Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
These easy peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor using just a few simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for quick baking, family treats, or classic homemade desserts, this old-fashioned peanut butter cookie recipe is simple, delicious, and always a crowd favorite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
Start by adding the smooth peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and egg to a medium mixing bowl. Stir everything together until the dough is smooth, thick, and fully combined. This simple mixture creates the perfect base for these easy peanut butter cookies, delivering rich peanut butter flavor with a soft, chewy texture. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a quick and delicious homemade peanut butter cookie recipe.
Once the dough is mixed, place it in the refrigerator and let it chill for about 2 hours. Chilling the dough is an important step because it helps firm up the mixture, making it easier to roll into cookies while also improving the final texture. This extra time allows the flavors to develop and helps create thick, tender cookies that bake beautifully.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the remaining granulated sugar into a small bowl. Remove the chilled cookie dough from the fridge and roll it into small balls, about one tablespoon each. Roll each dough ball in the sugar until fully coated, then place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. The sugar coating adds a delicate sweetness and creates a lightly crisp exterior for these classic peanut butter cookies.
Using a fork, gently press down on each cookie, then press again in the opposite direction to create the traditional crisscross pattern. This signature design not only gives the cookies their classic look but also helps them bake evenly. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, until the edges are lightly set while the centers remain soft. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool before serving. These soft peanut butter cookies are rich, simple, and perfect for everyday baking.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Store for up to 1 week in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Freeze baked cookies or cookie dough for up to 3 months.
To reheat, allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Baking Tip:
Freeze pre-rolled dough balls for easy fresh-baked cookies anytime.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter: Peanut butter adds rich, nutty flavor and gives the cookies their classic soft and chewy texture. Creamy peanut butter works especially well for a smooth cookie dough.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness, moisture, and a subtle caramel flavor that helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps give the cookies lightly crisp edges and a delicious texture.
Egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together while adding moisture and structure to the cookies, creating a tender and chewy center.
Try my other soft cookies recipes!
- Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
- Blueberry Cookies
- Snickerdoodles with Cinnamon Sugar
- Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- White Chocolate & Raspberry Cookies
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 c. smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 1/2 c. granulated sugar 1/4 c. for the cookies & 1/4 c. for dusting
- 1 egg room temperature
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the smooth peanut butter, brown sugar, 1/4 c. granulated sugar, and 1 egg.
- Let chill in the fridge for 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉/180℃/Gas Mark 4.
- Take a small bowl and pour the rest of the 1/4 c. granulated sugar into it. Remove the cookie dough from the fridge and roll peanut butter dough into balls, about 1 tbsp. in size. Roll the balls in the sugar to coat and place them onto a lined baking sheet.
- Using a fork, press down on each cookie then press down again at 90 degrees.
- Bake for 10 minutes. The cookies' edges will look a bit hardened but the centres will be soft.
- Remove from the oven, let cool, and enjoy!
Notes
Author: Sarah Young
Peanut Butter Cookie FAQ
Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?
The crisscross pattern helps flatten the dense dough for even baking.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but results may vary slightly depending on oil content and consistency.
How do I keep peanut butter cookies soft?
Avoid overbaking and store in an airtight container.
Can peanut butter cookie dough be frozen?
Yes, the dough freezes very well for future baking.
How long do peanut butter cookies last?
They typically stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature.
Can I make peanut butter cookies gluten-free?
Yes, many simple peanut butter cookie recipes are naturally flourless or can be adapted easily.
Why are my peanut butter cookies crumbly?
Too much sugar or overbaking can lead to dryness.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Chocolate chips are a popular addition to peanut butter cookies.