If you’re craving a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with peanut butter flavor, this Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies is the recipe for you! These peanut butter cookies are the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and a delightful texture. Whether you’re baking them for a special treat or just because you love peanut butter, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can indulge in this deliciously nostalgic treat in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this peanut butter cookie recipe because it’s so easy to make and the results are consistently perfect. The dough is rich and smooth, and when baked, these cookies turn out wonderfully soft and chewy. The peanut butter flavor is bold but not overpowering, creating a truly satisfying bite. Whether I’m enjoying these cookies on my own or sharing them with friends and family, they always disappear quickly. The crisscross fork pattern not only looks charming but also helps the cookies bake evenly. This recipe truly delivers on both taste and texture, and I can’t wait for you to try it too!
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup brown sugar
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and baking powder together. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Scoop the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Flatten each dough ball slightly using a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and slightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of the dough balls.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 20-22 minutes
Variations
Add chocolate chips: For an extra treat, I like to add some chocolate chips to the dough. They melt beautifully and add a rich, gooey texture to every bite.
Crunchy peanut butter version: If you prefer a bit more crunch in your cookies, opt for crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for a delightful texture contrast.
Peanut butter and oats: I sometimes add a half cup of rolled oats to the dough for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Use natural peanut butter: If I’m looking for a healthier twist, I sometimes use natural peanut butter, which has no added sugar or hydrogenated oils. Just make sure it’s stirred well before using!
Storage/Reheating
These peanut butter cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If I want them to stay fresh longer, I store them in the fridge for up to 10 days. To reheat, I simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes. They’ll taste as good as new!
Related Recipes:
- My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies
- The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Easy Peanut Butter Pie
FAQs
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, I love making a batch of dough and freezing it for later. Just scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, and once they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
How can I make my cookies extra chewy?
To achieve an extra chewy texture, I use more brown sugar than white sugar, as brown sugar helps retain moisture. Also, make sure to slightly underbake them, so the centers stay soft while the edges firm up.
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, I’ve substituted the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend with great success. Just make sure to use a flour blend that’s designed to replace regular flour on a 1:1 basis.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky to work with, I add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! If I need to make these cookies egg-free, I substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes). The cookies turn out just as delicious.
Conclusion
These favorite peanut butter cookies have quickly become a staple in my baking routine. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter goodness, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m baking them for a special treat or just for a quick snack, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do.
📖 Recipe:
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Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, with a rich peanut butter flavor in every bite. Easy to make, this recipe produces cookies that are ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a special treat or simply because you love peanut butter, they’ll be a hit!
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten each dough ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider adding chocolate chips, oats, or using crunchy peanut butter.
Natural peanut butter can be used for a healthier alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 24 cookies
