Welcome to the world of *soft peanut butter cookies*! Trust me, you’re going to love how easy these are to whip up and how absolutely delicious they turn out. I’ve been making these cookies for years, and they never fail to bring a smile to my family’s faces—kids and adults alike! The rich, nutty aroma fills the kitchen as they bake, making it impossible to resist sneaking a taste while they’re still warm. Plus, with just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll find yourself making these soft, chewy delights again and again. Get ready to indulge in a cookie that truly feels like home!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, whatever you prefer!)
- 1 cup sugar (granulated for that perfect sweetness)
- 1 egg (large, to bind everything together)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (this adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (for that soft, chewy texture)
- 1/2 tsp salt (just a pinch to enhance all the flavors)
How to Prepare Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop that lovely golden color. I always set my oven to preheat first so it’s ready to go by the time I’ve mixed everything up!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Now, grab a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer and mix everything together until it’s creamy and well combined. You really want that smooth texture, and the aroma of peanut butter and vanilla will start to fill the air—how mouthwatering is that?
Add Dry Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add the dry ingredients! Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix it all together until the baking soda and salt are fully incorporated. This step is crucial because it helps the cookies rise and enhances their flavor, so don’t rush it!
Form the Dough
Now comes the fun part—forming the dough! Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to spread out while they bake. I like to line my sheet with parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
Flatten the Balls
Once you have your dough balls on the baking sheet, take a fork and gently press down on each ball to flatten it slightly. This creates that classic crisscross pattern on top, which not only looks great but also helps the cookies bake evenly. Plus, who doesn’t love that signature peanut butter cookie look?
Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as you want the edges to be just set while the centers remain soft. Trust me, they’ll continue to cook a bit after you take them out, so don’t worry if they seem a little underbaked—soft is the name of the game!
Cool the Cookies
Once they’re done baking, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool. This step is essential because it allows the cookies to firm up just the right amount while keeping that chewy center. I always sneak a cookie while they’re still warm, and honestly, it’s one of life’s simple pleasures!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, there are so many reasons to fall in love with these *soft peanut butter cookies*! First off, the prep time is a breeze—just about 10 minutes, and you’re already on your way to cookie heaven. Who doesn’t appreciate a quick and easy dessert? Plus, you only need a handful of basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. That’s right, no complicated shopping lists here!
And oh, the flavor! These cookies are delightfully rich and nutty, with that signature soft texture that melts in your mouth. They strike the perfect balance between sweetness and the savory goodness of peanut butter, making them incredibly satisfying. You’ll find yourself reaching for just one more (and another!). Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *soft peanut butter cookies* turn out perfect every time! Here are my tried-and-true tips that will elevate your cookie game.
- Adjust the Baking Time: If you like your cookies super soft and chewy, aim for the shorter end of the baking time—around 10 minutes. They might look a little underbaked, but trust me, they’ll firm up as they cool. For a firmer cookie, you can let them bake a minute or two longer.
- Experiment with Chocolate Chips: Want to take these cookies to the next level? Add in some chocolate chips! I love mixing in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for that extra pop of flavor. It creates a delightful balance that’s simply irresistible.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better. This is especially helpful if you live in a warm climate or if your kitchen tends to get a bit toasty while you’re baking.
- Use Creamy Peanut Butter: While crunchy peanut butter can add a nice texture, I personally prefer creamy for a smoother, more uniform cookie. It mixes in beautifully and gives you that melt-in-your-mouth experience!
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the ultimate soft peanut butter cookies that everyone will love. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so treat these numbers as estimates. Each soft peanut butter cookie weighs in at about:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 3g
So, whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon treat or a late-night snack, these cookies are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard. Happy munching!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about these *soft peanut butter cookies*, so let’s dive into some of the most common ones! You’ll be whipping up these cookies like a pro in no time.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free *soft peanut butter cookies*, just substitute regular sugar with a gluten-free flour blend or use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The peanut butter keeps the texture lovely and soft, so you won’t miss the gluten one bit!
How should I store the cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just separate each layer with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I add mix-ins?
Of course! Feel free to get creative. I love adding chocolate chips, but you could also try chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of Nutella for an extra special treat. Just remember not to overload the dough too much, or they might not hold their shape.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels a bit too sticky, don’t worry! You can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it much easier to handle and shape into balls. Plus, it helps the cookies maintain that perfect soft texture!
How do I know when they’re done?
Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to look set and the centers to be just a bit soft—don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool. If they start to brown too much, they might be overbaked. Soft is the name of the game!
Hopefully, these answers help clear up any questions you might have! Now, let’s get baking those delicious *soft peanut butter cookies*!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked these scrumptious *soft peanut butter cookies*, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. To store any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help keep them soft and chewy, which is exactly how we love them! I recommend layering parchment paper between the cookies if you have a lot, to prevent them from sticking together.
If you want to keep them longer, you can absolutely freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container, making sure to separate the layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay good for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat unless you want that warm, melty goodness again—just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel!
With these storage tips, you can savor your *soft peanut butter cookies* for days to come. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies that Delight in Every Bite
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft peanut butter cookies that are easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Add baking soda and salt. Mix well.
- Form dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball with a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For extra flavor, add chocolate chips.
- Adjust baking time for desired softness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: soft peanut butter cookies
