The aroma of freshly baked peanut butter cookies wafts through the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and nostalgia. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie where the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter meets the perfect hint of sweetness—it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
These delightful treats are more than just cookies; they’re a cherished memory from my childhood. I can still picture my mom in her apron, whisking away as we eagerly awaited our turn to lick the spoon. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a sunny picnic, there’s no wrong time to enjoy these peanut butter cookies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These peanut butter cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike
- Their rich flavor profile features a delightful balance of sweetness and nuttiness that everyone loves
- With their golden-brown color and crisscross pattern, they are visually appealing and irresistible
- These cookies are versatile enough to enjoy on their own or paired with milk or ice cream for an indulgent treat
I once made these cookies for a family gathering, and they disappeared faster than you could say “cookie monster.” Everyone asked for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Use about 1 ½ cups for the perfect cookie texture; sifting helps avoid clumps.
Baking Soda: Just one teaspoon will help your cookies rise and become fluffy.
Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip this tiny but mighty ingredient.
Unsalted Butter: At room temperature, it blends beautifully with other ingredients for a creamy dough.
Granulated Sugar: Half a cup provides that sweet kick; feel free to adjust based on preference.
Brown Sugar: Another half-cup adds moisture and depth; light or dark works here!
Peanut Butter: The star! Use creamy or crunchy according to your preference for texture.
Eggs: One large egg binds everything together beautifully—make sure it’s fresh!
Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon adds warmth; always choose pure vanilla for best flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Get ready to whip up some scrumptious peanut butter cookies that will make your kitchen smell divine!
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the dough.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes—you want it light and airy!
Add Peanut Butter and Egg: Mix in peanut butter until fully incorporated. Then add the egg and vanilla extract; blend well until smooth and creamy.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern—a classic look!
Now that you’ve prepped your cookies perfectly, pop them into the oven! Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges yet slightly soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Enjoy these delectable peanut butter cookies warm with a glass of milk or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence!
You Must Know
- Peanut butter cookies are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser
- The rich, nutty aroma fills your kitchen, reminding you of cozy afternoons with milk and cookies
- These treats also boast a delightful chewy texture that pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix your ingredients thoroughly, then scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the peanut butter’s sweetness beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to regain their freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure you use creamy peanut butter for a smoother dough that’s easier to work with
- Letting the dough chill before baking helps maintain shape and texture
- Lastly, don’t overbake; they should be slightly soft when removed from the oven
The first time I made peanut butter cookies, my friend couldn’t stop raving about them! She suggested I bring them to every gathering since then—a true testament to their yumminess!
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter for my cookies?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds delightful texture and extra nutty flavor to your cookies.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Peanut butter cookies last up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container.
What can I substitute for flour?
You can use almond flour or oat flour as gluten-free alternatives in this recipe.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Experience the comforting aroma and delightful taste of homemade peanut butter cookies. Soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet, these cookies blend rich peanut butter with a hint of nostalgia that will transport you back to cozy afternoons baking in the kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, these treats are sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Mix in peanut butter until fully incorporated. Add the egg and vanilla extract; blend until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Scoop rounded balls of dough onto prepared sheets about 2 inches apart and flatten slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. Let cool for five minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
