The Most Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Ever Made

Crisp autumn winds whisper memories of grandma’s legendary peanut butter cookies that always made me smile.

Sweet nostalgia drifts through my kitchen whenever I mix these simple ingredients.

Soft, chewy textures promise comfort in every delightful bite.

Childhood afternoons spent watching her roll perfect dough come flooding back with each preparation.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can master this classic treat.

Chocolate chips or classic style – these cookies guarantee pure happiness waiting just moments away.

Your next baking adventure starts right here with this irresistible recipe.

Peanut Butter Cookies That Bring Sweet Comfort

• Craft Delightful Treats: These peanut butter cookies offer a simple, foolproof method for baking that even novice bakers can master with confidence.
• Quick Family Comfort: Perfect for spontaneous baking sessions, these cookies bring warmth and joy to family gatherings, satisfying sweet cravings in no time.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for school lunches, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, these cookies appeal to both kids and adults with their classic, nostalgic flavor.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requiring basic pantry staples, this recipe eliminates complicated shopping trips and keeps preparation stress-free and budget-friendly.

Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookies.
• Peanut Butter: The key flavor component that gives these cookies their distinctive nutty taste.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, soft cookie texture.
• Sugar: Granulated and brown sugars combine to provide sweetness and contribute to the cookie's golden color.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps create a smooth, cohesive dough.

• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a slightly crisp exterior.

• Vanilla Extract, Salt: Adds depth of flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

How to Bake Peanut Butter Cookies Perfectly

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This creates the perfect cozy environment for your cookie adventure.

Step 2: Create the Dry Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and smooth.

Step 3: Whip the Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix these ingredients until they transform into a creamy, dreamy mixture.

Step 4: Introduce Moisture and Richness

• Egg
• Peanut butter

Stir until everything looks harmonious and well-incorporated.

Step 5: Marry the Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Mix just until everything comes together – no over-mixing allowed!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets.

Leave about two inches between each cookie to give them room to spread and dance.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

You’re looking for golden edges with centers that still look slightly soft and tender.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

These little rounds of happiness are ready to be devoured!

Tips for Flavorful Peanut Butter Cookies

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker cookies.
• Use creamy or chunky peanut butter based on your texture preference, but avoid natural varieties that separate.
• Press a fork gently on top of each cookie before baking to create classic crisscross pattern and enhance visual appeal.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend, ensuring same measurement.
• Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain freshness.

Creative Variations on Peanut Butter Cookies

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water, and use organic peanut butter without added sugars.
• Low-Sugar Peanut Butter Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated and brown sugar, reducing overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly option.
• Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Fold in dark chocolate chips or chunks before baking to add rich chocolate flavor and extra texture to classic recipe.

Pairings That Enhance Peanut Butter Cookies Enjoyment

• Cold, creamy whole milk perfectly complements the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter cookies, creating a classic childhood-style refreshment that cleanses the palate.
• Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content adds a sophisticated bitter contrast to the sweet cookie, offering a luxurious taste experience that elevates the dessert.
• Freshly brewed medium-roast coffee with mild acidity cuts through the cookie's sweetness, bringing out deeper peanut butter undertones and providing a warm, comforting accompaniment.
• Late-harvest Riesling with its subtle sweetness and balanced acidity harmonizes beautifully with the cookie's nutty profile, creating an unexpected gourmet dessert pairing.

How to Keep Peanut Butter Cookies Fresh Longer

• Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze Whole Cookies: Place completely cooled cookies in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, separating layers with parchment paper; they'll stay delicious for 2-3 months.
• Freeze Dough: Wrap unbaked cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag; freeze for up to 3 months, thawing in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

• Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, but expect slightly different texture. Natural peanut butter may make cookies less stable and potentially crumblier compared to processed peanut butter.

• How do I know if my cookies are properly mixed?

The dough should look smooth and uniform, with no visible flour streaks. When you mix, ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overmixing.

• Why do I need to cream butter and sugar together?

Creaming helps incorporate air into the mixture, creating a lighter, softer cookie texture. It also helps sugars dissolve, resulting in a more even, smoother cookie.

• Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Classic peanut butter cookies blend creamy Jif with crisp edges for a nostalgic treat. Sweet and salty notes complement each other, drawing memories of childhood kitchens where baking means comfort and joy.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for perfect cookie placement.
2. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend softened butter, granulated and brown sugars, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and airy.
4. Incorporate egg and peanut butter into the creamed mixture, mixing until smooth and fully integrated.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender cookie texture.
6. Use a cookie scoop to drop rounded portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie approximately two inches apart.
7. Press a classic crisscross pattern onto each cookie using a fork, creating the traditional peanut butter cookie appearance.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges while keeping centers slightly soft and chewy.
9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes to set their structure, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to complete cooling.

Notes

• Enhance butter’s softness by leaving it at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy texture.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Customize crunch levels by using chunky peanut butter instead of smooth for added texture and deeper nutty flavor profile.
• Control sweetness by reducing sugar quantity or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a healthier twist.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 141 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 93 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 17 mg