Soft peanut butter cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy with every bite. They are easy to make and always a hit at home. This recipe lets you whip up a batch of cookies that are warm, soft, and packed with peanut butter flavor. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying with a glass of milk, these cookies will become a favorite in no time!
Why Make This Recipe
Making soft peanut butter cookies is an excellent way to satisfy your sweet tooth. They are quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy days or weekends when you want to bake something special. Plus, the smell of fresh cookies baking will fill your home and put everyone in a good mood. Whether you are a baking beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to try!
How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture until well blended.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball with the back of a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. Serve them with a tall glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. They are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or simply as an after-dinner dessert.
How to Store Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft for several days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tips to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Experiment by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or m&ms for a fun twist.
Variation
You can make these cookies even more exciting by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. Each variation adds a unique touch to this classic recipe!
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture and flavor.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly browned, but the center will look soft. They will firm up as they cool.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough in balls and bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a minute or two to the baking time.