Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies Soft Recipe
Creating a simple and comforting batch of homemade peanut butter cookies can be a delightful way to spend an afternoon. These cookies bring a warm, nostalgic flavor that makes them perfect for weeknights, weekends, or any quiet moment. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, sharing with family, or enjoying them solo, this recipe highlights the joy of making something from scratch with minimal fuss. Let’s dive into these soft, delicious cookies that always hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade peanut butter cookies soft recipe offers both ease and reliability in the kitchen. With a wonderfully balanced flavor, these cookies are not too sweet, making them a great treat for any occasion. Their comforting texture makes each bite truly satisfying, bringing simple pleasure to your everyday routine.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter (adds rich flavor and moisture)
- 16 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature) (provides fat for tenderness)
- 1 1/3 cup dark brown sugar (packed) (adds sweetness and moisture)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (sweetness and crisp texture)
- 1 tablespoon real vanilla extract (enhances flavor)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature) (binds ingredients together)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (helps cookies rise)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (adds fluffiness)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (balances sweetness)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (provides structure)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling) (adds sweetness and a slight crunch)
- Sea salt flakes (optional) (adds a finishing touch of flavor)
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies Soft Recipe
Step 1. Begin by creaming together the unsalted butter and both sugars in a large mixing bowl. You can use a mixing spoon, but an electric mixer works best for achieving a light, fluffy texture. Mix until the mixture is well-combined and creamy, which usually takes a couple of minutes. You want to see a slight change in color as the sugars incorporate into the butter.
Step 2. Add in the smooth peanut butter to the bowl. Mix until it’s fully blended with the butter and sugars. The resulting mixture should have a uniform consistency, showcasing the warm, inviting color of the peanut butter. This step contributes significantly to the final flavor and moisture of the cookies.
Step 3. Incorporate the large eggs, one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Ensure that each egg is fully combined before adding the next. The mixture should appear smooth and slightly thickened after both eggs are added, contributing to the overall richness of the cookies.
Step 4. Now, stir in the real vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Make sure everything is blended thoroughly. The combination of these ingredients will create a soft dough that harmonizes the sweet and salty elements. You should notice the aroma of the vanilla enhancing the overall scent of the mixture.
Step 5. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage, as this can affect the final texture. The dough should be soft yet workable, and you may want to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
Step 6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This resting period helps the dough firm up slightly, making it easier to handle when forming the cookies.
Step 7. Preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven is warming, set up your workspace for rolling the cookies. Place the remaining granulated sugar in a small bowl, as you’ll use this to coat the cookie dough balls before baking.
Step 8. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each dough ball in the bowl of granulated sugar until fully coated. This step not only adds sweetness but also creates a delightful texture on the outside of the cookies.
Step 9. Arrange the cookie dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them ample space as they will spread during baking. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand, or a fork for a classic pattern, if desired.
Step 10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn a light golden color, while the centers may appear just slightly underbaked. This will result in a soft, chewy cookie, which is what we’re aiming for.
Step 11. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and sprinkle sea salt flakes over the warm cookies if you’re using them. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set as they continue to firm up slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These peanut butter cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They make for a delightful breakfast treat, paired with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. As a snack, they are incredibly satisfying, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. They can also be a sweet addition to family meals or gatherings, bringing comfort to any dessert table. If you have leftovers, they store well in an airtight container, making them easy to enjoy over the next few days.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use room-temperature butter and eggs for a smoother mix and better incorporation.
- Chill the dough if it’s too sticky to handle, about 10-15 minutes in the fridge can help.
- For a unique spin, consider adding chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
- Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake to ensure they don’t overbake, as they will continue to firm up after removing them from the oven.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning if your oven runs hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter or eggs: This can prevent proper mixing, leading to a dense texture. Always use room-temperature ingredients for the best results.
- Overmixing the dough: This can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined after adding flour to maintain a soft and tender cookie.
- Skipping the resting period: Not allowing the dough to rest can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Give it time to firm up for better shape.
- Not checking the oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot can lead to cookies baking too quickly on the outside and remaining gooey inside. A reliable thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
- Overbaking the cookies: Keeping them in the oven too long can lead to a dry texture. Look for slight golden edges while the centers remain soft.
- Baking on an ungreased or non-lined pan: This can cause the cookies to stick or spread too much. Using parchment paper helps to prevent this issue.
Variations & Substitutions
Consider folding in some chopped nuts for added crunch or a mixture of chocolate chips for a sweeter treat. You could also experiment by rolling the dough in powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar for a different texture. For a twist, using chunky peanut butter can enhance the texture of the cookies.
Storage & Reheating
For room-temperature storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to prolong their freshness, place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last up to two weeks. For longer storage, these cookies freeze well—just pack them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To refresh them, simply leave them at room temperature for a bit, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that soft texture.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: Not available
- Total Fat: Not available
- Saturated Fat: Not available
- Carbohydrates: Not available
- Fiber: Not available
- Sugar: Not available
- Protein: Not available
- Sodium: Not available
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days. This allows for easy baking when you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies.
How long does it last in the fridge?
If stored in an airtight container, the cookies will last about one week in the fridge. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just scoop out dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for storage. They can be baked straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for one ingredient?
If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, just be aware that it may slightly alter the saltiness of the cookies.
Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?
Common reasons include incorrect measurements, skipping rest time, or not using room-temperature ingredients. Make sure to measure accurately and follow the steps closely for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Making these homemade peanut butter cookies is a straightforward process, resulting in a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on many occasions. They’re soft, flavorful, and comforting, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. No matter how you decide to enjoy them, you can feel good about crafting something from scratch in your kitchen. As you bake, know that these cookies will bring a touch of warmth and simple pleasure to your day.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter adds rich flavor and moisture
- 16 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature) provides fat for tenderness
- 1 1/3 cups dark brown sugar (packed) adds sweetness and moisture
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar adds sweetness and crisp texture
- 1 tablespoon real vanilla extract enhances flavor
- 2 large eggs (room temperature) binds ingredients together
- 1 teaspoon baking powder helps cookies rise
- 1 teaspoon baking soda adds fluffiness
- 1 teaspoon sea salt balances sweetness
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour provides structure
For Rolling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar adds sweetness and a slight crunch
- to taste sea salt flakes optional, adds a finishing touch of flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by creaming together the unsalted butter and both sugars in a large mixing bowl until creamy and well-combined.
- Add the smooth peanut butter to the bowl and mix until fully blended.
- Incorporate the large eggs, one at a time, mixing gently after each addition until fully combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt until blended.
- Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Form the dough into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter and roll each ball in granulated sugar.
- Arrange the cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with ample space between them.
- Flatten each ball slightly with your hand or a fork if desired.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges are light golden and centers are slightly underbaked.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with sea salt flakes if using, and cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
