Name: Soft Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (113 g) creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar (packed); 1 large egg; 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) baking soda; 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) baking powder; 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) salt

Crafting a heavenly soft peanut butter cookie requires patience and a dash of kitchen magic.

Whisks and mixing bowls become your creative playground for delectable treats.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your kitchen with comforting warmth.

Every ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

butter and sugar dance together, creating a rich, golden canvas for pure peanut butter goodness.

Crisp edges and tender centers await you, promising a delightful experience that connects childhood memories with culinary joy.

Baking these cookies promises pure happiness in every single bite.

Celebrate with Sprinkles: Bring instant joy and colorful cheer to any gathering with this festive cake that sparks happiness in every bite.
Beginner Baker's Delight: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe offers simple steps and forgiving techniques that guarantee a stunning result without complex skills.
Party-Perfect Dessert: Designed to impress guests and create memorable moments, this cake becomes the centerpiece of birthdays, showers, and special celebrations.
Kid-Friendly Creation: Engaging baking experience that allows children to participate in mixing sprinkles and decorating, making it a fun family activity.

For the Main Ingredients:

Peanut Butter: A creamy spread that provides rich, nutty flavor and soft texture to the cookies.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, moist cookie base.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and creates a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps create a soft, chewy texture.

For the Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the cookie.
Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

For the Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet background flavor to complement the peanut butter.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:

Softened butter
Creamy peanut butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Combine until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety, creating a rich foundation for your cookies.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Introduce an egg and splash of vanilla extract to the creamy mixture.

Beat thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and looks silky.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent cookie texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 7: Create Classic Criss-Cross Pattern

Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie ball, creating the traditional peanut butter cookie design.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color while keeping the centers soft and tender.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cookies!

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker cookies.
Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture.
Opt for creamy peanut butter instead of natural or chunky varieties for consistent results.
Avoid overbaking to maintain soft, tender cookie centers with slightly crisp edges.
Substitute gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste and texture.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness and texture.
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: Mix in 1 cup rolled oats for a heartier, more nutritious cookie with added crunch.
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cookies: Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top of the cookies after baking for a gourmet touch.

Classic Milk Pairing: Dunk these soft peanut butter cookies into cold whole milk for a nostalgic treat that highlights the cookie's rich, creamy texture. The milk's coolness perfectly balances the warm, nutty flavors.
Dessert Decadence: Transform cookies into an elegant dessert by sandwiching vanilla bean ice cream between two cookies. Roll the edges in crushed peanuts for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Afternoon Tea Twist: Serve alongside a steaming mug of chai tea or caramel-infused coffee. The spicy, warm beverage complements the cookies' sweet and nutty profile, creating a delightful afternoon snack.

Store cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and soft.
Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and store for up to 3 months.
Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat, maintaining their texture for 3-4 days.
Use a cookie jar with a tight-fitting lid to preserve moisture and prevent cookies from becoming stale, ideal for short-term preservation.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Natural peanut butter can work, but it might change the texture. Stick to creamy, stabilized peanut butter for the best, consistent results.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain the cookie shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Why do I need to use both baking soda and baking powder?

Baking soda and baking powder work together to create a perfect rise and texture, giving the cookies a soft, tender crumb.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture and structure.

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education

Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.