Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe because it hits that perfect balance between soft, chewy, and just the right amount of peanut butter punch. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how simple ingredients came together to create such a comforting classic that everyone in my family goes crazy for! Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a last-minute dessert for guests, this recipe never disappoints.

You’ll find that making these cookies is both quick and satisfying, especially since the dough is easy to mix and roll. Plus, the cookies bake in about 10 minutes, leaving you with warm, irresistible treats that set perfectly as they cool. No need to fuss over complicated steps — if you want a sure-fire winner cookie, this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is worth trying any day.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe come together to create a classic that tastes like homemade love. Using good quality peanut butter and room temperature butter ensures a creamy dough and the perfect bite every time.

• All-purpose flour: Sifting helps avoid lumps and gives you that tender crumb in your cookies.
• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt level precisely, plus room temp butter creams better with sugar.
• Peanut butter: Choose a creamy style with a bit of salt for depth of flavor. This is the star of the show!
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to keep cookies soft.
• Sugar: Plain white sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
• Vanilla extract: A splash amps up all the flavors and makes every bite feel homey.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and gives a chewy texture.
• Baking powder: Ensures the cookies have a light lift and aren’t too dense.

Variations

I love to mix things up depending on the season or what I have on hand. This Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is incredibly flexible, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it!

• Nut swap: I once swapped half the peanut butter for almond butter, and it gave the cookies a lovely, slightly different nutty flavor that my family adored.
• Chocolate lovers: Adding a handful of chocolate chips or dipping half the cookie in melted chocolate turns these into a decadent treat.
• Gluten-free version: Using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works beautifully here without compromising the cookie’s texture.
• Salty-sweet boost: Sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking adds a fantastic contrast that really pops.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder into a bowl, then whisk them. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly and ensures your cookies have a light texture without any clumps.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the room-temperature butter with the brown sugar and sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies softness and chewiness. If your peanut butter isn’t salty enough, now’s the time to add a tiny pinch of sea salt — I usually go for 1/4 teaspoon.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the peanut butter until fully incorporated, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat everything until smooth and creamy. The peanut butter really shines here, creating that rich flavor we all crave in a peanut butter cookie.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to your wet ingredients, beating just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing — you want the dough cohesive but not tough, which helps keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Shape and Flatten Cookies

Roll the dough into one-inch balls and place them spaced evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a fork, gently press each ball down in a criss-cross pattern — this not only creates the classic peanut butter cookie look but also helps them bake evenly.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies for about 10 minutes. They’ll look very soft when you take them out, but don’t worry — they firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Let them rest completely before transferring to a wire rack or serving. This resting step is key for achieving that perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking—it adds a delightful contrast that brings out the peanut butter’s richness. Sometimes, I finish with chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch and a rustic look when serving to friends.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a special brunch, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to balance the richness with some brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holiday gatherings, I arrange the cookies on a pretty platter lined with parchment and add edible flowers or fresh mint leaves around them. Another fun idea I’ve tried is sandwiching two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert everyone loves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They stay soft and chewy for up to a week, though usually they’re gone faster.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking — just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, I pop cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for a few seconds. This simple step revives their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for all the right reasons — it’s quick, dependable, and always brings a smile to everyone who tastes it. I recommend giving it a try, especially if you’re looking for that nostalgic, homemade flavor with minimal fuss. Once you make these, you’ll see why they’ve earned a special place in my heart… and probably yours too!

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