Description
These Softest Peanut Butter Cookies are rich, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with creamy peanut butter and a perfect balance of brown and granulated sugars, they deliver a classic peanut butter flavor with a soft texture that’s perfect for any sweet tooth craving. Easy to prepare and bake, these cookies are a delightful treat for family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Peanut Butter and Eggs: Mix in the creamy peanut butter, then add the large egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the ingredients are smooth and fully combined, ensuring an even dough consistency.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring just until the dough forms without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill Dough (Optional): Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and resulting in softer cookies.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading during baking.
- Create Criss-Cross Pattern: Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly and create a traditional peanut butter cookie criss-cross pattern.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is optional but recommended for better handling and softer texture.
- Do not overbake; remove cookies when edges are set but centers are still soft for the best softness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For a nuttier flavor, you can use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
