Okay, picture this: It’s a chilly evening, you’re curled up on the couch with a mug of hot chocolate, and you’re craving something sweet, something comforting. That’s where these peanut butter cookies come in! They’re like a warm hug in cookie form. Seriously, I think I’ve perfected these after years of baking. They’re way better than those dry, crumbly cookies you sometimes get at the store. These are soft, chewy, and bursting with peanut butter flavor. If you love peanut butter as much as I do, these cookies will be your new best friend. They’re even easier to make than chocolate chip cookies – promise!
What is peanut butter cookies?
What is peanut butter cookie? It’s essentially a cookie made with peanut butter as the star ingredient. The dough is typically a combination of peanut butter, butter and sugar. What makes these cookies different from other cookies is the peanut butter taste. What is the texture of a crumbly, yet What is the classic criss-cross pattern made with a fork? What is cookie’s signature look? What are some good snacks for the kids to enjoy after school?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even start? What I love most about these cookies is that they are unbelievably flavorful. The peanut butter is so rich and nutty, and it’s perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the sugar. Plus, they’re not overly sweet, which is a huge win in my book. They’re super easy to make, too. Seriously, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can totally nail this recipe. It only takes a few simple ingredients and a little bit of mixing, and you’re good to go. The ingredients are also super cost-effective; you probably already have most of them in your pantry. These peanut butter cookies are also incredibly versatile. You can add chocolate chips, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a drizzle of chocolate on top to customize them to your liking. If you’re looking for something similar but with a twist, try my chocolate peanut butter fudge recipe too. It’s a game-changer! And did I mention my kids ask for these cookies at least once a week? That’s a pretty good endorsement if you ask me!
How do I make peanut butter cookies?
Quick Overview
How do you make peanut butter cookies? How do you mix wet and dry ingredients together, form dough into balls and press them with a fork. Fork, and bake until golden brown. What is the best part about having all the ingredients in your pantry? What is a quick and easy dessert that everyone will love?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What is the difference between
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. If the cookies are melted, make sure it’s softened, otherwise they will spread too thin. * 1 cup granulated sugar. What is the best peanut butter cookie recipe? * 1 cup packed light brown sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture and a chewy texture that’s just divine. * 1 cup creamy peanut butter. I always use a good quality peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for the best flavor. Natural peanut butter is good, but the texture can be a bit unpredictable. * 2 large eggs. Let them come to room temperature – it helps them mix into the batter more evenly. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It enhances all the other flavors. * 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. If you overmeasure the flour, you will not get a crisp cookie. * 1 teaspoon baking soda. What’s the best way to make a cookie? * 1/4 teaspoon salt. * A little baking powder adds extra lift. Salt balances the sweetness and brings out the peanut butter flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is super important – it prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking sheet with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is evenly distributed, so the cookies rise properly. I always give it a good whisk for about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand – just be prepared for a little arm workout! Then, beat in the peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix cookies – this can make them tough. I usually stop mixing when there are still streaks of flour visible, and then finish mixing by hand.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This gives them room to spread as they bake.
Step 6: Flatten with a Fork
Use a fork to flatten each cookie, pressing down in the criss-cross pattern. How do I bake cookies? I usually dip my fork in sugar between cookies to prevent it from sticking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Can you go from perfect to overbaked in a matter of minutes? The centers should still be slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. To cool completely. Why do they break apart while they’re still warm?
Step 9: Serve
Enjoy these delicious peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or just on their own. They’re perfect for sharing (or not!).
What should I serve it with?
What are the best peanut butter cookies? Right accompaniments.
For Breakfast:What is a good peanut butter cookie to serve with coffee? The sweetness of the cookie balances the bitterness of coffee perfectly. What are some good ways to start the day with a cookie and yogurt parfait?
For Brunch:For an elegant brunch presentation, serve peanut butter cookies alongside a fruit platter. Is sparkling cider good for you? What are some of the best cookies to serve with a lighter meal?
As Dessert: After dinner, these cookies are amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cookie and cold ice cream is a classic combination that never gets old. Or, serve them with a glass of cold milk for a simple and satisfying dessert.
For Cozy Snacks:On a chilly evening, nothing beats peanut butter cookies with hot chocolate. The warmth and sweetness are the ultimate comfort. I also love to dip my strawberries in Nutella for an extra decadent treat. My family and I have this tradition every Christmas Eve; every year we celebrate this. I bake a batch of these and watch movies together. It’s the simple things, you know?
How do you make a perfect peanut butter cookie?
What are some tricks to make peanut butter cookies go from good to bad?
Butter Softening:Make sure your butter is properly softened. It should be soft enough to press your finger into, but not melted. If the butter is too soft, the cookies will spread too thin.
Mixing Advice:Be careful not to overmix the dough. If you overmix the flour, it can cause the gluten to develop, resulting in hard cookies. Mix until just combined, and then stop.
What is your favorite peanut butter flavor?I prefer to use a creamy peanut butter for the best texture. If you use natural peanut butter, be sure to stir it well before measuring, as the oil tends to stick. Is it necessary to add a little flour to the dough to compensate for the extra moisture?
Dough Chilling: For extra chewy cookies, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They should be golden brown around the edges, but still slightly soft in the center. If they start to brown too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees.
Fork Pattern:How do you dip a fork in sugar between pressing each cookie to prevent it from sticking? How do I make a criss-cross pattern?
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt to the dough. You can also substitute brown sugar for some of the granulated sugar for a chewier texture. I once tried using almond milk instead of eggs (my daughter has an allergy), and honestly, it came out even creamier than usual!
Storing and Reheating Tips
What are the best peanut butter cookies to make?
Room Temperature:Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. What do you like about them? They’ll stay soft and chew
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: These cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: I don’t usually glaze peanut butter cookies, but if you decide to add a glaze, do it right before serving. Glazed cookies don’t store as well, as the glaze can become sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my ultimate peanut butter cookie recipe! These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor. They’re easy to make, require only a few simple ingredients, and are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just for a sweet treat, I know you’ll love them as much as my family does. If you enjoy these, you might also want to check out my other cookie recipes. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried them and what you think. I’d also love to see any variations you come up with. Don’t forget to rate the recipe, too!
Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy or crunchy
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.