If you’ve ever had a sudden craving for the ultimate homemade treat, these BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies will save the day. Rich, nutty, and delightfully chewy, each bite is like a warm hug straight from the oven. They’re perfect for sharing—though you might not want to after tasting how good they are! Whether you love nostalgic flavors or want to wow friends and family, this peanut butter cookie recipe absolutely delivers.

BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated or fussy about these cookies. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, creating that signature soft texture, and bringing the classic color to life. Let’s break down what you’ll need for the BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies:

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides moisture and richness for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps the edges crisp just slightly.
Packed light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Gives a deeper, caramel flavor and makes the cookies ultra chewy.
Creamy peanut butter (3/4 cup): The star of the show, delivering loads of rich, nutty goodness!
Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds tenderness to each cookie.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, fragrant note that brings all the flavors together.
All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The structure that holds each cookie together—be sure to measure carefully!
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and thick.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the baking soda for the ideal lift and texture.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and makes the peanut butter flavor pop.

How to Make BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also helps the cookies bake evenly. A good start makes all the difference for the BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat everything together for about 2 minutes. The result should be fluffy, pale, and inviting! Creaming properly means a softer, chewier texture in the final cookie.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the peanut butter, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no streaks remaining. This step ensures the flavor is rich and blended, a must for the BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking gently distributes the leavening agents, which means you’ll get the perfect consistency throughout every batch.

Step 5: Mix Dry Into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your whisked dry ingredients into the creamy peanut butter mixture. Stir just until you no longer see dry flour—overmixing can make cookies tough, and we’re all about that soft, tender bite here!

Step 6: Shape and Crisscross

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out dough, rolling each piece into a ball with your hands. Place them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets. Then, use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern on top of each ball, flattening slightly—this classic touch is not only pretty, it helps the cookies bake evenly too.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your trays into the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Watch for edges that are just set with centers that still look a bit soft. The key is to pull them out before they seem fully done—cookies will continue to finish baking on the sheet, resulting in that irresistible chew.

Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and ensures the centers are perfectly tender. Now your BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are ready to be devoured!

How to Serve BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right as the cookies come out of the oven makes the flavors pop. If you’re going for a more decadent vibe, drizzle melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar for a festive look—no one can resist!

Side Dishes

The obvious best friend to these cookies? A tall, ice-cold glass of milk! For something special, pair with strong coffee or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re also lovely tucked next to fresh berries for a simple, elegant dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies into ice cream sandwiches with your favorite flavor, or stack them in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for sweet gifts. They also look stunning piled high on a rustic plate or displayed on a tiered dessert stand for parties and potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, transfer your cookies to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and soft at room temperature for up to five days—if they last that long! Add a slice of bread to the container to maintain their chewy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies or the unbaked dough balls. Just flash-freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a zip-top bag for up to three months. Bake dough balls straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two as needed.

Reheating

To refresh cookies that have been stored or frozen, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Let cool slightly and enjoy that just-baked softness and flavor—the BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies made easy, anytime!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies extra texture and nutty pieces, making each bite even more exciting. Just be sure to use the same amount as the recipe calls for.

What’s the secret to keeping peanut butter cookies soft?

The biggest key is not to overbake—always remove the cookies when the centers look just slightly underdone. Letting them cool on the baking sheet helps them set up while keeping that incredible chew.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts?

Definitely! Stir in up to 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or chopped peanuts to make your BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies extra special. The options are endless and so much fun to customize.

Is it okay to double the batch?

Yes, this recipe is easy to scale! Simply double all ingredients and mix as usual. You may need extra baking sheets, but your friends will thank you for the extra cookies.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No need to chill this dough before baking. The consistency is just right to scoop, shape, and bake immediately. That means fresh cookies even faster!

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for cookies that feel like home and taste like childhood, these BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the ones you’ll reach for again and again. Whip up a batch and discover how irresistible a simple, perfectly soft peanut butter cookie can be—you’ll never look back!

BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. They have a delicate crunch on the outside and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture on the inside. A classic cookie recipe that’s sure to be a hit with peanut butter lovers!

Ingredients

Scale

For the cookies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern into the tops.
Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are just set and the centers look slightly underdone.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.