Dessert

The Best Peanut Butter Cookies – Soft & Chewy Classic Recipe

Byanna orden March 30, 2026March 30, 2026

Introduction

Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless treat that combines rich peanut flavor with a soft and chewy texture. This simple, classic recipe uses common pantry ingredients to create perfectly tender cookies with just a hint of crispness at the edges.

A white plate stacked with two layers of round peanut butter cookies, each cookie golden brown with a textured fork crisscross pattern on top, placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred jar and other kitchen items in the background; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100g) brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, crushed peanuts, melted chocolate for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients form a smooth batter.
Step 3: Stir in the baking soda and salt until fully incorporated into the dough.
Step 4: Scoop the dough and roll it into small balls. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Use a fork to gently flatten each ball, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
Step 6: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Step 7: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

Do not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother, easier-to-mix dough.
Add chocolate chips or crushed peanuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for a decadent finish.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze either the baked cookies or the dough for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm baked cookies briefly in the microwave or enjoy them at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with a pile of golden-brown peanut butter cookies stacked in a neat heap, each cookie showing a crisscross fork pattern on top with a slightly cracked texture, sitting on a white marbled surface with blurred kitchen items in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, but natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less creamy, which may affect the texture of the cookies. Stir the natural peanut butter well before measuring and consider reducing added oils or fats in the recipe if you adjust it further.

How do I keep my peanut butter cookies soft?

Avoid overbaking by removing cookies from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet before moving to a rack, which helps them set while retaining moisture and softness.