Soft Peanut Butter Cookies: A Classic, Chewy Treat
These Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect balance of rich peanut butter flavor and chewy texture. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
What Are Soft Peanut Butter Cookies?
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a tender, chewy texture. Unlike crisp peanut butter cookies, these are thick and soft with a melt-in-your-mouth quality. The distinctive crisscross pattern on top is often made with a fork, giving these cookies their iconic look.
They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for an after-dinner treat, a snack with a cup of tea, or a cookie to share at a bake sale.
Why You’ll Love Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Here’s why these cookies are always a hit:
•Soft and Chewy: The perfect balance of tender inside and slightly crisp edges.
•Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: The peanut butter is the star of the show, providing a nutty, slightly salty taste.
•Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients that come together quickly, no fancy tools required.
•Perfect for All Ages: These cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike!
•Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch and freeze some for later enjoyment.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
To make these cookies, you’ll need a few pantry staples:
•Peanut Butter: Choose creamy peanut butter for a smooth, even dough.
•Butter: Unsalted butter provides the right consistency and flavor.
•Granulated Sugar: Helps create a chewy texture while sweetening the dough.
•Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the cookies.
•Eggs: Binds the dough together and contributes to the soft texture.
•All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough that provides structure.
•Baking Soda: Provides lift, helping the cookies rise slightly while remaining soft.
•Vanilla Extract: Adds sweetness and rounds out the peanut butter flavor.
•Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Step-by-Step
Here’s how to make these classic soft cookies:
Ingredient List and Measurements
•1 cup creamy peanut butter
•½ cup unsalted butter, softened
•1 cup granulated sugar
•½ cup packed brown sugar
•1 large egg
•1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
•1 tsp baking soda
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•¼ tsp salt
Mixing the Dough
1.Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2.Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3.Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4.Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Rolling and Baking Tips
1.Form the Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
2.Create the Crisscross Pattern: Gently flatten each dough ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern on top.
3.Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
4.Cool on the Sheet: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations and Add-Ins
While these cookies are delicious on their own, you can add a twist with some optional ingredients:
•Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a peanut butter-chocolate combo.
•Chopped Nuts: Try adding chopped peanuts or almonds for added crunch.
•Toffee Bits: Stir in some toffee bits for a sweet, buttery flavor.
•Coconut: For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the dough.
Storing and Freezing Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
To Store:
•Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture.
To Freeze:
•Dough: You can freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from the freezer for about 2 extra minutes.
•Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper, for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before eating.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options
Gluten-Free:
•Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. You may need to add ¼ tsp xanthan gum for better texture.
•Be sure the peanut butter and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free:
•Replace the butter with dairy-free butter or coconut oil.
•Use dairy-free chocolate chips if you add them to the dough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
•Overbaking: These cookies should be soft in the center. Overbaking will make them dry.
•Under-creaming the butter and peanut butter: Be sure to cream the butter and peanut butter mixture until it’s light and fluffy to get a soft, chewy texture.
•Not letting them cool on the baking sheet: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack. This ensures they don’t break apart.
Pairing Ideas: What Goes Well with Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
•Milk (Dairy or Non-Dairy): The perfect beverage for dunking these cookies.
•Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter in these cookies.
•Ice Cream: Top these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent treat.
FAQs About Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
1. Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
2. Can I make these cookies without the crisscross pattern?
Yes! You can skip the fork pattern or roll the dough into balls and leave them as they are.
3. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Make sure the dough is chilled before baking. If your cookies spread too much, the dough may be too warm.
Final Thoughts: Why Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are a Must-Bake
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these chewy, nutty cookies are sure to be a hit. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation, they’re a must-try treat for any peanut butter lover.
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies: Chewy and Perfectly Flavored
Description
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a tender, chewy texture. Unlike crisp peanut butter cookies, these are thick and soft with a melt-in-your-mouth quality. The distinctive crisscross pattern on top is often made with a fork, giving these cookies their iconic look.
They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for an after-dinner treat, a snack with a cup of tea, or a cookie to share at a bake sale.
Ingredients
•1 cup creamy peanut butter
•½ cup unsalted butter, softened
•1 cup granulated sugar
•½ cup packed brown sugar
•1 large egg
•1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
•1 tsp baking soda
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Mixing the Dough
1.Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2.Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3.Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4.Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Rolling and Baking Tips
1.Form the Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
2.Create the Crisscross Pattern: Gently flatten each dough ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern on top.
3.Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
4.Cool on the Sheet: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Variations and Add-Ins
While these cookies are delicious on their own, you can add a twist with some optional ingredients:
•Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a peanut butter-chocolate combo.
•Chopped Nuts: Try adding chopped peanuts or almonds for added crunch.
•Toffee Bits: Stir in some toffee bits for a sweet, buttery flavor.
•Coconut: For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the dough.
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
