The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
Peanut butter cookies are a classic treat that brings back memories of childhood baking sessions, warm kitchens, and the irresistible aroma of sweet, nutty goodness. This recipe will give you the ultimate peanut butter cookie experience—soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. Whether you are a peanut butter aficionado or just someone who enjoys a good cookie, this is your new go-to recipe. With a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter, rich butter, and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are sure to impress.
Reasons to Love The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this cookie recipe! Here are just a few:
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich sugars creates a cookie that is both sweet and savory.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or Reese’s Pieces for a personalized touch.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies strike the right balance between soft and chewy, with a slight crunch on the outside.
- Great for Sharing: Whether for a party, a bake sale, or just to enjoy with family, these cookies are sure to please a crowd.
Ingredient List
To create The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt (I recommend Maldon sea salt flakes)
- 1-2 cups Reese’s Pieces (optional)
- 1/2-1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2-1 cup peanut butter chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup peanuts (optional)
What’s in the Gear List
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following gear:
- Mixing Bowls: Use large mixing bowls for combining your ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer will make the process quicker and easier.
- Baking Sheets: Line your sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfect cookies.
- Cookie Scoop: This tool helps to create uniform cookie sizes.
Method: The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to dive into the baking process!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Eggs
Add the creamy peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Extras
If you’re using any mix-ins like Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or peanuts, gently fold them into the cookie dough.
Step 6: Scoop the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Texture-Safe Substitutions
If you’re looking to make some substitutions while still achieving that perfect cookie texture, consider the following:
- For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter or any other seed butter.
- Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version; just ensure it’s melted and cooled slightly.
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative; the texture will still be delightful!
- Maple syrup can replace granulated sugar for a less processed sweetener, but you may need to adjust the flour slightly to accommodate the extra liquid.
Steer Clear of These
To ensure you achieve The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Do not overmix your dough after adding the flour; this can lead to tough cookies.
- Avoid using natural peanut butter without stabilizers, as it can result in oily cookies.
- Do not skip the resting period; letting the dough chill for 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and improve texture.
- Steer clear of substitutions that may alter the flavor too drastically, such as using flavored nut butters unless desired.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
If you happen to have any cookies left over (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store them:
You can keep your peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds!
Your Top Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! You can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy peanut butter if you prefer a little extra texture in your cookies. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the consistency.
How do I make these cookies less sweet?
If you’d like to reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also consider using unsweetened peanut butter or adding more flour to balance the taste.
Can I skip the eggs in this recipe?
Yes, if you need to make an egg-free version, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes) or applesauce (1/4 cup) as a binding agent.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to scoop and shape.
The Last Word
There you have it! The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe that is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. With its perfect blend of flavors and textures, these cookies are not just a treat; they are an experience. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or saved for later, they will always bring joy. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the delightful aroma of peanut butter cookies!
The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the creamy peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- If using any mix-ins, gently fold them into the cookie dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer for up to three months.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it's too sticky to handle.
