Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe – Soft, Chewy & Easy to Make
If you love the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter, then this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is for you! These homemade cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter goodness. Whether you prefer classic peanut butter cookies with a crisscross fork pattern or a more modern twist with chocolate chips or sea salt, this recipe is versatile and easy to follow. Perfect for an afternoon snack, a holiday treat, or a gift for friends and family, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking routine. Plus, with simple pantry ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time!
Nutrition & Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Active Time: 10 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert, Snack
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories per Serving: ~180 kcal
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Fork (for crisscross pattern)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt (optional for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If adding chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
Step 5: Form the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place it on the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. Use a fork to press down lightly in a crisscross pattern.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the center still looks soft. Do not overbake, as cookies will continue to set as they cool.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Best Results
- Use Creamy or Crunchy Peanut Butter – Both work well, but natural peanut butter may result in a slightly different texture.
- Chill the Dough – If the dough feels too soft, chilling it for 20-30 minutes will help prevent spreading.
- Don’t Overbake – The cookies may look underdone when you take them out, but they firm up as they cool.
- Experiment with Add-ins – Try adding chopped peanuts, white chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Pairing Suggestions
These peanut butter cookies pair well with:
- A cold glass of milk
- A cup of coffee or hot chocolate
- A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic treat. Whether you make them for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, these soft, chewy cookies will always be a hit. Try this easy recipe today and indulge in the perfect balance of peanut butter flavor and sweetness!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.