Discover the secrets behind perfect peanut butter cookies — soft, chewy, and rich in flavor, guaranteed to satisfy every cookie craving! If you love simple homemade desserts, you might also enjoy our Vegan Oatmeal Cookies or quick 2 Ingredient Biscuits.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This is the Best Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
If searching for the “best peanut butter cookies recipe,” you’ll want chewy edges, a soft center, and bold peanut flavor. This step-by-step guide delivers exactly that, backed by baking science and expert testing. With simple pantry staples and trusted techniques, even beginners can achieve bakery-level results at home.
For another cozy classic, don’t miss our Cinnamon Rolls Frosting Recipe — perfect to pair with a cookie tray.
Ingredients for Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies
Here’s what separates great peanut butter cookies from the rest:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy peanut butter | 1 cup | Use high-quality, shelf-stable |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup | Room temperature for easy creaming |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup | Adds moisture and chewiness |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup | Balances sweetness and texture |
| Large egg | 1 | Binds and enriches the dough |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Enhances flavor depth |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups | Structure; don’t overmix |
| Baking soda | 3/4 tsp | For rise and tenderness |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Balances sweet and enhances flavor |
Pro tip: For extra-soft cookies, replace 1/4 of the flour with cake flour.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
How-To Instructions:
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment.
- Cream Butters & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar till fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add Egg & Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet. Do not overmix.
- Scoop & Shape: Roll tablespoon-size dough balls. Place 2” apart. Flatten with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes. Cookies should look just set; they’ll finish on the baking sheet.
- Cool: Allow to cool 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a wire rack.
👉 For another step-by-step baked good, try our Flan Recipe — silky smooth and just as comforting.
Direct Answer (for snippet):
The best peanut butter cookies recipe uses high-quality creamy peanut butter, a blend of brown and white sugars, and bakes at 350°F for 10 minutes for chewy, flavorful cookies.
Peanut Butter Cookie Baking Tips
- Use room-temperature butter and peanut butter for best texture.
- Do not overmix after adding the flour.
- Underbake slightly for extra softness; cookies firm up as they cool.
- Add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for mix-in variations!
💡 For more baking inspiration, check out our Egg Muffins Recipe — another simple, family-friendly bake.
Nutrition Facts (per cookie, approx.)
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | 7g | 13g | 3g |
(Based on 24 cookies/recipe; values are estimates)
FAQ: Peanut Butter Cookie Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter can work, but texture may be more crumbly. Stir thoroughly and chill dough before baking.
How do I keep peanut butter cookies soft?
Do not overbake; store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
Dough may be too warm or measurements off. Chill dough for thicker, puffier cookies.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months.
The Science Behind Chewy, Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
To achieve classic chewiness, balance sugar types and avoid overbaking. Brown sugar brings moisture, while higher fat content from butter/peanut butter creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Expert bakers recommend pulling cookies at the edge of “done” for the softest result.
For nut lovers, explore our guide on How to Make Pistachio Butter — a delicious spread to pair with cookies.
“Snippet-Ready” Blocks for Rich Results
Best Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe (Quick Steps):
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Cream peanut butter, butter, sugars
- Add egg, vanilla
- Mix in dry ingredients
- Scoop, flatten with fork
- Bake 9–11 minutes
Table: Peanut Butter Cookie Mix-In Ideas
| Mix-In | Amount | Best Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate chips | 1/2 cup | Fold in last |
| Chopped peanuts | 1/2 cup | Fold in last |
| White chocolate | 1/3 cup | Fold in last |
| Toffee bits | 1/3 cup | Fold in last |
Best Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe: Ultimate Guide for Soft And Chewy Results
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies with expert tips for perfect results.
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
Beat peanut butter, butter, and sugars until fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla; beat until combined.
Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Do not overmix.
Scoop dough, shape, and flatten with a fork.
Bake 9–11 minutes. Cool and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
