If you are on the hunt for a cookie that is irresistibly soft, satisfyingly chewy, and bursting with nutty goodness, look no further than this Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Combining creamy peanut butter with just the right touch of sweetness and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are the kind of treat that make the house smell heavenly and your heart just a little bit happier. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a comforting snack, these cookies prove that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Each component plays its role perfectly, from the rich peanut butter that gives the cookie its signature flavor to the combination of sugars that balance sweetness and texture beautifully. Here’s what you will need:
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy): The star ingredient, lending nutty richness and natural moisture to the cookies.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creamy smoothness and keeps cookies tender.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps give cookies a slight crunch on the outside.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Brings a deeper, caramel note and helps the cookies stay soft inside.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together and creates that perfect chewy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant touch.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure so the cookies hold their shape.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for balanced leavening and lightness.
How to Make Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off easily once done. Setting up now makes the rest of the baking process smooth and fuss-free.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well blended. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving you those delightfully soft and tender cookies.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor depth, helping the dough come together perfectly while contributing to the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. This uniform size helps the cookies bake evenly and look consistent.
Step 6: Create the Classic Crisscross Pattern
Use a fork to gently press down each dough ball, making a crisscross pattern. This traditional step is more than decorative; it helps the cookies bake through and adds a recognizable texture that brings back cozy, nostalgic memories.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until you see golden edges forming. The centers should still be soft but set. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this prevents breakage and helps them finish firming up.
How to Serve Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies taste amazing on their own, you can elevate them by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a few chopped peanuts on top will add extra texture and flavor complexity, making your peanut butter cookies truly stand out.
Side Dishes
When you’re serving these cookies, think beyond just the treat itself. A tall glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a rich hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the nutty sweetness. These beverages highlight the cookie flavors and make for a cozy indulgence, especially during chilly afternoons.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of vanilla or chocolate frosting, turning them into peanut butter cookie sandwiches. You can also crumble some cookies over ice cream for an unbeatable dessert topping or serve them alongside fresh fruit for a balanced snack platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your peanut butter cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to avoid sticking, and they’ll stay soft and delicious for days, perfect for sharing or sneaking a snack later.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe anytime, freezing is your friend. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months without losing their magic.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover cookies back to life, warm them gently in an oven preheated to 150°C (300°F) for about 5 minutes. This revives that fresh-from-the-oven softness and aroma, making each bite just as comforting as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds delightful texture and extra peanut chunks in every bite, making your Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe even more exciting.
Why do we use both baking soda and baking powder?
Using both leavening agents balances the rise and texture, ensuring cookies are light but retain a pleasant chewiness without spreading too thin.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can swap in a gluten-free blend designed for baking, but be mindful it might alter the texture slightly. Adding a little xanthan gum can help mimic the original structure.
How can I make these cookies more moist?
Try adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dough. This boosts moisture content, keeping your cookies wonderfully soft for longer.
Is it okay to double the recipe?
Definitely! Doubling the Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe works well for bigger batches. Just make sure to mix thoroughly and leave enough space on your baking sheets.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug in cookie form. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and that unbeatable peanut butter flavor make it a go-to recipe you’ll return to over and over. So, grab your mixing bowl and dive in—you won’t regret filling your home with the comforting scent of freshly baked peanut butter cookies.
Print
Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These classic Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. Made with simple ingredients and a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, they are ideal for any cookie lover’s collection.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a better texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients which helps bind the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms, careful not to overmix which could toughen the cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Create Pattern: Flatten each dough ball gently with a fork, pressing down to create a classic crisscross pattern that also helps the cookies bake evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating the cookies are perfectly baked.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set up properly.
Notes
- You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter depending on your texture preference.
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best creaming results.
- For softer cookies, bake closer to 10 minutes; for crispier edges, bake the full 12 minutes.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
