My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further! My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a cherished gem in my kitchen. These cookies are soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dessert or for family gatherings when you want to impress your loved ones. Plus, they come together in just 30 minutes!

Every time I bake these cookies, the warm aroma of peanut butter wafts through my home, instantly bringing smiles to my family’s faces. It’s hard not to love a recipe that can create such joy and comfort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe uses just one bowl! No complicated steps or messy clean-up.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves peanut butter cookies! They’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in only 30 minutes, these cookies are perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Versatile Flavor: The rich flavor of peanut butter combined with a hint of vanilla makes them irresistible!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake a batch and enjoy them throughout the week—or freeze some for later!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. You might already have most of them in your pantry!

• 1 cup (256 g) smooth peanut butter
• 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 things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make it your own.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
• Incorporate Nuts: Chopped peanuts or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Try Different Sweeteners: Experiment with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a twist on sweetness.
• Use Nut Butters: Swap out the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if you prefer a different flavor.

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

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In your mixing bowl, start by combining the smooth peanut butter and room-temperature unsalted butter. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes creamy. This step is important because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving you those fluffy cookies we all love.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Vanilla

Next, add both the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar along with the real vanilla extract. Beat everything together until it’s well blended. The sugars will dissolve into the butters, creating a deliciously sweet base for your cookie dough.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Now, add in your room-temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring that your cookies have that perfect chewy texture.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; stopping when just combined will keep those cookies soft.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. If you’d like an extra touch of flair, sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top before baking! Pop them into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This will allow them to firm up slightly while still retaining that lovely softness inside.

And there you have it—My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe! Enjoy these delightful treats fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container for later munching. Happy baking!

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

Baking is all about joy and creativity, and with these helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to making the best peanut butter cookies you’ve ever tasted!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature helps create a smooth batter, ensuring even mixing for that perfect cookie texture.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents overpacking, which can lead to dense cookies instead of that desired soft and chewy texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: When combining ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies.

• Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps intensify the flavors and prevents spreading during baking.

• Watch the baking time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies in the last few minutes of baking. They should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.

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

These delightful peanut butter cookies are not just a treat; they can also be a centerpiece at gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Here are some fun ideas to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Sea salt flakes: A sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top right after baking enhances the flavor profile, balancing out the sweetness.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some dairy-free chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits pairs perfectly with these cookies, adding a burst of freshness.
• Plant-based ice cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream for a classic dessert combo that everyone will love.
• Milk alternative: Whether it’s almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, a glass of your preferred milk alternative complements these cookies wonderfully!
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for an inviting pairing that enhances both flavors and aromas.

With these ideas in mind, you’re all set to enjoy My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch and store them, so you always have a sweet treat on hand whenever the cravings hit.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
• For longer freshness, consider adding a slice of bread to help maintain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have while making my favorite soft & chewy peanut butter cookies recipe!

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes! While this recipe calls for smooth peanut butter, you can substitute it with crunchy peanut butter if you prefer some texture in your cookies. Just keep in mind that the final product may be slightly different in consistency.

How do I know when my peanut butter cookies are done baking?

My favorite soft & chewy peanut butter cookies recipe will be ready when the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect soft and chewy texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. This way, you can still enjoy these delicious cookies without the gluten!

What is the best way to pack these cookies for gifting?

If you’re sharing these delightful treats, stack them in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container. Tie it up with some twine or place them in a decorative box for an extra special touch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making my favorite soft & chewy peanut butter cookies recipe as much as I do! There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen. These treats not only satisfy sweet cravings but also bring back fond memories of home-baking. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in this simple joy! Happy baking!