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Imagine soft peanut butter cookies that stay chewy inside and get a little crunchy on the edges. They’re simple but totally satisfying, great to have ready when you want a cozy sweet snack.
The very first time I made these, it was by chance with just a few things on hand. Now, they’re our go-to treat when we want something comfy and yummy.
What You Need
- Brown sugar: adds moisture and a little caramel note
- Vanilla extract: gives the cookies a warm, rich aroma; try to use pure for best flavor
- Baking soda: the ingredient that helps them rise and stay tender
- Salt: boosts flavors and cuts the sweetness
- Large egg: pulls everything together and gives richness
- Granulated sugar: sweetens and helps create those crunchy edges
- Creamy peanut butter: for that smooth and nutty taste; natural peanut butter works too but might change the texture a bit
- All-purpose flour: builds the cookie’s structure, pick fresh, finely ground for best results
How to Make Them
- Set Oven Temperature:
- Heat the oven up to 350°F to make sure the cookies bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt well in a bowl so they’re evenly spread.
- Beat Sugars and Peanut Butter:
- In another bigger bowl, whip together peanut butter with both sugars until it looks light and fluffy. This adds air to your dough.
- Stir in Egg and Vanilla:
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth and everything sticks together.
- Bring Dry and Wet Ingredients Together:
- Slowly mix the dry stuff into the peanut butter mix. Stir enough to blend but don’t overdo it to keep the dough soft.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Spoon little mounds onto sheets lined with parchment or mats, leaving about two inches between each so they don’t stick together.
- Bake Them:
- Pop the trays in the oven and let the cookies bake between 10 and 12 minutes. Watch for golden edges while keeping the centers soft for that perfect bite.
- Cool Down Time:
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet a few minutes before moving them to wire racks to finish cooling. This helps them hold their shape without breaking.
I like sprinkling flaky sea salt right before baking to add a nice contrast that lifts the sweetness. Once I tossed in dark chocolate bits and every bite was a nice surprise.
How to Store Them
Keep these cookies fresh by storing them at room temp inside an airtight container. Want them longer? Freeze baked cookies with parchment layers in between. When you’re ready, let them warm up on the counter or heat slightly in the oven.
Ways to Switch It Up
Try crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for a fun crunch. Add cinnamon or just a pinch of cayenne if you want a little kick. You can also toss in mix-ins like white chocolate chips, raisins, or shredded coconut to make them your own.
Tasty Pairings
Grab a cold glass of milk or a hot coffee to go with these cookies for a perfect flavor combo. Or add vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a treat that feels extra special. Fresh fruit slices alongside make a nice snack plate too.
Once you see how easy and rewarding these peanut butter cookies are, they’ll quickly become a favorite to make anytime. Let baking fill your kitchen with warmth and smells that just can’t be beat.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Want chewier cookies?
Pull them out of the oven a bit early to keep centers soft and edges crisp.
- → Best peanut butter to use?
Natural peanut butter packs more flavor but changes texture a bit. Creamy peanut butter gives a smoother dough.
- → Can I swap out the sugars?
Using both granulated and brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar also makes them chewier and deeper in flavor.
- → How to space dough for baking?
Leave about two inches between scoops so they can spread and bake evenly.
- → What’s the best oven temp and time?
Set oven at 350°F (175°C), bake for 10 to 12 minutes till edges turn golden but centers stay soft.
- → How do I keep cookies fresh?
Put cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for around five days.