Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that brings joy with every bite, you’ve come to the right place! These Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies are not just a treat; they are a warm hug from your oven. I remember the first time I made these cookies for my family. The sweet nutty aroma filled the house, and when we finally took that first bite, we knew we had found a winner. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies are always a hit and perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll whip these up in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the rich peanut butter flavor.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and bake whenever you’re ready for fresh cookies.
• Deliciously Nutty Flavor: Each bite is packed with that comforting peanut butter taste that everyone loves.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for school lunches, parties, or just an afternoon snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Cookie Base

• 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 Extra Sweetness

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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your taste.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey twist.
• Try Different Mix-Ins: Chopped nuts or dried fruit can add texture and flavor variations.
• Go for Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Make Them Smaller: Roll smaller balls of dough for mini cookies that are perfect for snacking!

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 come out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of your stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), combine your room-temperature butter with both sugars. Mix on medium-high speed until it becomes creamy and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into your batter, leading to lighter cookies.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter

Next, mix in the smooth peanut butter until everything is well combined. The creamy texture of peanut butter adds richness to our cookie base – trust me; you want this step!

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated after each addition. This helps bind everything together, ensuring your cookies won’t crumble apart.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently add in the flour, baking soda, and salt while mixing on low speed until combined. Be careful not to over-mix here; we want to avoid tough cookies!

Step 6: Stir in Reese’s Pieces

With a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in those colorful Reese’s Pieces by hand until evenly distributed throughout the dough. They add playful pops of flavor!

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 1-2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheet, leaving plenty of space between each ball since they will spread while baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for about 9-12 minutes or until they lose their shine on top but are still soft. Remember, they will continue cooking slightly once out of the oven.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let them cool on the cookie sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This step allows them to firm up nicely and makes them easier to handle!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies! They’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies

Baking peanut butter cookies can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your cookie game to new heights!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth and creamy batter, resulting in the perfect texture for your cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender bites, so be gentle!

• Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent excessive spreading while baking. This gives you thicker, chewier cookies!

• Watch the baking time carefully: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies at the lower end of the baking time range to avoid over-baking and ensure they remain soft.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! Try adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit for a personal twist on these classic cookies.

How to Serve Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies

Presenting your delicious peanut butter cookies can turn them into an irresistible treat. Here are some fun ideas to make them even more enjoyable!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of chocolate: A simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top adds a rich contrast and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Sprinkle of sea salt: Just a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking amplifies the sweet and salty combination that peanut butter lovers adore.

Side Dishes

• Milk: A classic pairing! The creamy richness of milk perfectly complements the nutty flavors of the cookies. Serve it cold for a refreshing treat.
• Ice cream: Top your warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert that everyone will love.
• Fresh fruit: Serve alongside slices of apple or banana for a refreshing balance to the sweet and rich flavors of the cookies.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea makes for a lovely afternoon snack when paired with these delightful cookies.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everyone raving about your Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies. Enjoy baking and sharing this timeless treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies are not only delicious, but they also make for an excellent meal prep treat! Whether you’re planning for a busy week ahead or want to have a sweet snack on hand, these cookies can easily be stored or frozen.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge, where they’ll last about a week.
• If you notice they start to harden, place a slice of bread in the container with them to maintain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place chilled or frozen cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each cookie for about 15-20 seconds for a quick treat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes! You can definitely substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture in your cookies. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the final taste and texture.

How do I know when the Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies are done?

The best indication that your cookies are ready is when the tops have lost their shine and are just beginning to crack. They will continue to firm up as they cool!

Can I add chocolate chips to the Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a delicious twist. Just fold them in with the Reese’s Pieces for extra chocolatey goodness.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly, your Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days, and even longer if refrigerated!

Final Thoughts

There you have it—your very own batch of Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies! These delightful treats are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). I hope you find joy in both baking and indulging in them. Don’t hesitate to experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to make this recipe truly your own. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!