My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies – A Soft, Chewy Treat You’ll Never Forget!
There’s something magical about a warm peanut butter cookie fresh out of the oven — the sweet aroma filling the kitchen, the soft texture with just the right amount of chewiness, and that rich, nutty flavor that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering, a cozy weekend treat, or just because you deserve a little sweetness in your day, this recipe will become your go-to for years to come.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – no complicated steps.
- Soft and chewy – thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.
- Rich peanut butter flavor – for all the peanut butter lovers out there.
- Freezer-friendly – make ahead and bake when you need them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves about 24 cookies)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (you can use crunchy for added texture)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Extra sugar for rolling (optional, for a crackly sweet finish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and peanut butter. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, beat until creamy and well combined (about 1 minute). Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then beat again until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color — this step ensures your cookies will be soft.
Step 3 – Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack the egg into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until everything is just incorporated.
Step 4 – Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing — this keeps your cookies tender.
Step 5 – Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. If you like, roll each ball in a little granulated sugar for a sweet outer crust. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6 – Create the Signature Criss-Cross
Using a fork, gently press down on each cookie ball in one direction, then again in the opposite direction to create the classic peanut butter cookie criss-cross pattern.
Step 7 – Bake
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly soft — they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8 – Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm for maximum melt-in-your-mouth goodness or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Don’t overbake — this is key to soft cookies.
- Freeze the dough for up to 3 months; just bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
- Try adding chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for a fun twist.
Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
(Approximate, without extra sugar coating)
Calories: 120 | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 13g | Protein: 3g | Sugar: 8g
Final Thoughts
Once you try these soft and chewy peanut butter cookies, you’ll understand why they’re called My Favorite. They strike the perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and texture, making them impossible to resist.