Description
These softest peanut butter cookies feature a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with a rich, nutty flavor. Using simple pantry ingredients and straightforward baking techniques, this recipe delivers irresistibly soft, chewy cookies that balance sweetness and depth perfectly. Ideal for quick baking sessions and beloved by both kids and adults, they’re a timeless treat that’s easy to customize and enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and pre-measure all ingredients. Soften the butter to ensure smooth blending with sugars and peanut butter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft, airy cookie texture.
- Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla: Mix the peanut butter in until fully combined. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, beating well after each addition to enrich the dough and enhance tenderness.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a classic look, gently press the dough balls with a fork in a criss-cross pattern. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time helps the cookies set perfectly while maintaining their signature softness inside.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and even baking.
- Measure flour carefully by spooning and leveling, not scooping directly.
- Remove cookies from oven when edges are set but centers look slightly underdone to keep softness.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes if time permits to control spread and enhance flavor.
- For added texture, consider mixing in chopped peanuts or oat flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: soft peanut butter cookies, tender peanut butter cookies, chewy peanut butter cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade peanut butter cookies