The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies! Every bite is a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and nutty flavors, with a texture so soft it practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, these classic cookies are impossibly easy to make and deliver pure peanut butter bliss—no fancy equipment required, just a few staple pantry ingredients and a craving for comfort food. This is the beloved cookie recipe you’ll come back to again and again, and trust me, your cookie jar will never be safe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies truly special is the way each ingredient pulls its weight—every single one matters! There’s nothing complicated here, but each plays a role in creating that crave-worthy texture, rich flavor, and beautiful golden color.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, this ingredient adds richness and keeps the cookies tender.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, lending deep nutty flavor and that signature melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create irresistibly crisp edges.
- Packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a touch of caramel-like depth to the cookies.
- Large egg: Binds everything together, ensuring each cookie holds its perfect shape.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, making the peanut butter really shine.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure so your cookies are soft and chewy, not crumbly.
- Baking powder: Gives the cookies a little lift, keeping them nice and puffy.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for soft centers and golden edges.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
How to Make The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step guarantees that your cookies don’t stick and makes for super easy cleanup when you’re done. It’s the simplest way to ensure your peanut butter cookies bake evenly and look picture-perfect every time.
Step 2: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or sturdy spatula to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the blend is light, airy, and slightly fluffy. This process traps air and guarantees your finished cookies are soft and tender, not dense or heavy.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Once your mixture is creamy, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. You’ll see the dough become smooth and glossy—an early hint at just how luscious and chewy The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies will be!
Step 4: Mix Up the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leaveners and salt, which means every single bite will have the perfect texture and flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms—be careful not to overmix. The dough should be easy to roll by hand and smell absolutely irresistible at this point.
Step 6: Shape and Style Your Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and gently roll them into balls. Place each one on your prepared baking sheet about two inches apart so they have room to spread. For that classic peanut butter cookie look, use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern onto the top of each dough ball.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes—keep a close eye on them! The edges should be set while the centers look slightly underbaked. That’s the trick for keeping The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies so deliciously soft. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Take things up a notch with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before baking, or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an indulgent twist. For that fresh-from-the-oven magic, you can even sandwich two cookies with a little more creamy peanut butter or your favorite jam.
Side Dishes
While these cookies are absolute stars all on their own, they’re divine with a cold glass of milk or a steamy mug of coffee. For a nostalgic treat, pair with fresh fruit or set out alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for dessert perfection.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies, stack them in a mason jar with ribbon, or tuck a few into a craft paper bag with a handwritten note. For parties, arrange on a tiered dessert tray or serve alongside other favorite cookies for a crowd-pleasing cookie platter everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Tuck a slice of bread into the container to help maintain their soft and chewy texture even longer (the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread—like magic!).
Freezing
The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies freeze beautifully! Layer cooled cookies between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to three months. You can even freeze the dough balls before baking for fresh cookies anytime a craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked taste, pop a cookie in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds, or warm in a 300°F oven for a couple of minutes. Warm cookies pair wonderfully with ice cream or a big glass of milk for a simple treat.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and little bites of peanuts throughout each cookie. Just expect a slightly denser dough and delightfully nutty results.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No worries—just lightly grease your baking sheet with butter or nonstick spray. Keep a close watch in the last few minutes to make sure the cookies don’t stick or get too crispy.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just make sure to mix thoroughly and give your cookies enough space on the baking sheets so they bake evenly.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should look set and very lightly golden, while the centers appear a bit underbaked. Don’t overbake! That’s the secret for the soft, chewy texture that makes these cookies the best.
Any tips for making the crisscross pattern?
Dip your fork in a little bit of granulated sugar between presses to prevent sticking and give your cookies a sparkly finish. Press gently—just enough to flatten the cookie and create that classic look.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a can’t-miss treat, trust me: The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies will steal your heart and have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a lifelong peanut butter lover or just looking for your new favorite cookie, go ahead and whip up a batch—your kitchen (and your friends!) will thank you.
Print
The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. With a hint of vanilla and a soft, chewy texture, they are sure to become your go-to cookie recipe.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, place on the baking sheet, press with a fork, and bake for 9 to 11 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- For variety, try mixing in chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
