Description
These Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic treat that everyone loves. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions. The combination of creamy peanut butter, buttery goodness, and a hint of vanilla creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist. These cookies are perfect for a quick dessert, a lunchbox treat, or a sweet snack any time of day. The iconic crisscross pattern adds a touch of nostalgia and makes them visually appealing. Get ready to bake up a batch of these delightful, homemade cookies that are sure to become a family favorite.
Why you will love this recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Soft Peanut Butter Cookies. First and foremost, their simplicity is a major win. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, and the recipe is so easy to follow that even novice bakers can achieve perfect results. The soft, chewy texture is incredibly satisfying, and the rich peanut butter flavor is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the sugars and the subtle hint of vanilla.
Beyond their delicious taste and ease of preparation, these cookies are incredibly versatile. They can be customized to suit your preferences. Add chocolate chips, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence. They’re also a great option for those with gluten sensitivities, as they can easily be made with gluten-free flour.
But perhaps the best reason to love these cookies is the memories they evoke. Peanut butter cookies are a classic comfort food, often associated with childhood and happy times. Baking them fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma that creates a sense of coziness and nostalgia. Sharing these cookies with family and friends is a wonderful way to create new memories and strengthen bonds. These are more than just cookies; they are a symbol of love, comfort, and connection.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Peanut Butter (creamy or chunky, depending on preference)
- ½ cup Butter, softened (unsalted recommended)
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup White Sugar, granulated
- 1 ¼ cups All-purpose Flour
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Egg, large
Preparation:
Step 1: Cream together the brown sugar, white sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter in the bowl of your stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment and mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Ensure that the butter is properly softened; otherwise, the mixture may not blend well. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease to achieve the same result. The key is to thoroughly combine the ingredients until they are smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Add the egg to the creamed mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix again until everything is well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure that no ingredients are left unmixed. The egg helps bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until the egg and vanilla are combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure that they are evenly distributed. The baking soda helps the cookies rise and become soft, while the salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Sifting the flour can also help prevent lumps and ensure a lighter texture, but it’s not strictly necessary.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on medium speed until well incorporated. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two or three additions, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not too wet. If the dough seems too wet, you can add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 5: Transfer the dough to a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator to chill for one hour. Chilling the dough is a crucial step that prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful cookie. If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough for as little as 30 minutes, but the longer you chill it, the better the results will be.
Step 6: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature when you’re ready to bake the cookies. Place an oven rack in the center of the oven for even baking.
Step 7: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier. Parchment paper or a silicone mat also helps to distribute heat evenly, resulting in evenly baked cookies.
Step 8: Roll about 1-½ tablespoons of dough into a ball and transfer to the baking sheet. Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This allows the cookies to spread without sticking together.
Step 9: Gently press the dough down with the back of a fork in a crisscross pattern. This is the classic peanut butter cookie design. Dip the fork in flour or powdered sugar to prevent it from sticking to the dough. Press down gently to create the crisscross pattern without flattening the cookies too much.
Step 10: Transfer to the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies. Avoid overbaking, as this can result in dry, crumbly cookies.
Step 11: When done, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they are still warm and soft. Once they are completely cool, they will be firm enough to handle easily.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk.
- Enjoy as a simple dessert after lunch or dinner.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet treat.
- Pair with ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Serve at parties or gatherings.
- Stack them up and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use natural peanut butter (but be sure to stir well before measuring).
- If you prefer a crunchier cookie, use chunky peanut butter.
- Do not overmix the dough. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
- Make sure your butter is properly softened for best results.
- Chill the dough for at least one hour to prevent excessive spreading.
- Press the cookies down with a fork dipped in flour to prevent sticking.
- Bake the cookies until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (per cookie, approximate)
- Calories: 153kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 171mg
Conclusion
These Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless classic that is sure to please. Their simple ingredients, easy instructions, and delicious flavor make them a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of soft texture, rich peanut butter flavor, and that classic crisscross pattern creates a cookie that’s both comforting and irresistible. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delightful treats. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear! Enjoy the process of baking and the satisfaction of sharing homemade goodness with those you love. Happy baking!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe is specifically for peanut butter cookies, you can definitely substitute other nut butters like almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter (for those with peanut allergies). Keep in mind that each nut butter has a slightly different flavor and texture, which will affect the final result. Almond butter, for instance, tends to be a bit drier, so you might need to add a touch more moisture to the dough. Sunflower seed butter can sometimes have a slightly green tint and a unique flavor, but it’s a great option for allergy-friendly baking. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
Q2: My cookies are spreading too much during baking. What am I doing wrong?
A: There are a few reasons why your cookies might be spreading too much. The most common culprit is that the butter wasn’t cold enough to start. Ensure your butter is softened but still cool – not melted. Additionally, ensure your dough is well chilled for at least an hour (or even longer). If the dough is too warm, the butter will melt quickly in the oven, causing the cookies to spread. You might also be over-creaming the butter and sugar. Creaming incorporates air, which can cause the cookies to spread. Finally, check your oven temperature with an external thermometer. If your oven is running too hot, it can also contribute to spreading.
Q3: Can I add chocolate chips to these peanut butter cookies?
A: Of course! Adding chocolate chips is a fantastic way to enhance these cookies. You can use semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips, depending on your preference. Simply fold about ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips into the dough after you’ve mixed in the dry ingredients. For an extra touch, consider using peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chips for a double dose of peanut butter flavor!
Q4: How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
A: To keep your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will typically stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Q5: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help bind the ingredients together and prevent the cookies from being crumbly. You may also need to add a touch more liquid, such as milk or water, to the dough to achieve the desired consistency. Gluten-free flours can sometimes absorb more liquid than regular flour, so it’s important to adjust accordingly. Be sure to check that all of your other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
