My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that wraps you in a warm hug, then you’ve come to the right place! My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These delightful cookies are not only easy to make but are also perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or simply a craving for something delicious. The rich peanut butter flavor paired with the soft and chewy texture makes them an instant favorite.

What I love most about this recipe is how quick it is! In just 30 minutes, you can have freshly baked cookies ready to enjoy. They bring back cherished memories of baking with loved ones and filling the house with irresistible aromas. Trust me; you’ll want to share these treats, but they might disappear before you get the chance!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This one-bowl recipe means less cleanup and more cookie enjoyment!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these soft and chewy delights.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for those last-minute cravings.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking should be fun, and this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have at home! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delectable cookies:

For the 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

Optional Topping

• Sea salt flakes

Variations

One of the best things about my Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily tweak these cookies to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
• Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture.
• Peanut Butter Swirls: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for a delightful crunch.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different extracts like almond or maple for a unique twist.

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 unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer, cream them together until smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely light texture.

Step 2: Add Sugars and Eggs

Next up, add in the dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and your room temperature eggs. Mix until everything is well combined. The sugars will add sweetness while helping your cookies maintain their chewiness.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to sprinkle in the dry ingredients: add the baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and all-purpose flour. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies soft!

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie. If desired, sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top before baking. Bake for about 12 minutes until they’re lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy!

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time allows them to firm up slightly while keeping that gooey center intact. Enjoy your warm cookies with a tall glass of milk or as a delightful snack anytime!

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

Baking is all about precision and a little love, so here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature helps them blend smoothly into the dough, resulting in a more consistent texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined allows for a lighter cookie. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so be gentle!
• Chill the dough for a bit: If you have extra time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavor and prevent spreading, giving you thicker cookies.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center—this ensures they stay chewy!
• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage!

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

These delightful peanut butter cookies are perfect on their own or dressed up a bit. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Sea salt flakes: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie right after baking brings out the rich flavors of peanut butter.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some dairy-free chocolate and drizzle it over your cooled cookies for an indulgent touch that complements the peanut flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Milk alternative: Serve these cookies with a glass of almond milk or oat milk—both pair beautifully with peanut butter flavors and add a creamy element.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the richness of the cookies. Think strawberries, bananas, and blueberries!
• Yogurt parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a delightful side that contrasts nicely with your soft and chewy cookies.
• Coffee or tea: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea. The comforting warmth enhances each bite!

Now you’re all set to bake these amazing cookies! Enjoy every last crumb.

Make Ahead and Storage

These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance and have delicious treats ready for whenever you need a sweet snack or dessert. Here’s how to store and enjoy them later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about my favorite soft & chewy peanut butter cookies recipe that might help you!

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! While my favorite soft & chewy peanut butter cookies recipe calls for smooth peanut butter, feel free to swap it out for crunchy if you prefer some extra texture.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges should be set and slightly golden, while the centers will look soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe calls for dark brown sugar; can I use light brown sugar instead?

Yes, light brown sugar works perfectly fine! The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins to this recipe. Just be mindful not to overload the dough, so the cookies maintain their soft and chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making my favorite soft & chewy peanut butter cookies recipe! These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying all by yourself with a glass of milk. Remember, baking is all about having fun, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. Enjoy every bite!