If you’re on a quest for sweet nostalgia or just craving an unbeatable classic, The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are here to brighten your day and satisfy that cookie itch. With soft centers, irresistibly chewy edges, and pure peanut butter flavor in every bite, these cookies turn the familiar into something magical. Whether you bake them for a cozy afternoon treat or as a crowd-pleasing party platter, be prepared for them to disappear fast — they’re simply irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies is how their short and simple ingredient list comes together to deliver maximum flavor. Each component is essential for creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, nutty taste.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives the cookies their classic tender crumb and a subtle richness; make sure it’s truly at room temperature for the best blending.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: This is the star of the show! Choose a mainstream, no-stir peanut butter for a smooth, cohesive dough and unmistakable peanut flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and keeps the cookies delightfully soft; don’t skip it even if you’re tempted to go all brown sugar.
- Light Brown Sugar: Packed with a hint of molasses, it brings extra chew and deeper caramel notes to the cookies.
- Large Egg: This holds everything together and adds enough moisture to deliver that signature chewiness.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon elevates the aroma and gives the cookies a warm, inviting flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; measure it correctly by fluffing, spooning, and leveling to avoid dense cookies.
- Baking Soda: The secret to a light rise and perfect spread—no cake-like cookies here!
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the peanut butter pop right out of the oven.
How to Make The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step guarantees your cookies won’t stick, and it also makes cleanup a breeze—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not scrubbing pans!
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, blend together your softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this is how you get those pillowy centers and gentle chew that makes The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies totally unforgettable.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Crack an egg into the bowl, add the vanilla extract, and mix again. Make sure everything’s smoothly combined; this will help your cookies hold together and bake up just right.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk your all-purpose flour with the baking soda and salt. This step might seem skippable, but blending your dry ingredients first prevents any accidental salty or baking-soda-y bites and ensures even distribution in the dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamy bowl, stirring just until everything’s combined. (Don’t overmix—less is more when it comes to tender cookies!) At this point, your dough should be thick and luscious, practically begging for a taste test.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the dough, then gently roll it into balls. Place them on your prepared baking trays, spacing each ball about two inches apart to allow for a perfect spread in the oven.
Step 7: Crisscross with a Fork
This is where classic peanut butter cookie style comes in! Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern into each dough ball—this gives the cookies their charming homemade look and helps them bake more evenly.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies on the middle rack for 9 to 11 minutes. Don’t be tempted to let them go longer—the edges should be lightly golden, but the centers might still look a bit soft or underdone. That’s the secret to The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies: they finish setting up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief rest lets them firm up so you get the perfect soft-chewy consistency in every bite!
How to Serve The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Sometimes a little extra goes a long way! Sprinkle warm cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt for added contrast, or dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an elegant twist. If you’re feeling festive, colored sprinkles or crushed peanuts on top can make your batch even more inviting.
Side Dishes
There’s nothing quite like pairing The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk, but if you want to go a step further, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a fresh fruit platter for a balanced dessert tray.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies high on a pedestal cake stand, or package them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for sweet edible gifts. For parties, try sandwiching marshmallow fluff or chocolate spread between two cookies for an indulgent treat everyone will rave about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies at their freshest, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll remain soft and chewy for up to five days—though honestly, they’re usually gone much sooner.
Freezing
These cookies are freezer-friendly! Layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to three months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls, allowing you to bake up cookies fresh whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, pop one in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to revive that just-baked magic. This little trick makes them extra gooey and the peanut butter aroma comes right back to life!
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add tasty little peanut bits for extra crunch and texture, making The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies even more delightful if you’re a fan of a little nuttiness.
How do I prevent the cookies from getting too hard after baking?
Be sure not to overbake—the centers should look a little underdone when you take them out of the oven. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes to finish setting up, and always store in an airtight container to maintain their perfect chewiness.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Stir in a handful of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even chopped nuts right before shaping the dough. These fun additions give the cookies even more flavor and make each batch unique.
Are The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies gluten free?
As written, this recipe is not gluten free, but you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to enjoy the same soft, chewy texture without the wheat.
Can I make a smaller or larger batch?
Yes, simply halve or double the ingredients as needed. If you’re scaling up, just keep an eye on baking times so every cookie stays perfectly soft and chewy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a cookie to win your heart (and everyone else’s), The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the answer. I hope you have as much fun baking—and devouring—them as I do. Give this recipe a try and watch happiness happen, one delicious bite at a time!
Print
The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible taste of The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies. These classic treats are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Form Dough: Roll tablespoon-sized dough into balls and place on baking sheets. Press a crisscross pattern with a fork on each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For an extra soft texture, avoid overbaking as cookies will set as they cool.
- Try chunky peanut butter or add chocolate chips for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
