfully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the final cookie.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for gentle spreading.
Step 6: Make the Classic Fork Crisscross
Press each dough ball gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern. This step is classic for peanut butter cookies and helps flatten the dough evenly so they bake consistently soft.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely until the edges turn a delicate golden color but the centers remain soft. Cooling briefly on the baking sheet allows them to set up while staying chewy, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully for that perfect texture.
How to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are great on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate their flavor and add a delightful texture contrast that plays beautifully with the richness of peanut butter.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe with a cold glass of milk or a creamy vanilla ice cream scoop makes for an indulgent treat. For adults, a cup of rich coffee or a smooth chai latte complements the nutty flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into an elegant dessert by sandwiching two cookies together with chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting. Alternatively, crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a crunchy, nutty topping that brings an exciting texture twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Soft Peanut Butter Cookies stay fresh and soft when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For best results, place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either baked or as dough balls. To freeze baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Frozen dough can be portioned and frozen similarly, then baked straight from the freezer with a slight adjustment in baking time.
Reheating
To revive the soft, just-baked feel, warm the cookies in a low oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds. This step melts the fats slightly and restores the tender texture, almost like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a wonderful texture variation with little bits of peanuts throughout the cookie. Just keep in mind it might slightly alter the dough’s consistency, so you may need to adjust flour slightly.
Why are my cookies not soft?
If your cookies turned out hard or crispy, it could be due to overbaking or too much flour. Carefully monitor the baking time and measure ingredients precisely to keep them soft and chewy as intended in this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture, or add a small amount yourself to mimic the elasticity of gluten.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking can help control spreading. Also, avoid using melted butter, and ensure you measure your flour correctly to maintain the dough’s firmness.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even white chocolate chunks add exciting flavor and texture contrasts. Fold them into the dough just before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is one of those wonderful go-to favorites that never disappoints. It’s simple, comforting, and totally satisfying, perfect for when you want a sweet bite with that perfect tender chew. I encourage you to try it, tweak it with your favorite mix-ins, and share these little bites of happiness with the people you love.
Print
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delightfully soft and chewy peanut butter cookies with a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. These easy-to-make cookies feature a classic crisscross fork pattern and a tender texture that melts in your mouth, making them an ideal treat for peanut butter lovers of all ages.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until they are fully incorporated into the creamed mixture for a smooth batter.
- 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 ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing, which helps keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place each on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Press each dough ball lightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern to slightly flatten the cookies and give them their classic peanut butter cookie look.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- 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 perfectly.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- You can substitute peanut butter with natural or no-stir peanut butter for a healthier twist, but expect slight changes in texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
