Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

I absolutely adore soft and chewy peanut butter cookies! The crumbly texture melts in my mouth with every bite, and the rich flavor of peanut butter is simply irresistible. The cookies have a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, making them a delightful treat for any time of the day.

The slightly crispy edges give way to a soft, gooey center that is pure bliss. Whether enjoyed with a glass of cold milk or on its own, these cookies never fail to bring a smile to my face.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

• 1 cup (250g) smooth peanut butter – For that rich, peanutty flavor that’s at the heart of these cookies.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – To sweeten the cookies just right.
• 1 large egg – Helps to bind the ingredients together and adds to the cookies’ chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies to rise slightly, giving them their soft texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a depth of flavor and a hint of vanilla.
• A pinch of salt (optional) – To enhance the flavors of the cookies.
• Extra granulated sugar for rolling (optional) – This gives the cookies a sparkly, slightly crunchy exterior.

Instructions for Making Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the smooth peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, baking soda, and vanilla extract. If you’re using salt, add it here as well. Mix everything together until well combined and you have a smooth, even dough.
3. Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, form the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter. If you like, roll each ball in extra granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet. This will give your cookies a lovely, sparkly finish.
4. Bake the Cookies: Place the cookie dough balls on the baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Gently press down on the top of each ball to slightly flatten them. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
5. Cool and Serve: Once the cookies are done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set up and become perfectly chewy.
6. Enjoy: Your Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or simply on their own for a delicious treat.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choose the Right Peanut Butter: The type of peanut butter you use can significantly affect the flavor and texture of your cookies. For the best results, use a commercial smooth peanut butter. Natural peanut butter can be used as well, but keep in mind it may affect the cookies’ texture due to its varying oil content.

Don’t Overmix the Dough: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies because it develops the gluten in the flour.

Use Fresh Baking Soda: Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise. Baking soda that’s too old can result in cookies that don’t spread or rise properly.

Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg is at room temperature to ensure it mixes uniformly into the batter, which helps with the overall texture of the cookies.

Adjust Baking Time for Desired Texture: Bake time will affect the final texture of your cookies. Bake them for a shorter time if you prefer them softer and a bit longer if you like them with a slight crunch on the edges.

Try Add-Ins: For a twist, you can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to add texture and enhance flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Milk Pairing: Peanut butter cookies and a glass of cold milk is a classic combination. The richness of the cookie pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the milk.

Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a decadent treat, use two peanut butter cookies to sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Vanilla, chocolate, or even a berry ice cream can offer a delightful contrast.

Cookie Platter: Mix your Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with other varieties such as chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and snickerdoodles for a beautiful and tasty cookie platter, perfect for gatherings.

Dessert Garnish: Crumble the cookies and use them as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or even a peanut butter pie to add a delightful crunch and flavor boost.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature Storage: Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week.

Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies: Fully baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container, with layers separated by parchment paper. Thaw them at room temperature or in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Reviving Cookies: If the cookies have become too soft or if you’ve just thawed frozen cookies, you can revive them by popping them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. This can help them get a bit of their crisp back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth? Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter if you prefer a bit of extra texture in your cookies. Keep in mind that it might slightly alter the texture of the cookie.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky to handle? If your dough is too sticky, chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes can help make it more manageable. Dusting your hands with a bit of flour can also prevent sticking when rolling the dough into balls.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by ensuring your baking soda is gluten-free and substituting the granulated sugar with a gluten-free alternative if necessary. Since the recipe doesn’t require flour, it’s naturally gluten-free, but always check your labels to be sure.

Why did my cookies come out flat? Flat cookies can result from overly softened or melted peanut butter, old baking soda, or too much sugar. Make sure your ingredients are fresh and measured accurately, and avoid overmixing the dough.

Can I add oats to the recipe? Absolutely! Adding a half cup of rolled oats can give the cookies a chewier texture and a bit of nuttiness. Just be mindful that adding too many oats may require adjusting the amount of peanut butter or sugar to keep the dough cohesive.