“Make the best peanut butter cookies with this easy homemade recipe! These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are packed with rich peanut butter flavor and have a perfectly crisp edge. With simple pantry ingredients and quick prep time, these classic peanut butter cookies are great for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for old-fashioned peanut butter cookies, a no-fail cookie recipe, or a kid-friendly dessert, this recipe delivers every time. Plus, you can customize them with chocolate chips or make them gluten-free. Enjoy these delicious, bakery-style peanut butter cookies fresh out of the oven!”

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup peanut butter
1 large egg
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted after measuring)

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the peanut butter and egg until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sifted flour.
Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
Shape & Flatten: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use a fork to gently flatten each cookie in a crisscross pattern.
Bake & Cool: Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

For extra soft cookies, avoid overbaking; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on your texture preference.
For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly.

Variations and Substitutions

Healthier Option: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Chocolate Lovers: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolate-peanut butter combo.
Nut-Free Alternative: Use sunflower seed butter for a peanut-free version.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Sweeter Touch: Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top before baking.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

How do I store baked cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure to stir it well before using, as natural peanut butter tends to separate.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Crumble over yogurt or oatmeal for added crunch.
Sandwich with Nutella or jam for a fun twist on peanut butter cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Perfectly Chewy & Soft: A delightful texture with just the right amount of crisp edges.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to fit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing: A classic cookie recipe loved by kids and adults alike.

Enjoy these homemade peanut butter cookies for a comforting and delicious treat!