Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you have a serious soft cookie craving and peanut butter is your jam, you absolutely need this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe in your life. These cookies have the perfect balance of rich, creamy peanut butter flavor with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like a warm hug from your oven. Whether you’re a longtime peanut butter aficionado or simply want a cozy treat that’s incredibly easy to make, this recipe hits all the marks. Soft, chewy, buttery, and just sweet enough, these cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is delightfully simple, and it all comes down to a handful of pantry basics. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s for flavor, texture, or just that perfect golden color.

• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick): Brings richness and softness to the cookie’s crumb.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Contributes moisture and a subtle caramel note.
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons peanut butter: The cookie’s soul—choose a creamy, classic brand like Jif.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds body.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warmth and depth.
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): Provides structure while keeping everything soft.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for softness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for gentle lift.
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens peanut butter’s flavor.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling dough): Adds a delightful crispy sugar coating on the outside.

How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by beating the butter in a large bowl or stand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for fluffy, tender cookies. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides occasionally so nothing is left behind.

Step 2: Mix in the Sugars

Add both the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar to the butter, beating well until the mixture is fluffy and light. This combination not only sweetens the cookies but also adds moisture and chewiness, making them irresistibly soft.

Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter

Stir in one cup plus two tablespoons of peanut butter. I recommend a classic creamy version like Jif, but crunchy works perfectly too! Blend it thoroughly so the peanut butter’s rich flavor infuses the dough.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Beat in a large egg and one and a half teaspoons of vanilla extract. These add richness and subtly enhance the cookie’s aroma and taste.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl or on top of the flour in your mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Stir them together just to distribute evenly before slowly blending into your wet ingredients. This ensures your cookies rise evenly and have perfect texture.

Step 6: Combine Dough Gently

Mix the dry ingredients into your wet peanut butter mixture on a low speed, stopping as soon as the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing will lead to tough cookies, and we’re all about keeping them soft and tender here.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill it for 15 minutes to an hour. You can even refrigerate it for up to 2 days if you want to prepare ahead. Chilling helps the flavors meld and controls spreading when baking.

Step 8: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Heat your oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Pour about half a cup of granulated sugar into a bowl—it’s time to get those dough balls ready!

Step 9: Shape the Cookies

Scoop the dough into approximately 1 and 1/2-inch balls. Avoid rolling the dough into smooth balls; the textured top helps create those classic peanut butter cookie criss-crosses.

Step 10: Coat and Place

Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar, then place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet. These cookies don’t spread much, so don’t be shy about placing them fairly close together.

Step 11: Press with a Fork

Dip a fork into the sugar bowl and gently press it down on each cookie ball. Turn the fork perpendicular and press again to create that signature peanut butter cookie grid pattern. This also flattens the cookies to your desired thickness, my favorite is about half an inch.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies are ready when their edges set but the center isn’t shiny. For super soft cookies, pull them out before any browning occurs—just a slight edge golden is perfect for me!

Step 13: Add the Finishing Touch

Right after removing from the oven, sprinkle a little extra granulated sugar on top. This gives a subtle crunch and a pretty sparkle that’s irresistible.

Step 14: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Of course, if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to try one warm with a glass of cold milk right away.

How to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of flaky sea salt adds an unexpected but wonderful contrast to the cookie’s sweetness. You can also sprinkle mini chocolate chips or crushed roasted peanuts over the top for an extra festive look and crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair these Soft Peanut Butter Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a creamy vanilla latte for a perfect snack or dessert. If you want to indulge, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create an unforgettable peanut butter cookie sundae.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, stack these cookies with layers of peanut butter frosting to make mini peanut butter cookie sandwiches. Or, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped peanuts for a dazzling treat that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe treats fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay deliciously soft for up to three days, so you can enjoy the perfect after-dinner snack anytime.

Freezing

The dough freezes beautifully! Shape, roll in sugar, and press each dough ball with a fork before freezing them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Transfer to a ziplock bag once firm. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer with just a minute or two extra baking time.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness, warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a 300-degree oven for 3-4 minutes. The warmth revives the gooey texture that makes this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe so addicting.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Natural peanut butter isn’t ideal here because its oil separation can affect the texture, making the cookies less soft and more crumbly. Stick to classic creamy peanut butter for best results.

Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helping develop better flavor. It also makes handling the dough much easier.

How do I make these cookies crunchy instead of soft?

For crunchier cookies, bake them a bit longer until they are browner around the edges and more uniformly cooked through. However, this recipe is designed for softness and chewiness, so extended baking changes the very nature of these treats.

Why is the sugar coating important?

Rolling the dough balls in sugar gives the cookies a slight sweet crust that adds a subtle texture contrast and visual appeal. It’s a small step that makes a significant difference.

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a few M&M’s can be stirred into the dough for extra flavor and fun. Just be mindful it may change the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is truly a little piece of joy baked up with simple ingredients and heartfelt care. Once you try these soft, buttery, peanut-buttery delights, you’ll have a favorite cookie that never fails to bring smiles. So grab your mixing bowl and dive right in—your new go-to cookie obsession awaits!

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