If you’re on the hunt for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings pure joy with every bite, look no further than this Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the ideal balance between rich peanut butter flavor, buttery softness, and just the right hint of sweetness, making them a beloved classic that’s hard to resist. Whether you love creamy or crunchy peanut butter, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results that feel homemade and heartfelt every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe comes from its simple yet wonderfully complementary ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building flavor, providing texture, or ensuring that perfect golden hue.
- Peanut butter (1 cup): Creamy or crunchy, it’s the star that gives these cookies their irresistible nutty flavor.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create that tender crumb you crave.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Brings sweetness and contributes to a delightful cookie crust.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds moisture and a touch of caramel undertone for depth.
- Egg (1): Binds everything together while enhancing texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Elevates the flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The base for the dough, providing structure.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps cookies rise just right and adds lightness.
- Baking powder (½ tsp): Works alongside baking soda to give a gentle lift for softness.
How to Make Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to ensure your cookies bake evenly without burning on the bottom. Setting up your space early keeps things smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cream Together the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until it’s light, fluffy, and beautifully blended. This step is where the cookies’ softness and rich flavor begin developing, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth. The egg helps bind your ingredients and add moisture, while vanilla adds a subtle but important depth of flavor that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring well until a smooth dough forms. The perfect consistency is important—your dough should be soft but manageable.
Step 5: Form and Shape Your Cookies
Scoop out dough balls roughly one tablespoon each and place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet. Once you have your dough balls, gently press down each ball with a fork to create that classic crisscross pattern. This isn’t just decorative; it helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them that iconic look.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers will still be soft—perfect for that tender bite. Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they set properly and don’t crumble.
How to Serve Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your peanut butter cookies feel a little extra special, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. The salty contrast lifts the sweetness beautifully. Alternatively, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or top with a small dollop of your favorite jam for added color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Peanut butter cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk—classic and comforting. For an afternoon treat, serve alongside a cup of coffee or hot tea to balance the sweetness with a warm, aromatic touch. You could also enjoy them with fresh fruit like apple slices or berries for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these cookies to a party or gifting them, stack them in a pretty jar tied with a ribbon for a simple yet charming presentation. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a layer of chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting for a decadent twist that delights every crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your favorite peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to one week. If you want to preserve that just-baked softness, adding a slice of bread inside the container helps keep moisture in.
Freezing
These cookies freeze exceptionally well! Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them for 10–15 seconds in the microwave for that “fresh from the oven” feeling. This little trick revives their softness and enhances those wonderful peanut butter notes.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds delightful bursts of texture to your cookies, making each bite a tad more exciting, and it works perfectly in this Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe.
What if I don’t have brown sugar on hand?
If brown sugar isn’t available, you can substitute with an equal amount of white sugar, but keep in mind the cookies will lose a bit of the rich, caramel flavor and moisture that brown sugar provides.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, ensuring it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the cookie’s structure.
How do I keep my peanut butter cookies soft?
To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking and store them properly in an airtight container. Including a small piece of bread in the container also helps maintain moisture and softness.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! This recipe scales well, so just double all the ingredients and bake in batches. Make sure to space the cookies properly on the sheet to ensure even baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and joyful about baking a batch of these favorite peanut butter cookies recipe. Whether you’re treating yourself, sharing with loved ones, or impressing friends with a homemade classic, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Don’t hesitate to make it your go-to cookie – I promise, once you try it, it’ll become your favorite too!
Print
Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies are classic, chewy, and rich with peanut butter flavor. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, they feature a crisp edge and soft center, perfect for any peanut butter lover looking for a quick homemade treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large 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 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 helps incorporate air for soft cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined to create a smooth batter that will bind the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a uniform dough forms without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow for spreading during baking.
- Create Pattern: Flatten each dough ball with a fork to make a classic crisscross pattern, gently pressing without flattening too much.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, signaling they are done but still soft inside.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid breaking.
Notes
- Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on your preferred texture.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better cookie texture.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies chewy rather than dry and hard.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend in equal measure.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help reduce spreading if desired.
