My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of freshly baked peanut butter cookies. As the sweet, nutty aroma fills the kitchen, you’re instantly transported to a world of comfort and nostalgia. My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a delightful treat that not only tastes amazing but also brings joy to your home and your heart. Perfectly soft with a chewy texture, these cookies are easy to whip up and are sure to become a favorite for family and friends.
Why Make This My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
These peanut butter cookies are the epitome of comfort food. If you crave a cookie that’s both soft and chewy, this recipe checks all the boxes. The combination of rich peanut butter and buttery goodness creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible. The addition of brown sugar adds a hint of molasses depth, offering a rich sweetness that enhances the peanut butter. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices alike. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just need a sweet fix, these cookies will surely impress.
How to Make My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Making these cookies is a breeze! You’ll follow simple steps that yield fantastic results every time. Just remember, the key to achieving that perfect soft and chewy texture lies in not overbaking them.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (256 g) smooth peanut butter (see Notes below recipe)
- 16 tablespoons (226 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/3 cup (293 g) dark brown sugar (packed; see Notes below recipe)
- 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
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar (see Notes below recipe)
- Sea salt flakes (optional)
Directions:
To Start
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to help prevent sticking and ensure even baking.For the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, smooth peanut butter, and both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.To Roll the Cookie Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into large balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each dough ball for an extra touch of flavor. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie (based on a yield of 24 cookies) contains approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g
How to Serve My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
These cookies are delightful on their own, but for an elevated experience, serve them with a glass of cold milk. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home, they’re sure to be a hit!
How to Store My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for up to one week. If you want to keep them for a longer period, freeze them for up to three months. Simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Expert Tips for Perfect My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Measure Peanut Butter Accurately: Using a scale for the peanut butter can help ensure consistency, as it packs tightly in cups.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies will continue to firm up after being removed from the oven. Take them out when they look slightly underbaked for the chewiest texture.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit for a delightful twist.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious chocolate peanut butter combo.
- Nutty Peanut Butter Cookies: Mix in ½ cup of chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
- Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) and use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap out all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies a bit more texture and a nutty crunch, making them even more exciting.What if my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if the dough is too warm. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading.How can I make these cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by ¼ cup if you prefer a less sweet cookie. Just remember that sweetness balances the flavors, so adjust carefully.
Conclusion
My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is not just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience waiting to be shared. With their rich flavor and perfect texture, they’re bound to become a staple in your cookie rotation. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get baking! I’d love to hear how your cookies turn out and any variations you try, so feel free to share your experiences. Happy baking!
Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, smooth peanut butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into large balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top if desired.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft.
- Allow cooling on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.