As I rummaged through my pantry last week, a jar of peanut butter caught my eye and sparked a delightful idea: the perfect soft and chewy peanut butter cookie. This one-bowl wonder not only comes together in just 30 minutes but also eliminates the dreaded mountain of dishes. Imagine the joy of enjoying a warm cookie, its outside slightly crisped from a sugar coating, while the inside remains deliciously gooey. These cookies are the quintessential American dessert, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth or impressing guests at your next gathering. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can tweak them by adding chocolate chips or using natural peanut butter for a different twist! Are you ready to dive into baking these irresistible treats?
Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Easy to Make: This one-bowl recipe means less mess and more time for enjoying your delicious treats!
Soft and Chewy: These cookies achieve that coveted soft, gooey center with a slightly crisp outer layer, a texture your taste buds will love.
Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re the perfect last-minute dessert for unexpected guests or a cozy night in.
Versatile Options: Feel free to add chocolate chips or even a swirl of Nutella for a delightful twist in every bite.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies are sure to win over friends and family, making them your go-to dessert for gatherings or snack time. Plus, for more satisfying treats, check out our guide on Baking Cookies Like a Pro.
Peanut Butter Cookie Ingredients
Gather these simple delights for your perfect peanut butter cookies!
For the Dough
- Smooth Peanut Butter – Offers that rich, peanutty flavor; for best results, use brands like Jiff or Skippy.
- Unsalted Butter – Brings richness and a chewy texture; make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Dark Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a deep sweetness; can be replaced with light brown sugar if needed.
- Granulated Sugar – Contributes sweetness and a touch of crunch when rolling the cookies.
- Vanilla Extract – A quality extract will elevate the cookie’s flavor; always a worthwhile addition!
- Eggs – Key for binding and moisture; room temperature eggs help create a smoother dough.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – These leavening agents provide a light, airy texture that makes cookies wonderfully soft.
- Sea Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure; measuring accurately is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
- Granulated Sugar for Rolling – Coats the cookie balls for sweetness and a delightful crunch; alternatives like sparkling sugar work well too.
- Sea Salt Flakes (optional) – A sprinkle on top adds a finishing touch and extra flavor zest.
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get baking! Enjoy each step of the journey to creating these scrumptious peanut butter cookies, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Cookie
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly, giving them that delightful balance of a slightly crisp exterior and soft, chewy interior. While your oven warms up, take a moment to line your baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for your delicious peanut butter cookies.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine 1 cup of smooth peanut butter, ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup of dark brown sugar, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it is smooth and creamy, and the sugars are thoroughly incorporated, releasing a sweet, nutty aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Next, crack in 1 large egg, mixing well until fully blended before adding another egg. This step adds moisture and binding to your peanut butter cookie dough. Ensure each egg is mixed thoroughly into the batter; it should become lighter in color and even more fluffy after this step.
Step 4: Blend in Dry Ingredients
Sift together 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your bowl while mixing on a low speed, allowing it to combine evenly for about 1 minute. As you mix, watch for the dough to come together, becoming thicker and holding its shape beautifully, ready for the final ingredient.
Step 5: Incorporate Flour
Now, add in 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, mixing just until no streaks remain. Don’t overmix; you want the dough to stay light and airy for the perfect soft and chewy peanut butter cookies. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable, perfect for rolling into cookie balls.
Step 6: Form Cookie Balls
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to portion out the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in granulated sugar, ensuring they are evenly coated to achieve a delightful crunch on the outside. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 12-13 minutes, keeping an eye on them as they start to lightly puff up. They will still appear soft when you remove them, which is perfect—the cookies will firm up while cooling, retaining that chewy texture that defines a great peanut butter cookie.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 20 minutes; this helps them set and makes transferring easier. If desired, sprinkle a touch of sea salt on top of the warm cookies as a delicious finishing touch. Finally, move them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying your homemade peanut butter cookies!
Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Cookies
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Measure Flour Accurately: Use the fluff-and-spoon method to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to a dry texture instead of that soft, chewy bit you want.
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Choose the Right Peanut Butter: Opt for smooth peanut butter for consistency. Avoid overly oily natural brands; you want a creamy texture for perfect cookies.
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Watch the Baking Time: Cookies will look soft when you pull them out. Don’t overbake; they will continue to firm up while cooling, giving you that ideal chewy center.
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Chill Dough for Best Results: If you have time, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and can improve the texture of your peanut butter cookies.
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Add Fun Mix-Ins: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or chunks for added sweetness. This not only heightens flavor but also adds another delightful layer to your perfect peanut butter cookie experience!
How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Cookies
Airtight Container: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready to enjoy anytime!
Refrigerate Dough: If you’re not baking all the dough at once, refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent drying out before baking those fresh peanut butter cookies.
Freezing Cookies: To freeze baked cookies, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.
Freezing Cookie Dough: You can also freeze cookie dough! Portion the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer the frozen balls to a zip-top bag for up to 4-6 weeks. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
What to Serve with Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
These delightful cookies are the perfect centerpiece to a delicious meal or snack spread, inviting endless pairing possibilities.
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Classic Glass of Milk: Nothing beats the old-fashioned pairing of cookies with milk, offering a creamy balance to the cookie’s chewy texture. It’s a nostalgic choice that never disappoints.
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Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm cookie creates a heavenly contrast, bringing together hot and cold for a divine dessert experience.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing, a fruit salad adds a colorful and healthy note, complementing the rich flavors of the peanut butter cookies beautifully. Consider tossing in some berries for a burst of sweetness.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Drizzling some warm chocolate sauce over your cookie not only appeals visually but adds a layer of lusciousness that’s simply irresistible. It’s a treat that chocolate lovers will adore!
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Caramel Sauce: Serve with warm caramel sauce for dipping, enhancing the cookie’s flavor with a sweet, buttery richness. A perfect indulgence that will make your taste buds dance!
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Coffee or Espresso: For the adults, pairing these cookies with a cup of rich coffee or a shot of espresso offers a comforting end to a meal. The coffee’s bitterness perfectly balances out the cookie’s sweetness.
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Peanut Butter Milkshake: Take your love for peanut butter to the next level with a creamy milkshake that echoes the cookie’s flavor. It’s like dessert squared—a delightful treat that amplifies the peanut butter goodness!
Make Ahead Options
These Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep and can save you time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 4-6 weeks; just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop out the dough and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling in sugar and baking. You’ll enjoy the same delicious soft, chewy texture as if they were freshly made! This way, you can always have a delightful treat on hand without the last-minute rush.
Peanut Butter Cookie Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and personalize these cookies to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Natural Peanut Butter: Swap in natural peanut butter for a more robust flavor. Just make sure it’s creamy for consistent texture.
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Chunky Delight: Use chunky peanut butter to add delightful bits of peanuts, giving a nice crunch in every bite. It’s a fantastic way to play with texture!
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Chocolate Chip Twist: Mix in a cup of chocolate chips or chunks for an indulgent twist. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is simply heavenly!
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Nutella Swirl: Incorporate a swirl of Nutella into the dough for a rich, chocolaty flavor that enhances the creaminess of peanut butter. It’s a flavor match made in heaven.
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Almond Butter Alternative: Substitute almond butter for a nutty variation that’s equally soft and chewy, offering a unique take on the classic cookie.
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Coconut Crunch: Fold in shredded coconut for tropical flair. This will not only add flavor but also a delightful chewiness for coconut lovers.
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Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the dough. This surprising twist can elevate your cookies to something truly special!
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free without compromising on taste. They’ll remain soft and chewy for everyone to enjoy.
These variations not only enhance the flavor but allow you to cater to your family and friends’ tastes. Whatever your choice may be, don’t forget to enjoy the delightful journey that cookie baking brings! And for more delightful treats, explore our guide on Baking Cookies Like a Pro and find creative ways to take your baking to the next level!
Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of peanut butter should I use for the best results?
Absolutely! For the perfect peanut butter cookies, I recommend using smooth peanut butter like Jiff or Skippy. These brands provide a consistent texture that’s essential for achieving that soft and chewy cookie. Avoid overly natural or oily peanut butter, as it can complicate the dough and alter the cookies’ texture.
How should I store my baked peanut butter cookies?
Very simple! Once your cookies are baked and cooled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delightful for up to 1 week—perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings whenever they hit!
Can I freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze baked cookies, simply place them in a single layer inside a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for that fresh-baked taste. If you’re freezing cookie dough, scoop the dough into balls and freeze these for up to 4-6 weeks. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time for perfect cookies.
What can I do if my cookies turn out too dry?
Very few things are worse than a dry cookie! If your peanut butter cookies end up dry, the likely culprits are too much flour or overbaking. To avoid this, measure your flour accurately—try the fluff-and-spoon method. Additionally, keep an eye on your cookies in the oven; they should look soft and puffed when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool, ensuring that delicious chewy center!
Can I adapt this recipe for gluten-free baking?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to cater to gluten-free needs, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. I often find that blends with a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour yield excellent results. Just be sure to check that your peanut butter is also gluten-free to keep everything safe!
Are these cookies safe for pets?
No, peanut butter cookies are not safe for pets, particularly due to the sugar and possible chocolate mix-ins. While peanut butter itself is safe in moderation for dogs, the sugars and other ingredients can be harmful. Always stick to pet-friendly treats for your furry friends!
Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe You'll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix smooth peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a stand mixer for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully blended.
- Sift together baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt; gradually add to the wet mixture on low speed for about 1 minute.
- Incorporate all-purpose flour and mix just until no streaks remain.
- Form cookie balls about 1 inch in diameter, roll in sugar, and place them on the baking sheet 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes; they will appear soft but will firm up while cooling.
- Let cool for about 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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