If you’re craving a cookie that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, you’ve got to try this Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter flavor and melt-in-your-mouth softness, making each bite utterly irresistible. Whether it’s a quick weeknight treat or a special snack to share with friends, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of rich taste and gentle texture you won’t stop reaching for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the key to this delicious batch of cookies. Each component plays an essential role, from the richness of butter to the subtle sweetness of brown sugar that keeps these cookies irresistibly soft and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds creamy richness and tenderness to the cookie texture.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient providing that perfect nutty flavor and moistness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s slight crisp edges.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Offers deep caramel notes and helps keep the cookies wonderfully soft.
- 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients and adds structure while maintaining softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the natural flavors and adds a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together, light enough to keep the cookies tender.
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and develop a delicate crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enriches the peanut butter flavor.
How to Make Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, so you get perfect shapes and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream Your Base
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until everything is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is key to creating the cookie’s signature tender crumb and rich flavor.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These ingredients add moisture and a depth of flavor that rounds out the sweetness and nuttiness beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture ensures your cookies have the right balance of rise and tenderness.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so take care to stop as soon as there are no streaks of flour left.
Step 6: Shape and Flatten
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet. Then gently press each ball down with a fork in a crisscross pattern—this classic touch adds charm and a bit of texture.
Step 7: Baking Time
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This delicate baking method locks in moisture, ensuring the cookies stay super soft and chewy.
Step 8: Cooling
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief wait lets them firm up just enough while keeping their signature softness intact.
How to Serve Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
You can enhance each cookie’s presentation and flavor by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or adding a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. This contrast adds a lovely sophistication and highlights the richness of the peanut butter.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. The creamy drinks and creamy cookies create a truly comforting pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange your Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter with fresh berries or a handful of nuts. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a smear of chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting for an extra layer of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. To retain moisture and that unbeatable softness, place a slice of bread inside the container; the cookies will soak up just the right amount of humidity.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the dough balls on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready for a treat, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to freshly baked warmth, microwave an individual cookie for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This simple step revives the original softness and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture contrast inside the soft cookies, giving you a nice surprise with each bite.
Why do my cookies sometimes turn out hard?
Overbaking is usually the culprit. The secret to this Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is to bake until the edges are just set and the centers look slightly underbaked, locking in that tender softness.
Can I add chocolate chips to this cookie recipe?
Yes! Mixing in chocolate chips is a fun twist that adds melty richness and extra sweetness, complementing the peanut butter beautifully.
Is it okay to chill the dough before baking?
Definitely. Chilling the dough firms it up and can also deepen the flavors, making your cookies even more delicious when you bake them later.
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container with a slice of bread, these cookies should stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comfort and joy of biting into these melt-in-your-mouth delights, so I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe a try. Once you experience the perfect softness and rich peanut butter flavor, it might just become your new favorite go-to cookie. Happy baking!
Print
Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and buttery sweetness. With a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a classic crisscross pattern, they’re easy to make and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, ensuring they are fully incorporated for a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing carefully until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each to allow for spreading.
- Form Classic Pattern: Gently press each dough ball with the back of a fork in a crisscross pattern to create the signature peanut butter cookie look.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set. The centers might look slightly underbaked, which ensures the cookies stay super soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra softness, slightly underbake the cookies and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
- Add chocolate chips to the dough for a fun variation.
- The dough can be chilled or frozen for later use, making it convenient to bake fresh cookies on demand.
