Irresistible Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

I can still remember the first time I successfully baked a batch of peanut butter cookies that didn’t turn into hard, crunchy discs. This Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is the result of many attempts to find that ideal balance between a tender center and a slightly chewy edge.

There is something incredibly satisfying about pressing that classic fork pattern into the dough balls before they go into the oven. You end up with a treat that feels timeless and brings instant comfort to anyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

This method focuses entirely on achieving a texture that bends without breaking when you take a bite. You get a rich depth of flavor that balances the nutty notes with just the right amount of sweetness.

I appreciate how quickly this dough comes together without needing any fancy equipment or long chilling times. You can go from a sudden craving to a warm tray of cookies in less than twenty minutes.

Simple pantry staples transform into something extraordinary with just a few precise techniques. I rely on this formula whenever I need a reliable crowd-pleaser that everyone instantly recognizes and enjoys.

If these cookies hit the spot, you should definitely try my Savory Candied Orange Peel Recipe for a completely different flavor profile, and I also highly recommend the Quick Clementine Almond Cake Recipe if you want to keep the baking momentum going.

Ingredients for Perfect Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Here is the list of pantry staples you need to gather to get started:

• Creamy Peanut Butter: A smooth variety works best here to create that velvety texture we want, though natural styles can work if stirred well.
• Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter to ensure it creams properly with the sugar for the right structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Gives the edges a slight crispness and aids in the spreading during the bake.
• Brown Sugar: Adds essential moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that white sugar alone cannot provide.
• Large Egg: This binds the dough together and adds richness to the final cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile and rounds out the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the necessary structure, but be sure to measure carefully to keep them tender.
• Baking Powder: The leavening agent that gives them a slight lift and lightness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness; you may want to reduce this slightly if your peanut butter is already very salty.

My Method for Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Let’s get the oven ready and start baking these treats:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F so it is ready when your dough is prepared. In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then give it a quick whisk to ensure the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat these together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, then add the peanut butter and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Add the room temperature egg and the vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no ingredients are stuck at the bottom.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients with the mixer on low speed. Beat only until the flour is just incorporated and no white streaks remain, being careful not to overmix the dough as this can make the Soft Peanut Butter Cookies tough.
5. Roll the dough into balls about one inch in size using your hands. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them for slight spreading.
6. Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it slightly, then press again at a 90-degree angle to create the classic crisscross pattern. This not only looks traditional but helps the cookies bake evenly.
7. Bake the cookies for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely starting to turn golden. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet, as they will be very soft when hot and need time to set up before moving to a wire rack or container.

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Tips

The most crucial part of this recipe is not overbaking the dough, as they continue to cook on the hot tray after you remove them from the oven. You want to pull the Soft Peanut Butter Cookies out when they still look slightly underdone and soft in the center.

I always recommend using a kitchen scale to measure your flour rather than scooping directly with a measuring cup. Too much flour is the main culprit behind dry, crumbly cookies that lack that signature tenderness we are aiming for.

If you choose to use natural peanut butter, make sure it is very well stirred and thick rather than separated and oily. The stability of standard creamy peanut butter usually yields the most consistent results for these Soft Peanut Butter Cookies.

Serving Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

A tall glass of cold milk is the traditional partner for these treats, as it cuts through the richness perfectly. I also enjoy crumbling one over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a quick and simple sundae.

These store beautifully in an airtight container, staying soft for several days on the counter. You can also freeze the baked cookies to have a homemade snack ready whenever guests drop by unexpectedly.

Join me on Pinterest for more delicious baking inspiration and simple family recipes.

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 19 min
• Yield: 18 cookies
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic, foolproof recipe for tender, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cookies that balances sweet and salty flavors perfectly.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (approx. 255g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (115g)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (105g)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (95g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (185g)
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt (optional, if PB is unsalted)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sift the flour and baking powder together in a bowl and whisk to combine.
2. In a stand mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the peanut butter and mix until smooth.
3. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just incorporated.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are just golden. Let cool completely on the baking sheet to set.

Notes

Ensure you do not overbake; cookies should look slightly soft when removed from the oven. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cooling Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 9 min
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 115mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: soft peanut butter cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade peanut butter dessert, classic cookies