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) packed dark brown sugar; 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

There’s something cozy about soft and chewy peanut butter cookies that brings back sweet memories of childhood. The sort of cookies that you just can’t resist, fresh out of the oven—warm and inviting, beckoning with the delectable aroma of peanut butter. Whether it’s a rainy day or a sunny afternoon, baking these cookies offers both comfort and delight, making every bite feel like a warm hug.

Why Make This Recipe

No mixer? No problem! This recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment.
These cookies strike the perfect balance between crispy edges and a soft, gooey center.
With a few simple ingredients, you will create a treat that everyone will rave about.

Irresistibly Delicious

Every time you take a bite of these cookies, you’ll experience a wave of nostalgia and happiness. The rich flavor of peanut butter combined with the sweetness of dark brown sugar creates a taste sensation that is hard to forget. Whether you’re enjoying them with a glass of cold milk, sharing with friends, or hiding them away just for yourself, these cookies are bound to be a hit.

Making Peanut Butter Cookies at Home

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Embarking on the journey to create these delightful cookies is as easy as pie. You’ll whip up a batch in no time, and the process will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering scents. Here’s how to make them with straightforward steps that anyone can follow.

To Start
Gather your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your baking sheets are ready, either lined with parchment paper or greased to prevent sticking.
For the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup (256 g) of smooth peanut butter with 16 tablespoons (226 g) of unsalted butter at room temperature. Add in 1 1/3 cup (293 g) of packed dark brown sugar and 1/2 cup (100 g) of granulated sugar. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix these ingredients until they are well combined and creamy.
Now it’s time to add some flavor. Blend in 1 tablespoon (13 g) of real vanilla extract. Crack in 2 large eggs (make sure they’re room temperature) and beat them into the mixture until they are fully incorporated.
Finally, in a separate bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 2 1/4 cups (304 g) of all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until everything is well combined into a soft, sticky dough.
To Roll the Cookie Dough Balls
With your cookie dough ready, it’s time to shape them. Using your hands, scoop out a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them for spreading.
If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each ball before baking—optional but delicious! Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Storing Leftover Peanut Butter Cookies

After you’ve savored your freshly baked treats, you might be wondering how best to store what’s left. Here are some easy tips to keep those cookies fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days at room temperature (around 70°F/21°C).
Refrigeration: For optimal freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge, where they will last up to a week.
Freezing: If you want to enjoy these cookies later, wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Best Ways to Serve Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

The only thing better than a peanut butter cookie? Pairing it with your favorite accompaniments! Here are some delightful serving ideas to elevate your cookie experience:

With Milk: Nothing beats the classic pairing of warm cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. The creaminess complements the rich peanut butter flavor beautifully.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert. Vanilla, chocolate, or salted caramel work particularly well.
Chocolate Dip: Melt some semi-sweet or dark chocolate and dip half of each cookie in it. Once set, you have an elegant treat that’s simple yet indulgent.
Snack Packs: For a grab-and-go option, individually wrap cookies in parchment paper, tie with twine, and give as delightful gifts or snacks.

Tips to Make Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Consider these tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and butter at room temperature incorporate better, leading to a fluffier texture.
Do Not Overbake: For that desired soft center, take them out just when the edges start to set.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, yielding thicker cookies.

Variations or Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your peanut butter cookies by trying these variations:

Add-Ins: Throw in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even toffee bits for added texture and flavor. Each addition will bring a unique twist to your cookies.
Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter for the peanut butter. It keeps the creamy consistency while catering to those with nut allergies.

FAQs about Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Q: Can I make this dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling and baking.

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
A: Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your cookies, making them even more interesting.

Q: What can I do if my cookies turn out too dry?
A: Dry cookies may result from overbaking or using too much flour. Ensure you’re measuring accurately and keep an eye on the baking time.

Q: How do I keep my cookies chewy?
A: To maintain that chewy center, make sure you don’t overbake them and use brown sugar, which retains more moisture.

Nutritional Info

To enjoy these cookies without any guilt, here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per cookie (assuming a batch of around 24 cookies):

Calories: 160
Protein: 3g
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Sugar: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 100mg

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, so here are a few pitfalls to steer clear of:

Not measuring ingredients properly: Baking is a science. For the best results, use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
Skipping the cooling step: Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to maintain their structure.
Ignoring room temperature recommendations: Cold ingredients can lead to dense cookies. Think ahead and take your ingredients out early.

Conclusion

Baking soft and chewy peanut butter cookies is not just a straightforward task, but a delightful experience that warms the heart. Between the comfort of the gooey center and the rich peanut butter flavor, each bite invites nostalgia and joy. Whether you’re indulging alone or sharing these treats with loved ones, they’re bound to bring smiles around the table.

So, light up your oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on this wonderful baking adventure. You’ll soon have a batch of cookies that bring everyone together, creating moments that linger long after the last crumb is gone. Happy baking!

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