Soft Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers. These cookies are tender, chewy, and bursting with rich peanut butter flavor. Whether you’re making them for a family get-together, a holiday cookie tray, or just a sweet afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe will help you make perfectly soft peanut butter cookies every time. Stick around for all the tips and tricks on how to nail this classic favorite!

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What Are Soft Peanut Butter Cookies?

Soft peanut butter cookies are a twist on the classic peanut butter cookie, known for their slightly crisp edges and ultra-soft centers. They are made with creamy peanut butter and often feature a signature crisscross pattern on the top. These cookies stay soft and chewy for days, making them a popular choice for baking ahead or for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients List for Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

This recipe uses common ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Cookies:

• Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened) – Adds richness and helps with the soft texture.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup) – The star ingredient, providing that classic peanut butter flavor. You can use chunky peanut butter for added texture if preferred.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Adds sweetness and helps with the soft texture.
• Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed) – Adds moisture and enhances the chewy texture of the cookies.
• Egg (1 large) – Binds the ingredients together and helps create structure.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 and ¼ cups) – Forms the base of the cookie dough.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon) – Helps the cookies rise and become soft and fluffy.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Optional Toppings:

• Granulated Sugar (for rolling) – Adds a subtle sweetness and gives the cookies a slightly crunchy exterior.
• Chocolate Chips (optional) – For those who love peanut butter and chocolate together, fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for an extra treat.
• Chopped Peanuts (optional) – For added crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top before baking.

Substitutions and Variations

• Peanut Butter: Use natural peanut butter for a more intense peanut flavor, but make sure to stir it well, as natural peanut butter can separate. You can also substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you’re avoiding peanuts.
• Sugar Alternatives: If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like coconut sugar, or use a sugar-free sweetener like Stevia.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour blend.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making these soft and irresistible peanut butter cookies.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

1. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming the ingredients well is important for soft cookies.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

1. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, leading to evenly baked cookies.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can lead to dense cookies.

Step 4: Chill the Dough (Optional, But Recommended)

1. For best results, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, which makes the cookies thicker and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon of dough each). If you like, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar for a lightly sweetened, crisp exterior.
3. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
4. Use a fork to gently press down each ball, making a crisscross pattern on the top. This step is key to giving the cookies their signature look and helps them bake evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are just starting to set on the edges but still soft in the center. The cookies may look underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
2. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Bake Soft Peanut Butter Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cream the butter and sugars: Whip until light and fluffy for the perfect cookie texture.
2. Mix the wet and dry ingredients: Combine them without overmixing.
3. Chill the dough: This step helps control the spread of the cookies.
4. Shape and bake: Form dough balls, press with a fork, and bake until the edges are set and the centers are soft.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: One of the most common mistakes is baking the cookies too long. For soft peanut butter cookies, you want to take them out of the oven while the center still looks slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling the dough is essential if you want thicker, softer cookies. If the dough is too warm, the cookies will spread too much during baking.
• Using the Wrong Peanut Butter: Avoid using a peanut butter that’s too oily or runny, as it can affect the texture of the dough. Creamy, processed peanut butter works best for this recipe.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

• Warm from the oven: These cookies are irresistible when served slightly warm with a cold glass of milk.
• With ice cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two peanut butter cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich.
• Holiday gift: These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift! Stack them up and tie them with a ribbon or place them in a decorative tin for gifting.

Presentation Ideas for Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

• Arrange the cookies on a large platter and sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• For an eye-catching presentation, press a piece of chocolate (like a mini peanut butter cup or chocolate kiss) into the center of each cookie right after they come out of the oven.
• Drizzle the tops with melted chocolate or peanut butter for a pretty finish and extra flavor.

Soft Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe Tips

• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, you can place a slice of bread in the container — the bread will absorb any excess moisture.
• Freeze for Later: You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw — just bake a minute or two longer.
• Add-Ins: For a fun variation, try folding in chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or toffee bits into the dough before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A: Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies a slightly different texture with small bits of peanut throughout. It’s a great variation if you like a little extra crunch.

Q: Can I freeze the cookies?
A: Absolutely! Once baked, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just let them come to room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double this recipe if you’re baking for a crowd. Just make sure to chill the dough for the recommended time and bake in batches.

Conclusion

This Soft Peanut Butter Cookie recipe is a go-to for when you’re craving a comforting, homemade treat. With their perfectly soft centers and rich peanut butter flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a touch of sugar, or with chocolate chips mixed in, they’re an easy and satisfying dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or simply when the craving strikes, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

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