Grandma’s Peanut Butter Cookies

There’s an undeniable magic to a truly perfect peanut butter cookie. That warm, nutty aroma wafting from the oven, the promise of a soft, chewy center, and those iconic criss-cross marks that invite you to take a bite. These aren’t just any homemade cookies; they’re the kind of classic treat that evokes childhood memories, pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk, and disappears faster than you can say “peanut butter bliss.” If you’ve been on a quest for the ultimate soft and chewy peanut butter cookie recipe that delivers bakery-quality results without the fuss, your search ends here. This easy, no-chill recipe will have you enjoying freshly baked peanut butter cookies from scratch in about 25 minutes, making it an instant family favorite and a go-to for any occasion.

The Secret to Irresistibly Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

What makes a peanut butter cookie truly exceptional? It’s all about that harmonious balance of rich, nutty flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This recipe masterfully achieves that by focusing on key ingredients and straightforward techniques. We start by creaming together softened butter, brown sugar, and a generous amount of creamy peanut butter. The brown sugar not only adds depth of flavor but also contributes to the cookie’s moistness and chewiness, ensuring they stay delightfully soft even after they’ve cooled. Unlike many cookie recipes that require lengthy chilling times, our dough is ready to bake almost instantly, making it ideal for those sudden cookie cravings.

A quick roll in granulated sugar before baking creates a delicate, glittering crust that provides a satisfying contrast to the tender interior. This simple step also enhances the visual appeal, making each cookie look as good as it tastes. And, of course, no classic peanut butter cookie would be complete without those distinctive fork marks. These aren’t just for show; they play a crucial role in ensuring even baking and give the cookies that nostalgic, homemade charm everyone adores.

Whether you’re baking for a special gathering, replenishing your cookie jar, or simply treating yourself to a moment of sweet indulgence, these homemade peanut butter cookies are a guaranteed hit. They’re so good, you’ll find yourself making them again and again, cementing their place as a cherished recipe in your kitchen repertoire.

Fan of peanut butter and chocolate together? Don’t miss my Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies for another delightful combination!

5 from 1 vote

Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Make these classic peanut butter cookies for your next get-together or just to snack on. This easy recipe is perfect for any peanut butter enthusiast, delivering soft, chewy, and utterly delicious results every time.

Prep:

15 minutes
minutes

Cook:

10 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

25 minutes
minutes

Servings:

24
cookies

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Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature (2 sticks)
• 1¼ cups creamy peanut butter *
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• ¼ cup granulated sugar for rolling

US Customary – Metric

Equipment

• Kitchen Scale (optional)
• Baking Sheet
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
• Cookie Portion Scoop (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Set this aside as you prepare the dough.
  
• In a spacious mixing bowl, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, typically for 2-3 minutes. Next, crack in the two large eggs and continue mixing until they are fully incorporated into the butter mixture, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. This ensures all ingredients are thoroughly blended for a consistent dough.
  1 cup unsalted butter,
  1¼ cups creamy peanut butter,
  ½ cup brown sugar,
  ½ cup granulated sugar,
  2 large eggs
  
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and baking soda. Ensure they are thoroughly combined to distribute the leavening agents evenly. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix until no streaks of flour remain, and the dough comes together.
  2¾ cups all-purpose flour,
  1 teaspoon baking powder,
  ½ teaspoon kosher salt,
  1½ teaspoons baking soda
  
• Using a medium cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons) or a heaping tablespoon, portion out balls of cookie dough. Lightly roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth ball. Pour the reserved ¼ cup of granulated sugar into a small, shallow bowl. Roll each cookie dough ball in the sugar until it’s evenly coated. Place the sugared cookie balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Take a fork and gently press down on each cookie in a criss-cross pattern. This iconic step not only creates a beautiful design but also helps flatten the dense peanut butter dough, ensuring it bakes evenly and prevents it from being too thick in the center. Repeat this process for all the remaining cookie dough.
  ¼ cup granulated sugar
  
• Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 9-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden brown, but the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked. Peanut butter cookies continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake them if you want that signature soft and chewy texture. Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. This crucial step allows them to firm up slightly before you attempt to move them. After this initial cooling, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
  

Notes

*You can use natural peanut butter or chunky peanut butter, but keep in mind that the texture and consistency of the dough may be different. Natural peanut butter can sometimes result in a drier, more crumbly cookie, while chunky peanut butter will add extra texture. For best results with this recipe, a standard creamy, processed peanut butter is recommended.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies:

• Peanut Butter Choice: While creamy peanut butter yields the classic soft texture, don’t hesitate to experiment! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter can be substituted for a different flavor profile. Just be aware that the oil content can vary, potentially affecting spread.
• The Fork Marks are Key: As mentioned, the criss-cross pattern isn’t just decorative. It helps flatten the dense dough for even baking. For an alternative look, you could use the bottom of a drinking glass or a textured potato masher for a different impression.
• Flavor Additions: Feel free to customize your cookies! Stir in a cup of your favorite chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark are all excellent), white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped nuts for added crunch.
• Sugar Roll: While rolling in granulated sugar adds a lovely sparkle and subtle crunch, it’s entirely optional. The cookies are delicious with or without it.
• Doneness Test: Avoid overbaking! Peanut butter cookies are notoriously tricky because they don’t look fully “done” when they come out of the oven. Look for lightly golden edges and a center that still appears slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions: You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, shape the dough into balls, flatten with a fork, and freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, simply place the frozen cookie dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and add 1-3 minutes to the total bake time, checking for doneness.
Storage: Once baked and completely cooled, store your peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness. For extended storage, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For even longer preservation, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before enjoying.

Nutrition Facts

Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 cookie)

Calories 247
Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 6g38%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 6g

Cholesterol 34mg11%

Sodium 200mg9%

Potassium 105mg3%

Carbohydrates 25g8%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 12g13%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 256IU5%

Calcium 27mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author:
Becky Hardin

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Detailed Steps: How to Make the Best Peanut Butter Cookies

Baking these delightful peanut butter cookies is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfectly soft, chewy, and flavorful results every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients
Before you begin mixing, take a moment to gather all your ingredients and ensure they are at the correct temperature. This is crucial for optimal results. For the unsalted butter, aim for room temperature; it should be soft enough to indent with a finger but not melted. You can achieve this by leaving it on the counter for 30-60 minutes, or gently microwaving it in 10-second bursts. While not strictly necessary, bringing your eggs to room temperature can also aid in better incorporation with the other ingredients. Preheat your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking, promotes even baking, and makes cleanup a breeze. Set the prepared baking sheet aside.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients for a Smooth Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1¼ cups of creamy peanut butter (ensuring it’s the standard processed variety for consistent results), ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream these ingredients together on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and visibly well combined, which typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes. The creaming process incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ final soft texture. Next, crack in 2 large eggs. Continue mixing until the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula occasionally to ensure all ingredients are evenly blended, preventing any unmixed pockets of sugar or butter.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form the Dough
In a separate, smaller bowl, thoroughly whisk together 2¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1½ teaspoons of baking soda. This dry mixture provides structure and aids in leavening, giving your cookies that perfect rise. Once whisked, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet peanut butter mixture in the large bowl. Mix on low speed, just until the flour is incorporated and the dough comes together. It’s vital to avoid overmixing at this stage, as overworking the gluten in the flour can result in tough, dense cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour are visible.

Step 4: Scoop, Roll, and Create the Signature Criss-Cross
Prepare for shaping your cookies. Using a medium cookie scoop (which helps ensure uniform cookie size and even baking) or a generous tablespoon, scoop out portions of the cookie dough. Gently roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. In a separate shallow bowl, place the ¼ cup of granulated sugar designated for rolling. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the granulated sugar until it is completely coated. This sugar coating adds a delightful sparkle and a subtle crunch to the finished cookie. Place the sugared cookie balls onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for slight spreading during baking. Now for the classic touch: take a fork and gently press down on each cookie dough ball twice, in a criss-cross pattern. This essential step flattens the dense peanut butter dough, promoting even heat distribution and ensuring the cookies bake thoroughly without staying too thick in the center. Don’t forget to dip your fork in the granulated sugar between each press to prevent sticking and achieve clean, defined lines. Repeat this process until all your dough has been shaped and marked.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection and Cool
Carefully place your baking sheet, laden with perfectly shaped peanut butter cookies, into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for a precise 9-10 minutes. The key to perfectly soft and chewy peanut butter cookies is not to overbake them. Look for cues: the edges should be lightly golden brown, but the centers will still appear soft and slightly underbaked. This is exactly what you want! The cookies will continue to cook and set as they cool on the hot baking sheet. Once the baking time is complete, remove the sheet from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. This crucial resting period gives them time to firm up just enough to prevent them from breaking when transferred. After this initial cooling, gently transfer the warm cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to stack them while hot, as this can cause them to stick together and lose their crisp edges. Once cooled, savor the irresistible flavor and texture of your homemade peanut butter cookies!

Storage and Shelf Life

To ensure your delicious peanut butter cookies remain fresh and maintain their delightful chewiness, proper storage is key. Once your cookies have completely cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. At room temperature, they will stay wonderfully fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for everyday snacking. If you need to extend their shelf life slightly, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer-term enjoyment, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a single layer in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 30-60 minutes for the best texture. You can also gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.