Soft Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

If you're a fan of soft, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cookies, you’ve come to the right place! These soft peanut butter cookies are rich, chewy, and loaded with that unmistakable peanut butter flavor. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just craving something sweet and nostalgic, this recipe will deliver perfect results every time. Let’s dive into the details and bake up some of the best soft peanut butter cookies you’ve ever had!

this Recipe

What Are Soft Peanut Butter Cookies?

Soft peanut butter cookies are a classic American treat that has been a favorite in homes for decades. Unlike their crunchy counterparts, these cookies have a tender, chewy texture with a rich, buttery peanut butter flavor. They often have that signature criss-cross pattern on top, created by pressing the dough with a fork before baking. Perfect for dunking in milk or enjoying on their own, these cookies are beloved for their simple, comforting flavor and texture.

Ingredients List for Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. These are all kitchen staples, so you likely already have most of them on hand!

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Adds lightness and ensures a tender crumb.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a soft texture.
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, giving these cookies their rich, peanut butter flavor.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with browning.
• ½ cup packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture, contributing to the cookies' soft texture.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.

Optional Mix-Ins:

• ½ cup peanut butter chips or chocolate chips: For added texture and flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

These peanut butter cookies are already amazing, but you can easily adapt the recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter alternative and ensure your peanut butter is dairy-free.
• Vegan: Use dairy-free butter and substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes).
• Chunky Peanut Butter: Swap creamy peanut butter for chunky if you want bits of peanut in the cookies.
• Add Chocolate: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for extra texture and flavor.
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies: Add a teaspoon of jam to the center of each cookie before baking for a PB&J twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start baking? Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and full of peanut butter flavor.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Properly creaming the butter and sugars will give the cookies a soft and tender texture.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional)

For the best results, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Create the Classic Criss-Cross Pattern

Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, creating a criss-cross pattern on the top of each cookie. This step not only adds texture but also helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies should look slightly underbaked when you take them out—this ensures they stay soft as they cool.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can enjoy them immediately or store them for later.

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

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room temperature eggs blend more easily and create a smooth, cohesive dough. This is key to getting a soft texture in the cookies.
2. Don’t Overbake: The secret to soft cookies is to underbake them slightly. Remove the cookies from the oven when they’re set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
3. Chill the Dough: While this step is optional, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes helps control spreading and gives the cookies a better texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your cookies turn out soft and perfect every time.

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
• Overbaking: These cookies should be soft and chewy. If you bake them until they look fully done, they will likely end up too hard. Pull them out when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly underdone.
• Not Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. If you skip this step, your cookies might turn out flatter than you’d like.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Soft peanut butter cookies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to presentation. Here are a few ideas for serving and presenting them:

How to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Cookies:

• With a Glass of Milk: These cookies are perfect for dunking in a cold glass of milk.
• Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use the cookies as a base for ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies.
• With Coffee or Tea: Serve the cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Presentation Ideas for Soft Peanut Butter Cookies:

• Stacked Display: Stack the cookies in a pyramid on a cake stand for an impressive display at parties or gatherings.
• Gift Boxes or Cookie Tins: These cookies make wonderful gifts! Pack them in decorative tins or boxes to share with friends and family.
• Add Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies or dip half of each cookie in chocolate for an elevated presentation.

Soft Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe Tips

• Double the Recipe: These cookies are so good, you might want to double the batch. Simply double all the ingredients, and make sure to give yourself enough space to chill and bake the dough in batches.
• Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough balls thaw slightly before baking as directed.
• Store Properly: To keep the cookies soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can! Chunky peanut butter will add bits of peanuts to the cookies, giving them a slightly different texture but keeping all the great flavor.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw slightly before baking.

How do I keep my cookies soft after baking?

To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread and stay soft longer.

Conclusion

Soft peanut butter cookies are a timeless treat that is loved by both kids and adults. Their chewy texture and rich, peanut butter flavor make them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday, or just an afternoon snack. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have a batch of soft, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cookies ready in no time. So grab your mixing bowl, and get ready to bake the best peanut butter cookies you’ve ever tasted! Happy baking!

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