My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that hits all the right notes of soft, chewy goodness, then you’ve come to the right place! My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is one that I cherish and keep coming back to. There’s just something about the rich aroma of peanut butter baking in the oven that feels like a warm hug. These cookies are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or simply when you crave a sweet treat!

What makes this recipe even more special is how simple it is. You’ll find that it requires minimal effort and only one bowl—perfect for those days when time is tight but your sweet tooth is calling. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-bowl wonder: This easy recipe means less mess and more time enjoying your cookies!
• Soft and chewy perfection: Each bite delivers that delightful texture that everyone loves.
• Quick prep: Ready in just 30 minutes, these cookies are perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore these treats!
• Versatile and flexible: Make them your own with fun add-ins or variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You might already have most of these in your pantry. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering that rich peanut butter flavor and the perfect chewy texture.

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (256 g) smooth peanut butter
• 16 tablespoons (226 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 1/3 cup (293 g) dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (13 g) real vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 1/4 cups (304 g) all-purpose flour
• Sea salt flakes (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas to inspire you:

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some semi-sweet or dairy-free chocolate chips for a rich twist.
• Make it nutty: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Switch up the sweetness: Use light brown sugar instead of dark if that’s what you have on hand.
• Try different nut butters: Almond butter or cashew butter can be great swaps for a unique flavor!

How to Make My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the smooth peanut butter and room temperature unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer or whisk, cream them together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, helping to create those lovely soft cookies we all love.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Eggs

Next, mix in the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until fully combined. Then add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. The sugars will enhance the cookie’s richness while the eggs provide structure.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies soft and chewy!

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top for an extra burst of flavor! Bake for about 12 minutes until they appear set but still soft in the center.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, allow your cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up just enough while retaining their delicious chewiness. Enjoy these cookies warm with your favorite beverage or save them for later—if they last that long!

Pro Tips for Making My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Making cookies is all about the little details, and I’m here to help you get them just right! Follow these tips for the ultimate soft and chewy peanut butter cookies.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth dough that incorporates air better, resulting in a lighter cookie.
• Measure Your Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag to avoid packing it down. Too much flour can make your cookies dry instead of soft and chewy.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies as it develops the gluten in the flour.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and gives you thicker, chewier cookies.
• Rotate Baking Sheets: Halfway through baking, rotate your cookie sheets to ensure even cooking. Ovens can have hot spots, so this small step ensures all your cookies bake perfectly!

How to Serve My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

These delightful peanut butter cookies are not just tasty but also versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your cookie experience.

Garnishes

• Sea Salt Flakes: A sprinkle of sea salt on top right before baking enhances the flavor of the peanut butter beautifully.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dairy-free chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for an extra indulgent treat.

Side Dishes

• Milk Alternative: Serve these cookies with a glass of almond or oat milk for a classic pairing that complements the rich peanut butter flavor.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cookies. Think vibrant berries, bananas, or citrus fruits!
• Ice Cream: Scoop some dairy-free vanilla or chocolate ice cream alongside your warm cookie for a delightful dessert sandwich.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea; they make a perfect afternoon snack!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re ready to impress friends and family with your baking skills! Enjoy every bite of your deliciously soft and chewy peanut butter cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them for later. Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh and delicious:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Enjoy within 5-7 days for the best taste.

Freezing

• To freeze, place uncooked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you get the most out of this recipe.

Can I use natural peanut butter in My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe?

Yes! You can use natural peanut butter, but the texture may vary slightly. Ensure it’s well-stirred before measuring.

What makes My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe so special?

This recipe is special because it combines smooth peanut butter with rich dark brown sugar, resulting in a delightful flavor and texture that’s irresistibly soft and chewy!

How do I know when my peanut butter cookies are done baking?

Your cookies are ready when the edges start to turn golden brown while the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool!

Can I substitute other types of sugar in this recipe?

Absolutely! Light brown sugar can be used instead of dark brown sugar if needed; however, it might slightly alter the flavor.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Yes! These peanut butter cookies freeze well both baked and unbaked. Just follow the freezing instructions above for perfect results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe as much as I do! They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a cozy treat at home. The combination of flavors is sure to bring smiles all around. Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and dive into this delightful baking adventure. Happy baking!