Ever wondered why classic peanut butter cookies are so loved? They’re perfect for both new cooks and experienced bakers. This recipe is quick and easy, filling your kitchen with a wonderful smell. It only takes 1 minute to prepare and about 10 minutes to bake, making 24 soft, chewy cookies.

These cookies are a hit, with a 4.95 out of 5 rating from over 5,400 votes. Making them from scratch is surprisingly easy!

Key Takeaways

The recipe uses only four simple ingredients.
Preparation takes just 1 minute, with a baking time of 10-12 minutes.
Yields around 24 delicious cookies, each with approximately 193 calories.
This recipe has been a favorite for over a decade, showcasing its popularity.
Perfectly crisp texture can be achieved with precise baking times.
The cookies are easily customizable with options to add chocolate, vanilla, or salt.
Freezing options make it convenient for future enjoyment.

Introduction to Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are a tasty treat with a nutty flavor and chewy texture. They are loved by many for their taste and appeal. Enjoying them brings back memories and feels warm.

What Makes Peanut Butter Cookies So Special?

Peanut butter cookies have a sweet and salty taste. The creamy or chunky peanut butter makes them extra special. This recipe is loved for its comforting feel and endless possibilities.

When baked right, these cookies are soft and chewy. They perfectly mix flavors.

Benefits of Using Peanut Butter in Baking

Peanut butter in baked goods is good for you. It’s full of protein and healthy fats. Choosing a peanut butter cookie recipe is a treat that’s also nutritious.

These cookies are also easy to make. Baking them is a fun and rewarding activity.

Making the best peanut butter cookies is easy with just a few ingredients. A simple recipe lets you enjoy the classic taste of these treats. Let’s look at what you need to make these tasty cookies.

Key Ingredients You Will Need

Smooth Peanut Butter
unsalted butter
brown sugar
granulated sugar
all-purpose flour
pure vanilla extract
eggs
baking soda
cornstarch

These ingredients make a cookie with soft centers and a crisp edge. Creamy peanut butter makes it smooth, and the sugars add flavor and moisture.

Variations and Substitutes for Peanut Butter Cookies

This simple recipe is great as is, but you can try different things. Using chunky peanut butter adds texture. Brown sugar instead of white sugar deepens the flavor.

Try these fun variations:

Peanut butter blossoms (with chocolate on top)
Peanut butter jam thumbprints

Feel free to experiment with your ingredients. Chilling the dough for 1-2 hours before baking is key. With these tips, baking your own peanut butter cookies will be fun and rewarding.

A delicious stack of peanut butter cookies studded with chocolate chips, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies

Enjoy a delightful batch of peanut butter cookies with just a few simple steps! Follow this easy recipe that highlights the savory flavor of peanut butter. It ensures a soft, chewy texture. Let’s dive into how to make peanut butter cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking evenly.
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup + 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter, ⅔ cup light brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Mix until well blended.
Add one egg and incorporate it into your mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture, mixing thoroughly.
For the best texture, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Once chilled, roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

For the best peanut butter cookie recipe, keep the following tips in mind:

Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent over-spreading, resulting in soft and chewy cookies.
Do not overbake! These cookies should appear slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven.
Experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips or peanut butter chips to elevate flavor.

Enjoy your cookies fresh or store them in a closed container to maintain their delectable taste. With these straightforward instructions, making easy peanut butter cookies will become a beloved activity in your kitchen!

A fork dipping a cookie into creamy peanut butter, showcasing a delicious peanut butter cookie recipe.

Learn how to bake delicious peanut butter cookies with these tips! Whether you’re new to baking or have experience, avoiding common mistakes can make your cookies better. Use creamy peanut butter for the best taste. Chunky peanut butter can change the cookie’s texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Cookies

Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

Over-measuring flour: This can lead to dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale if possible to ensure accuracy.
Skipping the chilling step: Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour enhances flavors and texture.
Not creaming butter at room temperature: Properly creamed butter incorporates air, resulting in lighter cookies.
Overmixing the dough: Gradually incorporate dry ingredients to maintain a tender texture.
Incorrect baking temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F for optimal baking.

Storing and Freezing Peanut Butter Cookies

Storing peanut butter cookies right keeps them fresh and tasty. Cool cookies and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for about two days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the dough. Here’s how:

Shape the dough into one-inch balls and store in a freezer-safe bag.
To bake, thaw at room temperature for about an hour before placing in the oven.

A close-up of a delicious peanut butter cookie resting on a wooden cutting board, perfect for a sweet treat.

Follow these baking tips for peanut butter cookies to make your easy recipe a hit! When done right, these cookies are a treat that everyone will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting your peanut butter cookie journey might raise some questions. Let’s clear up some common ones to make your baking fun and rewarding!

Peanut butter cookie dough stays fresh for 3-5 days in the fridge. If you want to save some, a quick chill will keep it good.

How do you know when peanut butter cookies are done?

Checking if peanut butter cookies are done is easy. Look for light browning on the edges. This means they’re baked just right. A soft center is key for that perfect texture.

Why do peanut butter cookies not spread?

Peanut butter’s density is why these cookies keep their shape. This makes them chewy and delicious. Unlike other cookies, they don’t spread much, keeping their tasty flavor.

What do peanut butter cookies taste like?

Peanut butter cookies taste comforting and sweet. They have a hint of saltiness from the peanut butter. Each bite is rich and nutty, perfect with milk.

Conclusion

This homemade peanut butter cookie recipe brings warmth and nostalgia to any occasion. It’s perfect for both new and experienced bakers. You can make 40 delicious cookies that will wow everyone.

So, why not start baking? Get your ingredients ready and dive into the fun. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the flavor and the memories you make in the kitchen!

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