How to Create Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
There’s nothing quite like the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen! If you’re a fan of peanut butter, then soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are a treat you won’t want to miss. They’re perfect for snack time, parties, or just when you’re craving something sweet. Don’t worry if you’re not a baking expert—you’ll find these cookies super easy to make. They require only a few simple ingredients, and you don’t need fancy equipment.
Let’s dive in and learn how to create these delicious, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cookies.
Why Soft and Chewy Is the Best
Some peanut butter cookies turn out crunchy or crumbly, and while that can be tasty, many people prefer cookies that are soft and chewy. These cookies have a rich texture that stays moist, thanks to just the right balance of fat, sugar, and baking method. With the simple tips and recipe below, you’ll create cookies that stay soft even the next day (if they last that long!).
Gather Your Ingredients
To make soft and chewy peanut butter cookies, you’ll need these basic ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy—your choice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (adds softness and chewiness)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Before starting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is fully combined. This step ensures your cookies are flavorful and moist.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps everything distribute evenly so your cookies bake perfectly.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spoon or mixer to combine them until a dough forms. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky—this is perfect for soft cookies!
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, you can refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before shaping.
5. Shape the Cookies
Scoop out small amounts of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
For the classic peanut butter cookie look, use a fork to gently press down on each ball, creating a crisscross pattern.
6. Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. Be careful not to overbake—the cookies might look slightly underdone when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cool, they’ll have the perfect soft and chewy texture.
Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or pack them up to share with friends and family!
Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time
- Don’t overmix. When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Use room-temperature ingredients. Allow your butter and egg to sit at room temperature before using them. This helps make a smooth dough.
- Refrigerate for thicker cookies. Chilling the dough before baking can prevent the cookies from spreading too much and make them extra soft.
- Watch the oven. Baking cookies for too long dries them out, so keep an eye on them and take them out when they look just set.
Storing Your Cookies
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare with these cookies!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb some moisture from the bread without getting soggy.
You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature when ready to eat.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
In addition to being simple to make, these cookies are loaded with peanut butter flavor and have a wonderful soft texture. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to treats. Plus, it uses common ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
So grab your apron and get baking! These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are about to become your new favorite dessert. Enjoy!
