Oh friends… just reading that title makes me smile. There is something about soft peanut butter cookies that takes you straight back to childhood kitchens — flour on the counter, that warm nutty aroma in the air, and someone you love waiting by the oven.
These Best Ever Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are tender, thick, perfectly chewy in the center, and lightly crisp around the edges. Not dry. Not crumbly. Just soft, nostalgic perfection.
Every time I bake these, my kitchen smells like comfort. And trust me — once you try them, they’ll become your go-to peanut butter cookie recipe.
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Now let’s preheat that oven.
Overview of Best Ever Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies are classic American bakery-style peanut butter cookies — soft, chewy, and rich with peanut flavor. They use a blend of white and brown sugar for the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture.
Why You’ll Love Them
- Ultra soft centers
- Rich peanut butter flavor
- Easy pantry ingredients
- No chilling required
- Perfect for gifting
- Kid-approved and adult-loved
What They Taste Like
They’re buttery, nutty, slightly caramelized from brown sugar, and deeply satisfying. The signature fork marks give them that old-fashioned look we all know and love.
Full Ingredients (Complete & Detailed)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (regular, not natural-style for best texture)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork
How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together:
- Softened butter
- Peanut butter
- White sugar
- Brown sugar
Beat until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 3: Add Egg & Vanilla
Mix in:
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Beat until smooth.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
Do not overmix.
Step 5: Shape & Press
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls.
Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
Flatten gently with fork in crisscross pattern.
Step 6: Bake
Bake 9–11 minutes.
Edges should be set, centers slightly soft.
Do not overbake — they firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Cool
Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to rack.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Cookies
These pair beautifully with:
- Cold milk
- Espresso
- Vanilla ice cream
- Dark chocolate drizzle
For a sweet dessert table, try these from my kitchen:
- https://poulef.com/vegan-chocolate-chip-cookies
- https://poulef.com/gluten-free-banana-bread
- https://poulef.com/no-bake-energy-bites
- https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough
- https://poulef.com/easy-homemade-carbonara
Yes, I believe every meal deserves a sweet ending.
Tips for Making Them Perfect
- Use room temperature butter.
- Don’t overbake — softness comes from slightly underbaking.
- Use regular creamy peanut butter for classic texture.
- Chill dough 20 minutes if spreading too much.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt before baking for gourmet touch.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: 5 days airtight.
Freezer (Baked): 2 months.
Freezer (Dough): Freeze scooped balls up to 3 months.
Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
General Information
Peanut butter cookies became popular in American kitchens in the early 1900s. The iconic fork marks were first suggested to help the dense dough bake evenly.
Classic, simple, timeless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my cookies dry?
Overbaking is the most common reason.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but texture may be slightly more crumbly.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I double recipe?
Yes — it doubles beautifully.
Can I make them extra thick?
Chill dough 30 minutes before baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – 18 cookies)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugar | 11g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
Interactive Element
If you bake these Best Ever Soft Peanut Butter Cookies, I would LOVE to see your version!
Save this recipe and share on Pinterest here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Leave a comment below — are you team classic or team chocolate chips?
Print
Best Ever Soft Peanut Butter Cookies – 9 Powerful Reasons These Irresistibly Chewy Classics Melt in Your Mouth
- Total Time: PT25M
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Ever Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are rich, chewy, and perfectly tender. Made with creamy peanut butter and brown sugar, they’re nostalgic, easy, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet.
2. Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars until fluffy.
3. Add egg and vanilla and mix well.
4. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet.
6. Scoop dough and place on baking sheet.
7. Flatten with fork in crisscross pattern.
8. Bake 9-11 minutes.
9. Cool before serving.
Notes
Do not overbake for soft centers.
Use regular peanut butter for best texture.
Store airtight up to 5 days.
Freeze dough balls for easy baking later.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT10M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Table of Contents
Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
Let’s be friends!
