Irresistibly Soft Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe for Sweet Moments

Crafting the perfect soft peanut butter cookie can transport you to childhood memories of sweet, nostalgic moments.

Comfort wafts through kitchens when these delectable treats emerge from warm ovens.

Clouds of buttery richness promise pure indulgence with every bite.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating magic in mere minutes.

Crisp edges and tender centers await your loving touch.

Baking becomes an art form when passion meets precision.

Grab your mixing bowl and let deliciousness unfold with each delightful morsel.

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies That Please

• Conquer Easy Baking: Beginners can confidently create delicious peanut butter cookies with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making baking feel like a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These soft, rich cookies deliver classic flavors that appeal to all ages, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual snacking moments.
• Quick Treat Magic: From mixing to baking, this recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking time, allowing you to satisfy sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Adaptable for various occasions like school events, picnics, or weekend treats, these cookies bring joy and warmth wherever they go.

Ingredients for Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Peanut Butter: Delivers the signature nutty flavor and creamy consistency.
• White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie caramelization.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to cookie structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the basic structure and texture of the cookie.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.

• Fork: Used for creating classic crosshatch pattern on cookie surface.

How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect baking environment for these mouthwatering cookies.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become a smooth, dreamy mixture.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

• One egg
• Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly until the ingredients dance together harmoniously.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Ensure these dry ingredients are well combined and lump-free.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into adorable bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet with plenty of breathing room.

Step 7: Create the Classic Crisscross

Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie, creating the iconic peanut butter cookie pattern.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely.

This allows them to set and become delightfully soft and chewy.

Pro Tips for Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect soft texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent cookie performance.
• Choose creamy peanut butter for a more uniform cookie texture and better binding.
• For gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour to accommodate dietary needs.
• Avoid overbaking by removing cookies when edges are just golden, keeping them soft and tender inside.

Flavor Twists for Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

• Almond Butter Alternative: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor and slightly lighter texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Chocolate Chip Boost: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for added sweetness and extra indulgence.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace egg with flax egg, and choose plant-based peanut butter to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free cookie option.

Serving Ideas for Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

• Peanut Butter Lovers' Paradise: Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for a decadent twist that elevates the classic treat.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve these soft cookies alongside a warm cup of Earl Grey tea, creating a delightful snack that perfectly complements the rich, smooth flavors.
• Ice Cream Sandwich Delight: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent summer dessert that brings extra joy to any gathering.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package the cookies in a cute mason jar with a ribbon, making a heartwarming homemade gift that shows love and care through a delicious, personal touch.

Storage Advice for Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

• Store soft peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Place cookies in a single layer with parchment paper between each row to prevent sticking and maintain their soft texture.
• Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap before placing in the container.
• Reheat frozen or refrigerated cookies by microwaving for 10-15 seconds or warming in a preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their original soft, warm texture.

FAQs

• Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but you might need to stir it well and potentially adjust the flour slightly to achieve the right cookie texture.

• How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies will be soft when they first come out but will firm up as they cool.

• Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

• What if my cookies spread too much during baking?

This could mean the butter was too soft. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent excessive spreading.

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Irresistible peanut butter cookies blend creamy Wisconsin dairy with rich nutty flavors. Crisp edges and chewy centers make this classic dessert a comforting treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
2. Blend softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and granulated and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate the egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth, cohesive batter.
4. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl to eliminate any potential lumps.
5. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a uniform dough forms without overmixing.
6. Scoop the dough into uniform spheres, approximately 1-inch in diameter, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Using the tines of a fork, gently press down on each cookie ball, creating a classic crisscross pattern and slightly flattening the surface.
8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as an indication of doneness.
9. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Swap traditional peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter to accommodate nut allergies, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful treats.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create perfectly shaped, uniform cookies with crisp edges.
• Use a light hand when mixing dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies, gently folding until just combined for tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the classic peanut butter cookie flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 137 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 73 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 14 mg