Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, these Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are just what you need! There’s something so comforting about the warm aroma of peanut butter wafting through your kitchen. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends. With their soft texture and irresistible flavor, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your home, just like they have in mine.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet snack, this recipe is easy enough for anyone to whip up. Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: These cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for any level of baker.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves peanut butter cookies! They’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for later baking.
• Deliciously satisfying: The rich, nutty flavor is sure to please your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Classic Peanut Butter Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create these delicious treats!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or experiment with fun flavors.

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delicious twist on the classic flavor.
• Include chopped nuts: Add some chopped peanuts for extra crunch and nuttiness.
• Try different nut butters: Swap out the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Incorporate spices: A pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract can add an extra layer of warmth and flavor.

How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color. While the oven is heating up, take a moment to line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This step prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric hand mixer. This process helps to incorporate air into the mixture, creating light and fluffy cookies. Once combined, add in the peanut butter and large egg. Mix until everything is well blended—this is where that delicious peanut butter flavor starts to shine!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour (make sure to sift the flour after measuring it). Adding these dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution throughout the cookie dough. Gradually fold this mixture into your peanut butter mixture until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies soft!

Step 4: Shape Your Cookies

Now comes the fun part! Use your hands to roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. To give them that classic look, flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern—this not only looks pretty but also helps them bake evenly.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pop those cookie sheets into your preheated oven and bake for about 8-9 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they begin to turn golden at the base but still look soft on top. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling stage allows them to set perfectly!

And there you have it—your very own batch of Classic Peanut Butter Cookies! Enjoy them fresh from the oven or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Making the perfect peanut butter cookies can be a delightful experience! Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out soft, chewy, and utterly delicious.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and egg helps create a smooth batter, allowing the ingredients to blend seamlessly for a better cookie texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you’ve added the flour mixture, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies as it develops gluten in the flour.

• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading and result in thicker cookies.

• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor kick!

• Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can ensure your oven is at the right temperature. Baking at too high or low of a temperature can drastically affect your cookie’s texture.

How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

These classic peanut butter cookies are perfect for sharing or just enjoying with a glass of milk! Here are some creative ideas for serving them.

Garnishes

• Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate on top adds a lovely touch and enhances flavor.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped peanuts on top before baking for an extra crunch.
• Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking elevates the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Milk: A classic pairing! The creaminess of milk complements the rich peanut butter flavor perfectly.
• Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee. The bitterness balances out the sweetness of the cookie.
• Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies, making it a great side option!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your homemade Classic Peanut Butter Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are not only a delight to bake but also perfect for meal prepping! You can easily make them ahead of time and store or freeze them for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator where they can last up to two weeks.
• If you’d like to maintain their soft texture, consider adding a slice of bread to the container – it helps keep them moist!

Freezing

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

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 300°F.
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• For an extra treat, you can microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Classic Peanut Butter Cookies.

Can I make Classic Peanut Butter Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute one egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water as an egg replacement.

What makes Classic Peanut Butter Cookies so soft?

The combination of butter and peanut butter provides moisture and richness, while baking powder helps create that soft texture. Avoid overbaking for best results!

How do I fix crumbly dough for Classic Peanut Butter Cookies?

If your dough is too crumbly, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until the mixture holds together without becoming sticky.

Can I add chocolate chips to my Classic Peanut Butter Cookies?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a great way to enhance flavor. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or dairy-free chocolate chips into your dough before baking.

Why do my Classic Peanut Butter Cookies spread too much during baking?

Overmixing the dough or using melted butter can cause excessive spreading. Ensure your butter is just softened and mix until ingredients are combined.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Classic Peanut Butter Cookies as much as I do! They’re simple, quick, and absolutely delicious – perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all by yourself. Whether you’re prepping for a gathering or just treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are sure to bring joy. Happy baking!