Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe - Soft, Chewy & Irresistible!
Desserts

Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe - Soft, Chewy & Irresistible!

This peanut butter cookie recipe is your ticket to soft, chewy cookies with just the right amount of peanut buttery goodness. Perfect for every occasi...

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Prep Time 15 min
Cook Time 12 min
Total Time 27 min
Servings 24
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Recipe by Bake the World Published on December 5, 2025

This peanut butter cookie recipe is your ticket to soft, chewy cookies with just the right amount of peanut buttery goodness. Perfect for every occasion!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut butter cookie recipe

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Tip: Lining your baking sheet ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

    Tip: Whisking aerates the dry ingredients, ensuring even mixing later.

  3. In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

    Tip: Creaming incorporates air, creating a softer cookie texture.

  4. Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until smooth and fully combined.

    Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure thorough mixing.

  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

    Tip: Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.

  6. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

    Tip: Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor.

  7. Scoop 1.5-tablespoon portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern.

    Tip: Dip the fork in sugar to prevent sticking while creating the pattern.

  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked.

    Tip: Cookies continue to bake on the sheet after removal, so don’t overbake.

  9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Tip: Cooling on the rack prevents soggy bottoms and helps cookies set properly.

Pro Tips & Notes for Peanut butter cookie recipe

Storage & Reheating for Peanut butter cookie recipe

Storage: To store your peanut butter cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container. For longer storage, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes, then warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes for that freshly baked feel. If the cookies lose some of their chewiness, place a slice of bread in the container overnight to restore moisture.

What to Serve With This for Peanut butter cookie recipe

Frequently Asked Questions for Peanut butter cookie recipe

How do I make my peanut butter cookies soft and chewy?

Use a mix of brown and granulated sugar, don’t overbake, and chill the dough before baking for the best texture.

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred to avoid excess oil that could affect the cookie texture.

What’s the best way to flatten peanut butter cookies?

Use a fork dipped in sugar to create a crisscross pattern while pressing the dough balls gently.

Can I freeze peanut butter cookie dough?

Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze until firm, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

Ensure the dough is chilled. Over-creaming the butter and sugar can also cause excessive spreading.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for similar results.