Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked peanut butter cookies wafting through your home. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re perfectly soft, delightfully chewy, and packed with that irresistible nutty flavor we all adore. Get ready to bake a batch of pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

• Unbeatable Texture: Experience perfectly soft and wonderfully chewy cookies every single time.
• Classic Comfort: A nostalgic treat that transports you back to childhood with every bite.
• Simple Ingredients: Crafted with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
• Effortlessly Easy: Enjoy straightforward steps, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Quick to Bake: From mixing bowl to cooling rack, these cookies are ready in under 30 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A universally loved cookie that’s guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, school lunchboxes, or a quiet evening indulgence with a cup of tea.

Ingredients Needed for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to pure cookie bliss. For these delightful peanut butter cookies, you’ll need creamy peanut butter for that rich, nutty base, softened unsalted butter for a tender crumb, and a perfect blend of granulated and brown sugars for chewiness and depth. A large egg binds everything beautifully, while vanilla extract and a pinch of salt and baking soda complete the magic. For the best flavor and texture, select a good quality creamy peanut butter.

• 1 cup (200g) creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt

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Essential Equipment

You’ll need a large mixing bowl, an electric mixer (stand or handheld for ease), baking sheets lined with parchment paper for non-stick baking, accurate measuring cups and spoons, and a sturdy spatula for mixing. A wire rack is also essential for cooling your freshly baked masterpieces evenly.

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Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create perfectly soft and chewy peanut butter cookies.

1. Prepare Your WorkspacePreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Cream Wet IngredientsIn a large bowl, cream together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is beautifully smooth and light in color.

3. Add Egg and VanillaNext, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until they are fully combined into your cohesive wet mixture.

4. Whisk Dry IngredientsIn a separate medium bowl, swiftly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution.

5. Combine GentlyGradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix; overmixing develops gluten and can lead to tough cookies! If your dough feels too sticky to handle, a quick 15-minute chill in the refrigerator can help.

   
   

   

   
   

6. Shape the DoughRoll the dough into uniform 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

7. Create the CrisscrossFlatten each ball slightly with the tines of a fork, creating that iconic crisscross pattern. This also helps with even baking.

8. Bake to PerfectionBake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remember, these soft & chewy peanut butter cookies will appear very soft and slightly underbaked when you first remove them from the oven, but they will firm up perfectly as they cool.

9. Cool SlightlyAllow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This crucial step helps them set without breaking.

10. Cool CompletelyTransfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they reach their ultimate soft and chewy texture.

    
    

CHECK OUT: Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies – Another delightful soft and chewy treat for citrus lovers!

Tips for Success

Achieving perfect soft & chewy peanut butter cookies is simple with a few tricks. Use genuinely softened butter for a smooth dough. Do not overmix the flour; mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies. Bake only until edges are lightly golden – centers will appear soft but firm beautifully as they cool.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize your batch! Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even mini peanut butter cups for extra flair. For a classic twist, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after baking. Need dietary swaps? A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well, and vegan butter can be substituted for dairy-free indulgence.

Serving Suggestions

These soft & chewy peanut butter cookies are delightful on their own. However, elevate the experience by serving them warm with a tall glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a comforting mug of hot coffee. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift or a perfect addition to any dessert platter.

Health Benefits

While these are indeed a delicious treat, peanut butter cookies offer some noteworthy benefits. Peanut butter provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and some dietary fiber, which can contribute to satiety. These cookies offer a satisfying snack that delivers a touch of natural energy. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet!

Storage & Reheating

Store your soft & chewy peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their irresistible freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Cookies

How do I keep my peanut butter cookies soft?

The key is not to overbake them! Remove them from the oven when the edges are just set and lightly golden, even if the centers still look soft. They will continue to bake slightly and firm up as they cool.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

While possible, natural peanut butter can make the dough more oily and the cookies spread more. For the best soft and chewy texture, we recommend using regular creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy).

Why did my cookies come out crumbly?

Crumbly cookies often result from too much flour or overmixing the dough. Ensure you measure flour correctly (spoon and level) and mix only until the ingredients are just combined.

Can I freeze peanut butter cookie dough?

Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, flatten them slightly, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to an airtight freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

How long do these soft & chewy peanut butter cookies last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days.

What makes these cookies so chewy?

The combination of brown sugar, which contains molasses, and not overbaking contributes significantly to their wonderfully chewy texture. Brown sugar helps retain moisture, keeping the cookies soft.

More Delicious Dishes

• Chocolate Peppermint Swirl Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays – Swirls of chocolate and mint create a holiday masterpiece.
• Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe for Cozy Days – The warm, spiced comfort of a cinnamon roll, in cookie form!
• Soft & Chewy Cookie Monster Cookies – Fun, colorful, and packed with chocolatey goodness for an extra chewy bite.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate recipe for perfectly soft and chewy peanut butter cookies. We hope you enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats as much as we do! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more scrumptious recipes!

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