Meet your new go-to treat: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies. With their irresistibly tender texture, rich peanut butter aroma, and just the right hint of sweetness, these cookies capture all the cozy nostalgia of a bakery-fresh classic. Every bite melts in your mouth, perfect for snacking, sharing, or enjoying with a tall glass of cold milk. If you love simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way, this is the recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best Soft Peanut Butter Cookies rely on staple pantry ingredients, each playing a vital role in flavor and texture. These basic items come together for a cookie that’s wonderfully soft, with just the right hints of peanutty richness and a tender bite.

Unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth base for the cookies, while keeping the salt level in your control.
Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient; pick a good-quality, creamy version for smooth, consistent cookies.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that classic crinkly top.
Packed light brown sugar: Adds depth, subtle molasses flavor, and extra chewiness.
Large egg: Binds the dough together and contributes softness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and rounds out the flavors.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and support, keeping the cookies tender but not crumbly.
Baking soda: Gives a light lift, ensuring the cookies puff up just the right amount.
Salt: Highlights the peanut butter and balances the sweetness perfectly.

How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies bake evenly and come off easily without sticking. This little bit of prep makes for effortless cleanup later on, too.

Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Aim for a light and fluffy mixture—this aeration is what gives Soft Peanut Butter Cookies their delicate crumb and melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat well to combine. The egg adds richness and moisture, while the vanilla brings out those warm, dessert-like notes that keep you coming back for more.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening and salt—important for even baking and flavor balance in every bite.

Step 5: Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—gentle folding ensures your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies stay tender rather than tough.

Step 6: Shape and Pattern the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, rolling each into a ball with your hands. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern on each—this signature touch flattens the dough just enough and looks adorably old-fashioned.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 9–11 minutes, watching closely as the edges set but the centers look ever-so-slightly underbaked. Trust the process! Leaving them a little soft in the center gives you that perfect chewy, gooey texture once they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies sit on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This short rest helps them firm up while keeping the inside perfectly soft. Let them cool completely—if you can wait that long!—before digging in.

How to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

For a stunning finish, consider dusting your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies with powdered sugar, or pressing a few chocolate chips or crushed peanuts on top before baking. A little drizzle of melted chocolate or a pinch of flaky sea salt can make them look (and taste) extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat, or serve them alongside fresh berries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a wonderful dessert platter. For a fun twist, arrange with a small bowl of peanut butter dip or caramel sauce on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack several Soft Peanut Butter Cookies and tie them with a colorful ribbon for the perfect edible gift. For parties, layer them in a tiered cookie tray or serve them as ice cream sandwich bases. You can also crumble them over yogurt or pudding to add a sweet, peanutty crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain their softness—it works wonders!

Freezing

To freeze, lay cooled Soft Peanut Butter Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container once frozen solid. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

If you love your cookies warm, zap a cookie in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds. This quick heat restores some of that fresh-baked softness, making them just as heavenly as when they came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your Soft Peanut Butter Cookies a pleasant texture and an extra burst of peanut flavor. Just expect little peanut pieces throughout each bite, which many people adore.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Try substituting a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The cookies will stay soft and delicious, but be sure to check your baking soda and other ingredients are certified gluten-free, too.

Why did my cookies turn out dry?

The biggest culprit is overbaking. For best results, take the cookies out when the centers still look a bit underdone—they’ll finish setting as they cool, ensuring that signature softness.

Can I add mix-ins?

Certainly! Fold in mini chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped peanuts for extra flavor and variety. Each batch of Soft Peanut Butter Cookies can be a blank canvas for your favorite add-ins.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe easily doubles (or even triples) if you need more cookies for a crowd. Just be sure to mix thoroughly and bake in batches for best consistency and results.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for that perfectly soft, chewy peanut butter cookie, I can’t recommend these Soft Peanut Butter Cookies enough. They’re simple, utterly delicious, and sure to disappear fast. Grab your ingredients and give them a try—you’ll quickly see why they’re such a favorite in my kitchen!