My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Name: My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (256 g) smooth peanut butter; 16 tablespoons (226 g) unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 1/3 cup (293 g) dark brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon (13 g) real vanilla extract; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 2 1/4 cups (304 g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar (optional); Sea salt flakes (optional)

There’s something inherently comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies cooling on the counter. Peanut butter cookies, with their soft, chewy centers and slightly crisp edges, evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth that’s hard to resist. If you’re looking for a delightful treat that hits all the right notes, your search ends here; this peanut butter cookie recipe is about to become a staple in your home.

Why Make This Recipe

The indulgent flavor of peanut butter offers a satisfying richness that elevates each bite.
These cookies are incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick afternoon snack or a surprise treat for friends and family.
The combination of textures—from soft interiors to lightly crispy edges—creates a delightful experience that you won’t soon forget.

If the typical cookie recipes leave you feeling uninspired, this one is a game changer. With their perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, these soft and chewy peanut butter cookies will take the dessert table by storm.

Easy Method for Peanut Butter Cookies at Home

Making soft and chewy peanut butter cookies is a straightforward process that doesn’t require advanced baking skills. Simply gather your ingredients and follow this step-by-step guide to deliciousness.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s review what you’ll need to whip up these delightful treats:

1 cup (256 g) smooth peanut butter (see Notes below recipe)
16 tablespoons (226 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 1/3 cup (293 g) dark brown sugar (packed; see Notes below recipe)
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (13 g) real vanilla extract
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 1/4 cups (304 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar (see Notes below recipe)
Sea salt flakes (optional)

To Start

Begin by prepping your work area. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent your delightful cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

For the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and smooth peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. The key here is to ensure that both ingredients are well blended to create a uniform texture.
Add in the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat together until fully combined. This step introduces sweetness and richness to your dough.
Pour in the real vanilla extract and mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is completely incorporated before adding the next. This creates an airy texture, vital for the perfect cookie consistency.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to denser cookies.

To Roll the Cookie Dough Balls

Take heaping tablespoons of the cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
For a delightful twist, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the dough balls before placing them in the oven.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up a bit while still retaining that soft, chewy texture.

Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Cookies

Keeping your cookies fresh and delicious is just as essential as baking them to perfection. Here are some storage recommendations to ensure your cookies maintain their delightful qualities:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days at room temperature.
Refrigerate: They can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: If you want to store them for a longer duration, freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Just ensure they are securely wrapped or in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.

Best Ways to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies

While these cookies are scrumptious on their own, they can be elevated with a few creative serving ideas. Consider some of the following options to wow your family and friends:

With Milk: This classic pairing is always a hit. The creamy milk complements the rich peanut butter beautifully.
Sandwich Style: Try making cookie sandwiches with a layer of your favorite ice cream or whipped cream cheese in between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
Dipped in Chocolate: Melt some semi-sweet chocolate and dip half of the cookie for a decadent touch. Add extra sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
On a Dessert Platter: Present these cookies alongside other favorites like brownies or fruit tarts for a delightful dessert spread at gatherings.
With a Fruit Salad: Balance the richness of the cookies with a fresh fruit salad. The natural sweetness and acidity from the fruit serve as a perfect contrast.

Tips to Make Peanut Butter Cookies

Baking peanut butter cookies is a delightful experience, and here are a few tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature; this helps them mix better and results in a more uniform cookie dough.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Experiment with Nut Butters: If you want to switch things up, almond or cashew butter can be used as delicious alternatives to peanut butter.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re looking to customize your cookies, here are a couple of variations to consider:

Instead of smooth peanut butter, you could opt for crunchy peanut butter for an added texture that adds delightful crunchiness with each bite.
For a chocolatey twist, fold in some chocolate chips or chunks into the dough right before rolling. This adds richness and melting chocolate sweetness to each cookie.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these peanut butter cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Chill the dough for a bit if it’s too soft to roll.

Q: How do I keep my cookies soft and chewy?
A: To maintain the softness, avoid overbaking them. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Absolutely! Just ensure that it’s well stirred, as natural peanut butter can separate. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still yield delicious cookies.

Q: What if I’m allergic to peanuts?
A: You can use sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) or other nut butter substitutes, keeping in mind that they might require adjustments in sweetness or texture.

By following these guidelines, you’ll have the ultimate soft and chewy peanut butter cookies, perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or stored away for a later treat, they’re bound to bring smiles to your table. Happy baking!

My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Why Make This Recipe