There’s something incredibly nostalgic about biting into a warm, freshly baked peanut butter cookie. The rich, nutty flavor combined with a chewy texture is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee or a delightful dessert to share at gatherings, this Best Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is sure to become a favorite. With just the right balance of sweetness and a hint of salt, these cookies are a testament to the magic of peanut butter and the joy of baking.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
This recipe is not just any peanut butter cookie recipe; it’s an all-time classic that has been perfected for optimal flavor and texture. The use of extra-crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful bite, while the combination of granulated and brown sugars creates the perfect sweetness. These cookies are versatile, making them ideal for any occasion—from lunchboxes to holiday cookie platters. Plus, they can be whipped up in under an hour, making them a convenient option for last-minute cravings.
Ingredient Checklist
To make the Best Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup extra-crunchy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts, crushed
Kitchen Gear Checklist
Before you start, ensure you have the following kitchen tools handy:
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer: To make creaming the butter and sugars easier.
- Baking sheets: For placing the cookies to bake.
- Parchment paper: To line your baking sheets for easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop: To ensure uniform cookie sizes.
- Cooling rack: For letting your cookies cool down properly.
Build Best Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheets
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleaning up a breeze.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents in the flour.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture on medium speed until it is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Peanut Butter and Eggs
Mix in the extra-crunchy peanut butter until well combined. Then, add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 7: Fold in Crushed Peanuts
Gently fold in the crushed dry roasted peanuts. This adds extra texture and enhances the peanut flavor.
Step 8: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your warm, delicious peanut butter cookies!
Make It Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to modify this recipe for dietary preferences, consider these options:
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Lower sugar: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in place of granulated and brown sugar.
- Nut-free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative.
- Vegan: Use vegan butter and flax eggs as a substitute for regular eggs.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
While making these cookies is straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overmixing: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Too much flour: Make sure to spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can lead to packing and excess flour.
- Underbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies; they may look slightly underbaked but will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Not chilling the dough: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
Make-Ahead & Storage
These cookies can easily be made ahead of time or stored for later enjoyment:
- Make-ahead: Prepare the cookie dough, scoop it onto baking sheets, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer freshness, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Common Qs About Best Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may alter the texture slightly. Natural peanut butter tends to be less sweet and can make the cookies a bit dryer. Adjust the sugar if needed.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers look slightly set. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a delicious way to enhance the flavor of your cookies. Just fold them in with the crushed peanuts.
What’s the best way to ensure my cookies are uniform in size?
Using a cookie scoop is the best method to ensure that your cookie dough balls are uniform in size, which helps them bake evenly.
If you love baking, check out these delicious recipes:
Make It Tonight
Now that you have the Best Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe in hand, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing friends and family with your baking skills. The warmth of freshly baked cookies will fill your kitchen with a cozy aroma that makes everything feel just right. Enjoy every bite of these delightful treats!
Best Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the peanut butter until well combined, then add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in the crushed peanuts.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- To lower sugar, substitute with erythritol or stevia.
- For vegan, use vegan butter and flax eggs.
