Sinking your teeth into a perfectly soft, slightly chewy cookie, bursting with the unmistakable flavor of peanut butter. The aroma alone, a comforting blend of nutty sweetness, is enough to transport you back to childhood. These aren’t just any cookies; these are Peanut Butter Cookies, and this recipe is your passport to creating the ultimate batch right in your own kitchen.
My grandmother, bless her soul, always had a jar of homemade peanut butter cookies on the counter. They were the perfect afternoon treat, a reward after a long day of playing outside. After years of trial and error, I’ve perfected her recipe, adding my own little twists to create a truly unforgettable experience.
This recipe is special because it strikes the perfect balance between crumbly and chewy, with an intense peanut butter flavor that lingers long after the last bite. They’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the familiar fork pattern is a comforting reminder of homemade goodness. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for yourself, baking with kids, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, these Peanut Butter Cookies are guaranteed to disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Quick: These cookies require minimal effort and come together in under 30 minutes.
- Intense Peanut Butter Flavor: It’s all about that distinct, nutty taste you crave.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: A melt-in-your-mouth experience with the perfect bite.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for an afternoon snack, dessert, or bake sale.
- Classic Fork Pattern Included: That nostalgic touch that makes them extra special.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever the craving strikes!
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s talk ingredients! The success of these cookies hinges on a few key players.
- Peanut Butter: This is the star! Creamy peanut butter is essential for that smooth texture and rich flavor. I recommend using a mainstream brand (like Skippy or Jif) for the most consistent results. Natural peanut butter, while healthy, can sometimes result in a drier cookie. This is where our Peanut Butter Cookies truly shine.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Softened butter creams together with the sugar to create air pockets, which are crucial for a light and tender crumb. Don’t melt it! If you’re dairy-free, you can try a plant-based butter alternative, but it might slightly affect the texture.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A combination of both creates the perfect balance of sweetness, chewiness, and moisture. The brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds richness and moisture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the other flavors and adds a warm, comforting aroma. Don’t skip it! Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies. Make sure to measure it correctly – spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Baking Soda: The leavening agent that makes the cookies rise and spread.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Kitchen Tools Needed
Before you begin, gather these essentials from your kitchen cabinet. You don’t need fancy equipment to create these delicious treats. Remember, even a simple fork plays a crucial role in creating these classic Peanut Butter Cookies!
- Mixing Bowls (at least 2)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Electric Mixer (handheld or stand mixer) or whisk to mix by hand
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats
- Fork
- #1 MIXER BRAND IN THE WORLD* *Source: Euromonitor International Ltd. for retail sales revenue, USD, all retail channels….
- This hand mixer has the right speed for the task at hand, from mixing in nuts & chocolate chips at speed 1, to kneading …
- The Stainless Steel Turbo Beater II Accessories are ideal for mixing heavy, dense ingredients with ease, dishwasher-safe
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps for guaranteed success!
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Beat in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add Egg: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! The dough should be slightly sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking. This chilling time is where the flavors have a moment to develop more.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Flatten with a Fork: Use a fork to gently flatten each cookie in a criss-cross pattern. Dip the fork in sugar between cookies to prevent sticking. Make sure to gently press down for the classic look!
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. It is important to keep an eye on these. You want them to be perfect!
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Photo Worthy moment!
- Enjoy: Indulge in the warm, delectable Peanut Butter Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too thin.
- Measure Accurately: Proper measurement of ingredients, especially flour, is essential for consistent results.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to enhance the peanut butter flavor.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Tender Cookies: Take the cookies when they are still soft! They will harden more while cooling.
Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
- Vegan: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg. These vegan Peanut Butter Cookies are just as delicious!
- Peanut Butter Blossoms: Roll the cookie dough balls in sugar before baking, and press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these Peanut Butter Cookies warm with a cold glass of milk.
- Enjoy them as a sweet treat alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a delightful midday surprise.
- Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting indulgence.
- Crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a peanut butter-flavored boost.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Frozen cookies can be thawed at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Reheating is not typically necessary, but you can warm them briefly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if desired, though they may become slightly softer.
Frequently Asked Questions
These Peanut Butter Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of nostalgia, a symbol of homemade goodness, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing them with your loved ones as much as I do!
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Did you make this recipe? What are your favorite variations? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and follow Culinary Craving on Instagram and Facebook for more delicious recipes.
Related Recipes
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: The perfect companion to these peanut butter delights. A batch of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies pairs well with soft peanut butter cookies.
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: For a wholesome and satisfying treat.
- Peanut Butter Fudge: If you want to double down on that peanut butter flavor!
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe – Soft & Flavorful
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- – 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- – 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and
fluffy
- Beat in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches
between each cookie
- Use a fork to gently flatten each cookie in a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.