If there is one treat that never fails to deliver pure comfort and crave-worthy flavor, it’s the BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies. Imagine biting into a golden, crinkly edge, giving way to a pillow-soft center bursting with sweet, nutty richness—each bite a perfect balance of nostalgia and pure joy. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cookie exchange, or just because you need a cozy pick-me-up, these cookies hit the spot every time. Let’s dive into all the delicious details, so you can share (or keep) a batch of your new absolute favorite cookies!

BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these cookies are wonderfully simple, but each plays an essential role in achieving that dreamy, soft, and chewy texture. When combined, they create what I truly believe are the ultimate peanut butter cookies—each component contributes a little magic to the final result.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives richness and ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb — make sure it’s room temp for the best creaming.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and gives just the right amount of classic crispness at the edges.
Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and deep, caramel-like flavor for that irresistible chew.
Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that infuses nutty flavor and that signature soft, fudgy bite.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together while keeping the cookies delightfully soft.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and adds a warm, aromatic touch.
All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Forms the cookie’s structure without making them overly cakey.
Baking soda (3/4 teaspoon): Helps the cookies spread and brown just right.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift for that soft, puffy finish.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and highlights the peanut butter’s richness.

How to Make BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Set the mood for baking bliss! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies bake evenly and lift right off. This simple step ensures your cookies won’t stick and clean-up is a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter. Take a couple of minutes to really cream these ingredients until light and fluffy—the air you whip in here sets the stage for the BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies texture. The mixture should look pale and a touch creamy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing just until everything is blended. The egg adds rich moisture, and the vanilla makes the peanut butter flavor truly sing. Make sure there are no streaks of egg left!

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step makes sure your leaveners are evenly spread throughout the dough—no bites of salty baking soda here! You’re already halfway to some pretty phenomenal peanut butter cookies.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to your peanut butter mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as the last bit of flour disappears. The dough should be soft and a bit sticky, just perfect for rolling.

Step 6: Shape and Crisscross

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls—this hands-on bit is oddly satisfying! Place them about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheets. Press each gently with a fork, making that iconic crisscross pattern that says “I’m a homemade peanut butter cookie!”

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slip your trays into the oven and bake for 9–11 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a light golden color while the centers stay soft. Resist the urge to overbake; those underdone centers set into chewy, peanut-buttery perfection as they cool. Let the cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.

How to Serve BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are naturally gorgeous with their golden hue and crisscross tops, but you can sprinkle each with a pinch of flaky sea salt before baking for a gourmet touch. For added decadence, drizzle lightly with melted chocolate or top with a few chopped roasted peanuts. Every little flourish just gives an extra pop of flavor and fun.

Side Dishes

Because the BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are so full of sweet, nutty flavor, they pair perfectly with an ice-cold glass of milk, a steamy cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Try serving them alongside fresh strawberries or banana slices for a playful, peanut-butter-and-fruit vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies high on a rustic wooden board for family gatherings, tuck them into mason jars as easy gifts, or package them in a pretty box tied with ribbon for a homemade treat. If you’re feeling extra creative, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies and roll the edges in mini chocolate chips—ultimate ice cream sandwiches, anyone?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies will stay fresh for up to five days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Tuck a slice of soft bread in with the cookies—the bread lends its moisture to keep your cookies extra chewy (just swap the bread out if it gets stale before the cookies disappear).

Freezing

If you want to enjoy them fresh anytime, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For a truly convenient treat, freeze dough balls instead—just add a minute or two to the baking time when you’re ready for fresh cookies straight from the oven.

Reheating

To revive that warm, bakery-fresh feel, pop a cookie in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. For a big batch, use a low (300°F) oven for 5 minutes; the edges get gently crisp and the middle stays soft and chewy—just like when they first came out of the oven.

FAQs

Why do my peanut butter cookies come out dry or crumbly?

This happens when the dough is overmixed or the cookies are baked a little too long. For the BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies, be sure to mix the dough just until combined and remove the cookies from the oven when the centers still look soft—they’ll finish setting as they cool.

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Natural peanut butter can work, but it tends to separate and make the dough a bit greasy or crumbly. For the most reliable texture in these cookies, stick with classic creamy peanut butter that doesn’t separate.

What’s the secret to the crisscross pattern on top?

After rolling the dough into balls, use a fork to press gently in one direction, then again at a 90-degree angle. Not only does this create that classic look, it also flattens the dough slightly for perfect even baking of the BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies.

Are there mix-ins or variations I can try?

Absolutely! Add a handful of chocolate chips, chopped roasted peanuts, or swirl in a few tablespoons of crushed pretzels for a fun salty-sweet contrast. You can even try chunky peanut butter if you love extra texture.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, the recipe doubles beautifully. Just be sure to cream your butter and sugars thoroughly and use extra baking sheets so you don’t overcrowd the cookies—everyone deserves a perfectly soft and chewy peanut butter cookie, after all!

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a cookie that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, you simply can’t go wrong with these BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies. Whip up a batch and share the love—or tuck them away for your own secret stash. Trust me, once you taste them, they’ll become your go-to recipe whenever that peanut butter craving strikes!