Classic Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Classic Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are wonderfully chewy and full of rich peanut butter flavor. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, they bring warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Whether for a snack or dessert, they’re sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies soft.
6. Step 6: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
7. Step 7: Lightly press down each cookie with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden.
9. Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture and even mixing.
• Don’t overbake; cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a soft center.
• Try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or butterscotch chips for extra flavor and texture.

Storage

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. To enjoy after freezing, warm briefly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, but creamy will give a smoother cookie.

How do I keep my cookies soft?

Remove cookies from the oven as soon as the edges turn lightly golden. Avoid overbaking and store them properly in airtight containers to maintain softness.

Classic Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 75 reviews

Deliciously soft and chewy classic peanut butter cookies that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, delivering a nostalgic and comforting treat with every bite.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the cookie dough

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (use smooth peanut butter for best results)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark brown sugar can be used)
• 2 large eggs (make sure they are at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream them together thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
5. Mix the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a soft texture in the cookies.
6. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each scoop for spreading.
7. Flatten and Decorate: Use the tines of a fork to lightly press down on each cookie scoop, creating a classic crisscross pattern on top.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating perfect doneness.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• For an extra touch, try adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or butterscotch chips for additional flavor and texture.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
• For longer storage, freeze cookies in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to three months.
• Reheat frozen or stored cookies in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their softness before serving.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure consistent dough texture and better mixing.
• Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft; they will continue to firm up slightly as they cool.

Keywords: peanut butter cookies, soft cookies, classic cookies, easy dessert, chewy cookies, peanut butter dessert