Best Soft Peanut Butter Cookies: 10-min magic

Name: Best Soft Peanut Butter Cookies: 10-min magic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour blend); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened but cool; 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 3/4 cup Brown Sugar; 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter; 1 large Egg; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

by Fatima Garcia

•

22 de January de 2026

Jump to Recipe

Soft peanut butter cookies have always held a special place in my heart, bringing back memories of cozy afternoons and my grandma’s kitchen. I’ve discovered that the secret to the absolute best soft peanut butter cookies truly lies in a few simple techniques, and today I’m sharing my favorite way to make them. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for easy soft peanut butter cookies from scratch, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. The aroma of warm peanut butter and sugar filling your home is simply irresistible. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

These cookies are a guaranteed hit for so many reasons! They offer that perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavor that everyone adores. Plus, they’re incredibly quick to whip up, making them ideal for those busy weeknights or spontaneous craving sessions.

Unbeatable taste: Experience the rich, classic peanut butter flavor.
Quick prep time: Get them from mixing bowl to oven in under 20 minutes.
Family-favorite treat: Kids and adults alike will devour these.
Budget-friendly ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
Perfect texture: You’ll adore this chewy peanut butter cookies recipe.
Incredibly moist: These result in wonderfully moist peanut butter cookies.
Versatile: Great on their own or as a base for other flavors.

Ingredients for Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treats. Having the right peanut butter cookie ingredients for softness is key, and I’ll explain why as we go!

2 cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend) – this forms the base of our cookie.
1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies spread and brown.
1 teaspoon baking powder – this is a major player in what makes peanut butter cookies soft and gives them a slight lift.
1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened but cool – using butter that’s softened but not melted is crucial for the right cookie texture.
3/4 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
3/4 cup brown sugar – packed, this adds moisture and a chewy texture.
1 cup creamy peanut butter – the star of the show! Use a standard creamy peanut butter for the best flavor and texture.
1 large egg – acts as a binder and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors.

How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Whipping up these amazing cookies is a breeze, and you’ll be so impressed with how straightforward it is to create these simple homemade peanut butter cookies. No chilling required means you can go from craving to cookie in under an hour!

Step 1: First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab a couple of baking sheets and line them with parchment paper – this makes cleanup a snap and prevents any sticking.
Step 2: In a nice big mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter with both the granulated sugar and the packed brown sugar. Beat them with an electric mixer until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes, and it’s where you start building that wonderful cookie base.
Step 3: Now for the star ingredient! Add the creamy peanut butter to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix in the large egg and the vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly combined and looks beautifully smooth. The aroma at this stage is just heavenly!
Step 4: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Giving them a quick whisk ensures they’re evenly distributed, which is important for consistent cookie texture.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 4 into the wet ingredients from Step 3. Mix everything together until it’s *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix here; overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of perfectly soft. This dough is ready to go, no chill time needed for these peanut butter cookies no chill dough wonders!

Step 6: Time to form the cookies! Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one so they have room to spread as they bake.
Step 7: Grab a fork and gently flatten each cookie ball, pressing down slightly. Then, press again in the opposite direction to create that classic criss-cross pattern on top. This little step is iconic for peanut butter cookies!
Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be a lovely golden brown. The centers might still look a little soft, and that’s exactly what you want for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 9: Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set up a bit. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious, homemade treats!

Pro Tips for the Best Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Want to guarantee your cookies are absolutely perfect every time? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference:

Always use creamy peanut butter that doesn’t have oil separation – it incorporates much better into the dough.
Don’t overbake! Pull them out when the edges are golden but the centers still look a little underdone; they’ll continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
For an extra burst of flavor, add about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped peanuts to the dough in Step 5.

What’s the secret to perfect soft peanut butter cookies?

The magic really lies in the combination of brown sugar and baking powder. Brown sugar brings moisture, while baking powder gives that extra lift, ensuring you get those delightful melt in your mouth peanut butter cookies. For more baking science insights, you can explore resources on the science of cooking.

Can I make soft peanut butter cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with soft peanut butter cookies?

The biggest pitfall is overbaking, which leads to dry cookies. To prevent why are my peanut butter cookies hard?, watch them closely and remove them from the oven when the edges are just golden. Also, ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh for proper leavening. Check out this guide on ingredient substitutions for baking.

Best Ways to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with simple additions. For a classic treat, enjoy them with a tall glass of cold milk – it’s a nostalgic combination that never disappoints. You could also try them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.

If you’re looking to elevate your cookie experience, consider transforming them into soft peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. Simply fold in about a cup of your favorite chocolate chips into the dough before baking. They also make a wonderful base for ice cream sandwiches; just sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies!

Best Soft Peanut Butter Cookies: 10-min magic - Soft Peanut Butter Cookies - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for these delicious treats, per cookie. Knowing the details helps when you’re enjoying them!

Calories: 150 kcal
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 80 mg
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you make substitutions.

How to Store and Reheat Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Proper storage is key to keeping cookies soft and delicious! Once your cookies have completely cooled on the wire rack, transfer them to an airtight container. I find that adding a slice of bread to the container works wonders to maintain that lovely, soft texture for up to 3-4 days when stored at room temperature. If you need to store them for longer, the freezer is your best friend! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, you have a couple of options. For a quick treat, you can microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds – just enough to take the chill off and make it wonderfully soft again. Alternatively, you can let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Both methods bring back that fresh-baked goodness!

Variations of Soft Peanut Butter Cookies You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative! These cookies are wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor them to your preferences or dietary needs. Trying out different versions is half the fun!

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Soft: For a heartier texture and nutty flavor, try adding 1 cup of rolled oats to the dry ingredients in Step 4. This creates fantastic peanut butter oatmeal cookies soft, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Without Eggs: If you need an egg-free option, you can substitute the egg with a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. These soft peanut butter cookies without eggs are just as delicious!
Chocolate Drizzle Delight: After the cookies have cooled completely, melt some semi-sweet or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the tops. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is always a winner!
Add-Ins Galore: Feel free to fold in about 1/2 cup of your favorite additions into the dough during Step 5. Mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even M&Ms make these cookies extra special.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Can I make these soft peanut butter cookies extra gooey?

Absolutely! To achieve a more gooey texture, slightly underbake the cookies. Pull them out when the edges are set but the centers still look very soft and slightly underdone. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet and firm up just enough while retaining that irresistible gooey center, making them a fantastic gooey peanut butter cookie recipe.

What if I want classic peanut butter cookies?

If you’re aiming for a more traditional, slightly firmer texture while still being soft, be sure not to overmix the dough and bake them for the full 12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. The key to classic peanut butter cookies that are still soft is the balance of ingredients and not overdoing the baking time. The criss-cross pattern is also a hallmark of the classic look!

Why are my peanut butter cookies spreading too much?

Spreading can happen if your butter is too soft or if you used too much sugar. Ensure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch. Also, make sure you’re using the correct amount of flour and not packing it too tightly when measuring. If the dough seems too wet, you can add a tablespoon more flour at a time.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you definitely can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your cookies. The flavor will be slightly different, and you might notice a bit more texture from the peanut pieces. The baking process remains the same, and they will still be wonderfully soft.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia