Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that can brighten your day, look no further than these Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies. They are my go-to treat when I want something sweet and comforting. Their crispy edges and tender center create the perfect texture, while the rich peanut butter flavor makes them utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight snack or a family gathering, these cookies bring everyone together with their delightful taste.

What truly makes this recipe special is its simplicity. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, they are always a hit with kids and adults alike! You’ll find yourself making them again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: You can have these cookies ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for those last-minute cravings!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves peanut butter cookies, making them ideal for gatherings or school treats.
• Easy to customize: You can add your favorite mix-ins or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
• Make-ahead convenience: Dough can be refrigerated, so you can bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet candies will leave you wanting more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies call for simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter (low or no sugar is best – we like the no sugar blue jar from Kraft brand)
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Fun Twist

• 1 cup Reese’s Pieces (peanut butter-flavored candy-coated chocolate)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients, as there are many ways to make these cookies uniquely yours.

• Add some crunch: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Switch it up: Use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth for a heartier bite.
• Chocolate lovers rejoice: Substitute half of the peanut butter with cocoa powder for a chocolaty twist!
• Fruity surprise: Add dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for an unexpected burst of flavor.

How to Make Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In the bowl of your stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), combine the unsalted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Mix on medium-high speed until creamy and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, which helps create those lovely cookie textures we all adore!

Step 3: Mix in the Peanut Butter

Once your butter-sugar mixture is nice and fluffy, add in the smooth peanut butter. Continue mixing on medium-high until everything is smooth and well combined. The nutty aroma will start to fill your kitchen—just wait until you taste them!

Step 4: Add Eggs

Next, crack in two eggs and mix until thoroughly combined. The eggs help bind everything together and provide moisture.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients! Gently mix in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies to remain tender!

Step 6: Fold in Reese’s Pieces

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the Reese’s Pieces by hand until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These little candies will add bursts of sweetness that complement the peanut butter perfectly.

Step 7: Prepare Your Cookie Sheet

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (or two if you’re feeling ambitious). Drop about 1-2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheet, leaving plenty of space between each one as they will spread while baking.

Step 8: Bake Them Up!

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 9-12 minutes or until their tops have just lost their shine. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can lead to crunchy cookies instead of those lovely soft ones we love!

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly before you dive in!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies! They’re sure to become a favorite in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies

Baking these cookies is a delight, and with a few handy tips, you’ll make them even better!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs helps them mix more thoroughly, leading to a lighter cookie texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mixing just until combined ensures your cookies remain tender and don’t become tough.

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling your cookie dough for 30 minutes can help enhance the flavors and prevent excessive spreading during baking.

• Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature accuracy. Use an oven thermometer to ensure yours is at the right heat for perfect baking.

• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap out Reese’s Pieces with other favorites like chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a fun twist on the classic!

How to Serve Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own but can be served in various creative ways to impress your family and friends!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of Chocolate: A light drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate adds a decadent touch that beautifully complements the peanut butter flavor.
• Sprinkle of Sea Salt: Just a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking can enhance the sweetness and bring out the nutty taste.

Side Dishes

• Cold Glass of Milk: There’s nothing quite like pairing these cookies with a chilled glass of milk, which perfectly balances the sweetness.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy pairing, great for afternoon snacks or dessert time.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that’s sure to please any crowd.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: For a lighter accompaniment, serve a refreshing fruit salad alongside the cookies. The natural sweetness and acidity from fresh fruits will perfectly complement the rich peanut butter flavor.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies will not only taste amazing but look beautiful too! Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.
• If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come to mind while making these delightful cookies.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for smooth peanut butter, using crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies an extra texture that’s equally delicious.

Why are these the Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies?

This recipe combines the perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft center, enhanced by the rich flavor of peanut butter and sweet chocolatey Reese’s Pieces. It’s a classic that never disappoints!

How long do Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature and even longer if frozen.

Can I add other mix-ins to the Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to customize your cookies to your liking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies! They bring together comforting flavors and textures that will surely brighten your day. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them all by yourself, each bite is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Happy baking, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turn out!