Best Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Best Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe because every time I bake them, they turn out irresistibly soft and chewy—just the way peanut butter cookies should be! Whether you’re craving a cozy afternoon treat with your coffee or looking to impress friends with something homemade, these cookies never disappoint. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with rich peanut butter flavor is truly something special.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple yet foolproof it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just a handful of pantry staples and a little patience while chilling the dough. Plus, these cookies hold their soft texture for days, making them perfect for make-ahead batches or gifting to loved ones.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work so well together to create that unbeatable softness and rich flavor in the Best Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Use good-quality peanut butter and fresh baking powder and soda for the best rise and chew.

• Salted butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
• Creamy peanut butter: I recommend a solid, creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for that classic texture.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps spread the dough just right.
• Light brown sugar: Packed light brown sugar adds a caramel note and retains moisture.
• Whole milk: Makes the dough tender and easier to work with.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Egg: Binds everything together while contributing to softness.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure without making the cookies tough.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and get a soft crumb.
• Baking powder: Works with soda for just the right lift.
• Fine sea salt: Enhances the peanut butter flavor—don’t skip it!
• Cinnamon (optional): Adds a lovely warm hint that complements the peanut butter beautifully.

Variations

I love to mix things up with this Best Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood, and I encourage you to make it your own too! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even swap in almond butter for a twist.

• Chocolate Chip Addition: Adding mini chocolate chips gives a delightful melty contrast to the peanut butter cookie—I sprinkle these in when baking for my kids’ lunchboxes.
• Natural Peanut Butter Swap: Using natural peanut butter produces a slightly crispier cookie but still tasty; just increase sea salt by ¼ tsp to balance flavors.
• Vegan Version: Replace egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter to make these soft cookies plant-based.
• Spiced Up: Extra cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg amplifies the cozy, warm flavor profile, perfect for fall baking.

How to Make Best Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, fine sea salt, and cinnamon (if using) in a medium bowl. Setting this aside early keeps the process smooth when you combine wet and dry ingredients later. I learned that mixing dry first prevents overworking the batter and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Peanut Butter

Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat softened salted butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and well combined. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. This creaming step is what gives the cookies their tender crumb, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Sugars, Egg, Milk, and Vanilla

Next, add both the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to your creamed butter mixture and beat for about a minute until slightly fluffy. Then, add the egg, vanilla extract, and whole milk, beating medium-high for 30 to 60 seconds until the mixture lightens in color and the sugar starts to dissolve. This stage creates a nice emulsion that locks in moisture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Mix just until incorporated to avoid tough cookies. If you want to add chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now by hand to keep them evenly dispersed without overmixing.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

This step is key for soft cookies that don’t spread too much. Transfer the dough into an airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour, though I find overnight chilling even better for flavor development and texture. Remember, skipping chilling can lead to thinner, crispier cookies.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop to portion out 1½ to 2 tablespoons of dough, then roll each scoop into a ball. Place about 12 balls per baking sheet, spaced evenly. Gently press a crisscross pattern into the top of each cookie with a fork—this classic peanut butter cookie look also helps them bake evenly.

Bake for 9-10 minutes, watching closely. When the cookies are just starting to crackle on top and the edges begin to turn light golden brown, they’re done. They’ll seem soft and slightly underbaked—that’s perfect! Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Best Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple with these cookies and usually add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish when serving for guests. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top right after baking to highlight the peanut butter flavor, which adds a nice sweet-salty balance I personally love.

Side Dishes

These cookies are a dream alongside a cold glass of milk or a steaming mug of coffee or tea. For an afternoon snack, I like pairing them with fresh fruit like apple slices or banana chips to add a fresh contrast to the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve enjoyed stacking the cookies in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a charming gift, or arranging them on a platter with little bowls of chocolate sauce and peanut butter for dipping—a fun way to make cookie time interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover Best Soft Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and they stay chewy and fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them even softer, pop a slice of bread in the container—the cookies absorb moisture gently from the bread and stay tender.

Freezing

I often freeze dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container once solid. This way, I can bake fresh cookies anytime by thawing the dough at room temperature and popping them straight in the oven—super convenient for last-minute cravings.

Reheating

To freshen up leftover cookies, I heat them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. This revives their softness perfectly without drying them out. Just don’t overdo it or they’ll get crumbly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Best Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want a quick and comforting homemade treat that everyone loves. The simplicity, the soft texture, and that rich peanut butter flavor just make it a winner every time. I hope you enjoy making—and eating—these as much as I do; trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a staple in your kitchen too!

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