My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love how this recipe for My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe turns out every single time. There’s something about that perfect balance of soft, chewy texture combined with the rich peanut butter flavor that makes these cookies a serious crowd-pleaser in my house. Whether it’s for an afternoon snack, a holiday treat, or just a little indulgence after dinner, these cookies hit the spot.

When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how simple ingredients and straightforward steps lead to such a deliciously tender cookie. You’ll find that this recipe is forgiving and easy to follow, making it perfect even if you’re not a baking expert. Plus, the little sprinkle of sea salt on top adds that next-level flavor pop that keeps everyone coming back for more.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe all work together to create a rich, tender cookie with just the right hint of sweetness and saltiness. I recommend using good quality peanut butter and fresh baking powder and soda for the best rise and texture.

• Smooth peanut butter: Gives the cookies their signature creamy peanut flavor and soft texture; natural peanut butter works too but might change texture slightly.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing and moisture, contributing to chewiness.
• Dark brown sugar: Adds richness and extra moisture, helping keep the cookies soft.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with a slight crisp edge.
• Real vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, a must-have for homemade cookies.
• Large eggs: Room temperature eggs help bind the dough smoothly and build structure.
• Baking powder and baking soda: This combo helps the cookies rise just right and stay tender.
• Sea salt: Both inside the dough and sprinkled on top for flavor contrast.
• All-purpose flour: The main structure builder; measuring properly is key for texture.
• Extra granulated sugar (for rolling): Adds a delightful sugary crust on the outside.

Variations

I love mixing things up sometimes by adding little twists to My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Feel free to personalize it according to what you have or what flavors you prefer. It’s a flexible recipe that welcomes creativity!

• Add-ins: I sometimes toss in mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor—my family goes crazy for those versions.
• Nut Butter Swap: If you want to switch it up, almond or cashew butter can be used, though the texture might vary slightly.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free; just be sure to measure accurately.
• Less Sweet: You can reduce the granulated sugar slightly if you prefer a more subtle sweetness, though I find this balance perfect.

How to Make My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper; this little prep trick keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In your stand mixer or a sturdy bowl with a spatula, cream together the smooth peanut butter, room temperature unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is gloriously smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps dissolve the sugars and incorporates air for a light texture in the final cookie.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures a cohesive dough without any lumps. I always take a moment to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula so everything blends evenly. Then stir in the real vanilla extract to give your cookies a warm, inviting flavor base.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring in the dry ingredients—baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and all-purpose flour. Add the baking soda, powder, and salt first, mixing them in for about a minute so they evenly distribute. Then add the flour and mix just until it’s combined—about 20 seconds—to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough. The dough will feel soft but hold its shape, which is exactly what you want.

Step 4: Shape and Roll the Cookies

Pour the extra granulated sugar into a shallow bowl. Use a cookie scoop to portion about 2 tablespoons of dough and drop it gently into the sugar. This coating creates a subtle sugary crunch on the outside of your cookies. I like leaving my dough balls a bit textured rather than perfectly smooth—it makes the cookies look rustic and inviting. Place the sugared dough balls on your lined baking sheet about 1½ inches apart, so they have room to spread without merging.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies one sheet at a time in the middle rack of your preheated oven for 12 to 13 minutes. Keep a close eye—they’ll come out looking very soft and just set. When you remove them, gently tap the baking sheet on your counter to help gently deflate the cookies for that perfect chewy texture. If you want, sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top now to enhance the flavor. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 20 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely—this step helps them firm up without losing softness.

How to Serve My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling flaky sea salt on these cookies right after baking—it creates a beautiful contrast to the sweetness and enhances that peanut butter richness. Sometimes, adding a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a few chopped roasted peanuts on top makes for a beautiful presentation and adds a little crunch that my guests adore.

Side Dishes

My favorite way to enjoy these cookies is with a cold glass of milk—the classic pairing doesn’t disappoint. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies in a pretty jar tied with a ribbon as a heartfelt gift. Serving them on a wooden board with fresh fruit and a few chocolate truffles creates a lovely cookie platter perfect for guests. You can even sandwich a little chocolate or marshmallow fluff between two cookies for an extra fun treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they stay soft and chewy for up to a week. If your kitchen is warm, you might want to keep them in the fridge, but they’re best eaten fresh or within a few days for that perfect texture.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by layering them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Frozen cookies keep well for about 2 months. I usually thaw them at room temperature before serving, and they taste just as fresh as when baked.

Reheating

If you want to warm up leftover cookies, a few seconds in the microwave (around 10-15 seconds) or a quick toast in a low oven makes them delightfully soft again. Just don’t overheat or they might dry out—warm and slightly gooey is perfect!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

My Favorite Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen and a guaranteed hit with friends and family. It’s one of those recipes I keep reaching for when I want something comforting and impressive but fuss-free. I hope you’ll enjoy these cookies as much as I do—there’s nothing like the warm smell of peanut butter baking in your oven and that first blissful bite of soft, chewy cookie heaven. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your favorites too!

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