Few things say “home” quite like a batch of Soft Peanut Butter Cookies fresh from the oven. These classic cookies deliver a melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep, nutty flavor in every bite, making them a staple for bake sales, family gatherings, or even just a cozy afternoon treat with a glass of milk. With their crisscross tops and unmistakable rich aroma, you’ll find yourself making these again and again whenever you crave a little nostalgic comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s astonishing how such simple pantry staples can transform into the irresistible wonder that is Soft Peanut Butter Cookies. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether lending a slight chew, ensuring the cookies bake up just right, or intensifying that delightful peanut butter flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies richness and helps them achieve their signature softness and flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The heart and soul of the recipe, providing that classic taste and velvety texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Brings sweetness and a light, tender crumb to each cookie.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds a hint of molasses and extra moisture for chewiness.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and gives structure so your cookies hold together beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of warmth and depth that balances the peanutty notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone that makes the magic happen, giving the cookies body while keeping them tender.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures a gentle lift, so the cookies don’t bake up too flat.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps with browning and encourages a soft, chewy texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Sharpening the sweetness and highlighting the peanut flavor just right.
How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
First things first, get your oven started by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This nonstick setup makes for easy cleanup and helps create that golden bottom every Soft Peanut Butter Cookie deserves.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this step is key for a tender crumb and helps dissolve the sugars so your cookies bake up perfectly soft.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugars are beautifully whipped, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. This ensures your dough stays smooth and cohesive. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks glossy and well blended.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing your dry ingredients together first ensures that the leaveners and salt are evenly distributed, giving your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies an even rise and just the right seasoning.
Step 5: Mix the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined. Don’t overmix—once you no longer see streaks of flour, you’re set. Overmixing can make cookies tough, and we’re after that perfect softness.
Step 6: Shape and Pattern the Cookies
With a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each (they’ll spread out as they bake). Take a fork and gently press a crisscross pattern into the tops of each ball. This isn’t just for looks—it prevents over-puffing and gives that traditional Soft Peanut Butter Cookie finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will look slightly underdone and soft. That’s exactly what you want—pull them out before they turn golden through and through. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. This patience pays off with the ideal texture.
How to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a truly special finish. For a salty-sweet twist, sprinkle a few flaky sea salt crystals over the warm cookies as they cool.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a mug of hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat. They’re also wonderful alongside fresh fruit or a medley of other homemade cookies for a bake sale or party platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer Soft Peanut Butter Cookies in a clear jar for a gift-ready stack, or arrange them on a chic dessert board with chocolate-dipped strawberries and mini candies. For a playful spin, sandwich a scoop of peanut butter or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a peanut buttery ice cream sandwich that’s out of this world.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cookies as soft and dreamy as the day they were baked, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Slip a slice of bread into the container with the cookies—the bread helps regulate moisture so they stay extra tender.
Freezing
Both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough freeze beautifully. For baked cookies, cool completely and tuck them in a freezer-safe bag; they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. If you prefer to freeze the dough, scoop and pattern as usual, freeze on the baking sheet, then transfer the dough balls to a bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
If your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies lose their fresh-from-the-oven warmth, revive them by popping in a 300°F oven for 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool slightly before enjoying—this brings back their melt-in-your-mouth magic in no time.
FAQs
Why are my peanut butter cookies dry or crumbly?
Dry, crumbly cookies typically come from overbaking or using too much flour. Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately and take the cookies out when the centers still look a bit soft—they’ll finish setting as they cool.
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
If you love natural peanut butter, you can use it, but because it has more oil and less stabilizer than regular creamy peanut butter, your cookies may spread more or come out slightly denser. Stir well before measuring, or consider chilling your dough to help the cookies hold their shape.
How can I make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies gluten free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a good-quality 1-to-1 gluten free baking flour blend. You may need to watch the bake time, but the results are equally delicious and soft.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles effortlessly, making it perfect for potlucks, holiday parties, or anytime you need a big batch of irresistible cookies with minimal fuss.
How do I add extra peanut flavor or texture?
For more crunch and even more peanut taste, try folding in some chopped roasted peanuts or use a crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. You can also swirl in a handful of peanut butter chips for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a truly classic treat, these Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are guaranteed to win over any crowd and satisfy every homemade cookie craving. Give them a try, share them with someone you love, and watch them disappear—there’s a reason this recipe is a forever favorite in so many kitchens!
Print
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a chewy texture and a rich peanut butter flavor, these homemade cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 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
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern on each cookie. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft. Do not overbake.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra peanut flavor, use chunky peanut butter or add chopped peanuts to the dough.
- Store in an airtight container to keep cookies soft.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
