Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
If you dream about that perfect blend of salty, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, then Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are about to become your new obsession. These classic treats boast an irresistibly tender center with just the right hint of chew—you know, the ones that disappear from the cookie jar in record time! Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or planning to wow your friends at the next potluck, these cookies deliver on pure comfort and nostalgia, all in less than half an hour. Get ready to experience warm, peanut buttery bliss in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Soft Peanut Butter Cookies really shines through in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in crafting that soft, comforting bite, balancing sweetness, saltiness, and rich peanut flavor for true cookie perfection.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds creaminess and helps create that luscious, tender texture you crave in a soft cookie.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show; creamy peanut butter infuses every bite with rich, nutty flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Gives the cookies sweetness while helping achieve a slightly crisp edge.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note, giving the cookies depth and keeping them super soft.
- Large egg: Works as the binding agent, holding everything together and adding just the right tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor, enhancing both the peanut butter and the overall aroma of your kitchen.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure—just enough to hold the cookies together without making them cakey or dry.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies a light lift for that irresistible soft center.
- Baking powder: Works together with the baking soda for the best texture—think soft without being too dense.
- Salt: Rounds out the flavors and highlights the sweetness and nuttiness with each bite.
How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F and get two baking sheets ready with parchment paper. This way, your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies will bake evenly and pop off the pan with no sticky messes—they’ll look bakery-perfect and be much easier to transfer for cooling.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or sturdy spatula, beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. This step is essential for that signature soft interior—well-creamed fats mean more tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mixing these in now ensures your cookies have a balanced flavor and silky texture throughout. The vanilla will really amplify that irresistible, comforting aroma as you bake.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Giving these dry ingredients a quick blend ensures everything is distributed evenly, so each Soft Peanut Butter Cookie bakes up with consistently soft results.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into your creamy peanut butter base. Mix just until everything is combined—you want to avoid overmixing so your cookies stay ultra-tender and avoid becoming tough.
Step 6: Scoop, Roll, and Shape
Use a tablespoon-sized scoop or spoon to portion out the dough, rolling each bit into a neat ball. Arrange the dough balls on your baking sheets about two inches apart, and gently press with a fork to create that classic crisscross pattern. It’s not just for looks—it helps the cookies bake up evenly and adds a hint of nostalgic charm!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pop your trays in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. The secret to Soft Peanut Butter Cookies is pulling them from the oven while they still look a little underdone; they’ll finish setting as they cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving to a wire rack. The result? That perfectly chewy, soft center everyone craves.
How to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
While these are total standouts on their own, you can give your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies a tiny extra sparkle. Try sprinkling on a touch of flaked sea salt before baking, or dust them lightly with powdered sugar once cooled. Even a mini drizzle of melted chocolate takes them over the top!
Side Dishes
If you’re serving these cookies at a gathering or with an afternoon snack, a cold glass of milk is the classic choice for a reason—it’s the ultimate dunking partner. Hot cocoa or a creamy vanilla latte is just as delightful. For a grown-up dessert, try pairing them with espresso or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an old-school sundae vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies look adorable stacked and tied with baker’s twine for gifting. You can also sandwich two cookies with a little chocolate ganache or marshmallow fluff for a fun twist. Hosting a party? Pile them high on a rustic wooden serving board, scatter in some roasted peanuts, and watch them vanish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, place your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay deliciously soft for up to a week at room temperature—just keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Slip a slice of bread in the container to keep them extra tender!
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to harden, then transfer to a freezer bag or container with parchment between layers. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls; just thaw slightly, crisscross with a fork, and bake as usual when the craving hits.
Reheating
If you like your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies warm and gooey, pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds. They’ll taste like they just came out of the oven, with the peanut butter aroma wafting through your kitchen all over again!
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add tiny bits of peanut for a fun crunch, but your cookies will still be soft and chewy in the center. Just swap it in one-to-one and enjoy the added texture.
How can I make these gluten-free?
You can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in this recipe. Gluten-free cookies may spread a bit less, but the flavor and signature softness will still shine.
What’s the secret to super soft peanut butter cookies?
The magic is in slightly underbaking—remove them from the oven when the middles look a bit underdone, and let them finish setting on the baking tray. This results in that perfectly soft, chewy texture Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are known for.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Go for it! Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even toffee bits mix right into the dough for a playful twist. Just stir them in right before scooping and baking.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is necessary for this recipe, which keeps things quick and easy. If your kitchen is very warm or you want extra thick cookies, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes, but it’s not essential for great results.
Final Thoughts
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies never fail to bring comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you bake them for a crowd or just to treat yourself, these cookies deliver pure peanut butter happiness every single time. Trust me, once you pull a batch out of the oven, you’ll want to make them again and again. Happy baking!
Print
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic goodness of Soft Peanut Butter Cookies with this easy and delicious recipe. These cookies are chewy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F 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.
- Add egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Form cookie dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern into each cookie. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Cool: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
- You can use chunky peanut butter or add chocolate chips for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
