My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies: A Classic, Cozy Cookie Everyone Loves
My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies: A Classic, Cozy Cookie Everyone Loves
Introduction
There are some cookies that feel like they’ve always been part of your life, even if you can’t remember the first time you tasted them. Peanut butter cookies fall squarely into that category. They’re familiar, comforting, and quietly dependable, the kind of cookie that never needs an introduction. One bite and you’re back in a warm kitchen, the oven humming in the background, waiting for the timer to go off.
This particular peanut butter cookie recipe is one of those go-to favorites that earns its place in the rotation. It’s not fussy or overly sweet, and it doesn’t try to reinvent something that already works. Instead, it leans into what makes peanut butter cookies so beloved in the first place: a soft center, lightly crisp edges, and that unmistakable nutty flavor that feels both homey and indulgent at the same time.
These cookies are perfect for everyday baking. They don’t require special ingredients, complicated techniques, or hours of prep. You can make them on a quiet afternoon, as a last-minute dessert, or when you just want your kitchen to smell like something warm and familiar. They’re also the kind of cookie that tends to disappear quickly, often grabbed straight from the cooling rack by anyone passing through.
Whether you grew up with peanut butter cookies as an after-school treat, a lunchbox surprise, or a holiday staple, this recipe fits right in. It’s simple, reliable, and endlessly comforting. The kind of cookie that reminds you that sometimes, the best recipes are the ones you come back to again and again.
My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
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In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and egg. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing until just blended.
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Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Yield: about 24 cookies
Helpful Baking Tips for Best Results
For the best texture, make sure your butter is properly softened before mixing. Softened butter blends more easily with the sugars, creating a light and fluffy base that helps the cookies bake evenly.
When mixing the dough, stop as soon as the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and these peanut butter cookies really shine when they’re tender and soft.
Spacing matters too. Give each cookie enough room on the baking sheet so they can spread slightly without touching. This helps them bake evenly and develop those lightly golden edges.
Ingredient Notes and Easy Variations
Creamy peanut butter works best for this recipe, giving the cookies a smooth, even texture. If you prefer a bit of crunch, chunky peanut butter can be used, though it will slightly change the bite of the finished cookie.
If you like extra sweetness or texture, chocolate chips or peanut butter chips can be folded into the dough. Just keep the additions modest so the cookies still hold their shape.
For a slightly deeper flavor, make sure your brown sugar is fresh and soft. Packed brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
Serving Ideas and When to Enjoy Them
These peanut butter cookies are perfect any time of day. They’re a classic afternoon snack with a glass of milk, a comforting dessert after dinner, or a simple treat to share with friends and family.
They also make a great addition to cookie trays, bake sales, and casual gatherings. Their familiar flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser, especially alongside chocolate-based cookies or lighter sugar cookies.
If you want to dress them up just a bit, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sandwich a little ice cream between two cookies for an easy homemade dessert.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to four days, maintaining their soft texture.
These cookies also freeze well. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
You can also freeze the unbaked dough. Scoop portions onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Why are my cookies too flat?
Over-softened butter or overmixing can cause cookies to spread too much. Make sure the butter is just softened, not melted.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may change the texture slightly due to oil separation.
How do I know when they’re done?
The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to set as they cool.
