The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
Peanut butter cookies are a classic treat that brings a smile to anyone’s face. They’re soft, chewy, and have that irresistible nutty flavor that makes them totally addictive. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a sweet snack to enjoy at home, this recipe will become your go-to. With a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, rich butter, and a touch of sweetness from both brown and granulated sugar, these cookies are sure to impress. Plus, you can customize them with delicious add-ins like chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces for an extra treat!
Get ready to dive into the world of baking with this ultimate guide to making The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe. Let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen!
Top Reasons to Make The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of peanut butter with a hint of vanilla and rich sugars creates a flavor profile that is simply unparalleled.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even nuts, to make each batch unique.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a school bake sale, or just an afternoon treat, these cookies fit any occasion.
- Great for Sharing: These cookies are perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and family, which makes baking even more fun!
What to Buy
To make The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter: Choose your favorite brand for the best flavor.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Light or dark brown sugar works, but dark will give a deeper flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create a nice texture.
- 2 eggs: Use large eggs for this recipe.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract will enhance the flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level for accurate measurement.
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda: This is your leavening agent for the cookies.
- 1/2 tsp salt: I recommend using Maldon sea salt flakes for a nice crunch.
- 1-2 cups Reese’s Pieces: Optional, but highly recommended for a fun twist.
- 1/2-1 cup chocolate chips: Optional for chocolate lovers.
- 1/2-1 cup peanut butter chips: Adds a delightful peanut butter flavor.
- 1/2 cup peanuts: Optional, for extra crunch.
Essential Tools for Success
- Mixing Bowls: Having a set of various sizes will make your mixing easier.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of all your ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: A stand mixer or handheld mixer will make creaming butter and sugar a breeze.
- Baking Sheets: Use non-stick or lined sheets to prevent sticking.
- Parchment Paper: Optional, but it helps with easy clean-up and prevents cookies from sticking.
- Cookie Scoop: This helps to portion out uniform cookie dough balls for even baking.
The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe in Steps
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or set aside non-stick baking sheets.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the ingredients together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Eggs
Add in the creamy peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins
If you’re adding any optional ingredients like Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, or peanuts, gently fold them into the dough using a spatula.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or store them for later!
How to Make It Lighter
If you’re looking to lighten up The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe, here are some suggestions:
- Substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier fat option.
- Use natural peanut butter to reduce added sugars and oils.
- Reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup without significantly affecting texture.
- Incorporate whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
- Cookies are too dry: You may have over-measured the flour. Make sure to spoon and level your flour!
- Cookies are too flat: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh.
- Burnt bottoms: If your cookies are burning, consider lowering the oven temperature by 25°F and keep an eye on them while baking.
- Cookies spread too much: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, follow these tips:
- Storing: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or bake at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Quick Q&A
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to your cookies, making them even more delightful.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce.
Can I use alternative sweeteners?
Yes! You can experiment with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, but be mindful that it may affect the texture.
What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat!
Cook This Next
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Brown Butter Cookies
The Last Word
Baking The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe is not just about the final product; it’s about the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. Each bite of these cookies will remind you of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen, sharing sweet treats with loved ones. This recipe is versatile and forgiving, making it easy to adapt to your preferences. Whether you add a sprinkle of salt on top or mix in your favorite candies, these cookies are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake the best peanut butter cookies you’ve ever tasted!
Every bite of these cookies will leave you wanting more, making them a staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or set aside non-stick baking sheets.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the ingredients together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add in the creamy peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Step 5: If you're adding any optional ingredients like Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, or peanuts, gently fold them into the dough using a spatula.
- Step 6: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or store them for later!
Notes
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or bake at 350°F for 5 minutes.
