If you are on the hunt for a truly irresistible treat, look no further than The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between melt-in-your-mouth softness and that satisfying chewiness we all crave in a classic cookie. Every bite delivers rich peanut butter flavor complemented by just the right amount of sweetness, making them an absolute favorite for any occasion, from afternoon snacks to holiday cookie exchanges.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that surprisingly create something truly spectacular. Each ingredient has a special role in bringing out the perfect texture and flavor, so having them ready is key to success.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that brings that signature, luscious peanut flavor and moist texture to these cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweet crunch and helps with the cookie’s classic structure.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Gives subtle molasses notes, keeping the cookies tender and rich.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy, buttery base that enhances softness in every bite.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring your cookies hold together perfectly while staying chewy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with warm, sweet undertones.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the dough gently, giving just enough lift for a tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies peanut butter taste.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the cookie’s foundation, providing structure without weighing down the softness.
How to Make The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup. These little prep steps set you up for baking success.
Step 2: Cream the Peanut Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creates the luscious base for your cookies and ensures every bite is packed with peanut buttery goodness and sweetness.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat these in until fully incorporated. This step adds moisture, richness, and a subtle warmth that brings the flavors to life.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. You’ll notice it comes together nicely—soft but easy to shape.
Step 5: Shape the Dough Balls
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place these dough balls on your prepared baking sheet roughly 2 inches apart to give them room to spread out while baking.
Step 6: Create the Classic Crisscross Pattern
Gently press down on each dough ball with a fork, creating the iconic crisscross pattern. This step isn’t just decorative—it helps the cookies bake evenly and adds that perfect charming touch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for the edges to become set while the centers remain slightly undercooked; this is the trick for keeping them soft and chewy once cooled.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes. This lets them firm up just enough to move without breaking. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before indulging in these delightful treats.
How to Serve The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over warm cookies for a gourmet touch that complements the peanut butter’s natural richness. For a festive look, try rolling the dough balls in colored sugar before baking, adding both sparkle and a subtle crunch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For coffee lovers, a rich, dark roast complements the nutty, sweet flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies in a jar layered with parchment paper for a wonderful gift idea or party favor. You can also sandwich them with chocolate ganache or marshmallow fluff for a decadent twist that turns these soft cookies into an extraordinary treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week, ready for whenever a peanut butter craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze very well. Place them in a freezer-safe container separated by layers of parchment paper. When properly wrapped, they will keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm, simply pop frozen or stored cookies in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. Warming revives that fresh-baked softness and intensifies the peanut butter aroma, making each bite irresistible all over again.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add delightful bits of peanut in every bite, giving more texture to your cookies. Just keep in mind the dough might be a little less smooth, but the flavor will be fantastic.
What if I don’t have brown sugar on hand?
You can substitute with an equal amount of granulated sugar, but keep in mind that brown sugar adds moisture and depth, so the texture may be slightly less chewy without it.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to make a GF version—just check for binding and texture adjustments.
How do I ensure my cookies stay soft and chewy?
The key is not to overbake them. Pull them from the oven as soon as the edges are set but the centers still look a little undercooked. Cooling on the baking sheet also helps maintain that texture.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even mini peanut butter cups are excellent add-ins. Just fold them in during the dough mixing stage before shaping the cookies.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about a batch of fresh, soft, and chewy peanut butter cookies. The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe brings joy with every bite and is simple enough to make anytime you’re craving that perfect homemade treat. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your new favorite cookie!
Print
The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies offer the perfect balance of rich peanut flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they’re a classic treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the mixture, blending everything thoroughly until fully combined for a uniform batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms, taking care not to overwork it for maximum tenderness.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Create Crisscross Pattern: Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly and create a crisscross design, which is classic to peanut butter cookies.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly undercooked to ensure a soft, chewy texture once cooled.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Do not overbake; removing the cookies when centers are still soft ensures a chewy texture.
- You can substitute natural peanut butter, but texture may vary slightly.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped peanuts to the dough.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for optimal mixing and texture.
