Classic Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
These Classic Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are delightfully tender with a rich peanut butter flavor and a perfectly sweet balance. Soft in texture with a signature crisscross pattern, they are easy to make and bake to golden perfection for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (use smooth peanut butter for best results)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark brown sugar can be used)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream them together thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a soft texture in the cookies.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each scoop for spreading.
- Flatten and Decorate: Use the tines of a fork to lightly press down on each cookie scoop, creating a classic crisscross pattern on top.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies soft and tender.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- Cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
Keywords: classic peanut butter cookies, soft peanut butter cookies, easy peanut butter cookies, homemade peanut butter cookies, peanut butter dessert
