My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that feels like a warm hug, then you’ve come to the right place! My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is just that—soft, chewy, and downright delightful. There’s something magical about the aroma of peanut butter wafting through the kitchen, making it impossible to resist sneaking a taste of the dough. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you need a little sweet treat to brighten everyone’s day.

These cookies are not only quick to whip up but also require just one bowl. Yes, one bowl! That means less cleanup and more time spent enjoying your delicious creations with loved ones. Trust me, once you make these cookies, they’ll become a go-to favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can have a batch of delicious cookies ready to enjoy.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen with this simple one-bowl recipe.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies strike the ideal balance between soft and chewy—just how a peanut butter cookie should be!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Dough can be refrigerated or frozen, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.
• Endless Enjoyment: Great for any occasion—whether it’s an afternoon snack or dessert at a gathering!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! They are simple and wholesome, making this recipe approachable for everyone. Gather these staples, and let’s get baking!

• 1 cup (256 g) smooth peanut butter (see Notes below recipe)
• 16 tablespoons (226 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 1/3 cup (293 g) dark brown sugar (packed; see Notes below recipe)
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (13 g) real vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 1/4 cups (304 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar (see Notes below recipe)
• Sea salt flakes (optional)

Variations

One of the best parts about baking is getting creative! This peanut butter cookie recipe is versatile, so feel free to mix things up. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
• Use Crunchy Peanut Butter: For those who love a bit of texture, swap smooth peanut butter for crunchy.
• Incorporate Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast.
• Experiment with Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can give these cookies a unique twist.

How to Make My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars

In your mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter with dark brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat them together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because creaming adds air into the mixture, which helps create a lovely texture in your cookies.

Step 2: Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla

Next, stir in the smooth peanut butter and real vanilla extract. Mixing these two together will enhance that mouthwatering peanut flavor we all adore. Make sure everything is well incorporated!

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Now it’s time to add your room-temperature eggs, one at a time. This helps bind everything together and adds moisture. Beat until combined—don’t worry if it looks slightly curdled; that’s perfectly normal!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and any additional spices if you’re using them. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies soft and chewy!

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto a prepared baking sheet. If you’d like an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before baking. Pop them into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked, let your cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely—or don’t! Enjoy these heavenly treats while they’re still warm for that gooey delight.

Now that you have my Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe in hand, I hope you’ll whip up a batch soon! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and a few helpful tips can make your cookie experience even better!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature will help create a smoother dough, resulting in cookies that are soft and chewy.

• Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing just until combined ensures the cookies remain tender. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies due to gluten development.

• Chill the dough if needed – If you’re in a warm environment or want thicker cookies, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can prevent them from spreading too much.

• Adjust baking time for chewiness – If you prefer a softer center, keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking. Remove them when they’re just set and lightly golden around the edges.

• Experiment with mix-ins – Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to customize your cookies according to your taste!

How to Serve My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

These peanut butter cookies are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, presenting them beautifully can make all the difference.

Garnishes

• Sea salt flakes – A light sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
• Chocolate drizzle – Drizzling melted dairy-free chocolate over the cookies creates an indulgent touch that enhances their appeal.

Side Dishes

• Milk alternatives (almond, oat, or soy) – Pairing these cookies with a glass of your favorite milk alternative offers a classic combination that balances sweetness perfectly.
• Fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and complements the rich flavors of the peanut butter cookies.
• Ice cream (dairy-free options available) – Serve your cookies alongside scoops of dairy-free ice cream for an irresistible dessert pairing!
• Coffee or tea – Enjoying these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea is a cozy way to end your day.

Now that you have all these serving suggestions and pro tips, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bake! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Peanut Butter Cookie recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can easily whip up a batch and store them for later enjoyment, making snack time or dessert planning a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For added freshness, consider layering parchment paper between the cookies.

Freezing

• To freeze the cookie dough, scoop balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze the dough balls until firm, about 1-2 hours.
• Transfer frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, no need to thaw; simply add a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

• For warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about my favorite soft & chewy peanut butter cookies recipe:

How can I make my favorite soft & chewy peanut butter cookies even softer?

To achieve an even softer texture, you can slightly under-bake the cookies. Remove them from the oven when they are just set and still soft in the center. They will continue to cook while cooling on the baking sheet.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter in my favorite soft & chewy peanut butter cookies recipe?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies an extra layer of texture and flavor. Just be sure to use the same measurement as smooth peanut butter.

What should I do if my favorite soft & chewy peanut butter cookies turn out too dry?

If your cookies are dryer than expected, it could be due to overbaking or too much flour. Next time, try measuring your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought me! There’s something so comforting about homemade peanut butter cookies—soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. Enjoy making these treats for yourself or sharing them with loved ones! Happy baking!