When it comes to classic homemade cookies, there’s nothing quite like a soft and chewy peanut butter cookie. The comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich nutty flavor, soft peanut butter cookies are loved by people of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your apron and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies!.

The Perfect Combination of Sweetness and Nuttiness

Peanut butter, a staple in many households, serves as the star ingredient in these delectable cookies. A generous amount of creamy peanut butter lends a distinctive taste that blends perfectly with the sweetness of the other ingredients.

The result is a cookie that strikes a harmonious balance between sweet and nutty flavors, making it utterly irresistible.

Simple Ingredients, Incredible Taste

One of the best things about soft peanut butter cookies is that they require just a handful of common pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:.

1 cup of all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon of baking soda
¼ teaspoon of salt
½ cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ cup of creamy peanut butter
½ cup of granulated sugar
½ cup of packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these delightful cookies:.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential to ensure that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed and prevents any lumps from forming while mixing the dough.

Step 3: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.

The creamy peanut butter adds a smooth and luscious texture to the dough.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugars are well combined, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

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The egg acts as a binding agent, ensuring that the cookies hold together during baking, while the vanilla extract adds a delightful aroma.

Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mixing on low speed prevents the flour from scattering and ensures that all the ingredients are incorporated evenly.

Continue mixing until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as it can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out the dough and roll it into approximately one-inch balls. Placing the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ensures easy cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking.

Step 7: Press the Dough Balls

Using a fork, create a crisscross pattern on top of each dough ball, gently pressing down. This not only gives the cookies their classic peanut butter cookie appearance but also helps them bake evenly.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.

Be sure not to overbake the cookies, as they continue to firm up as they cool and you want to achieve that soft and chewy texture that makes them so irresistible.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Grab a glass of milk and indulge in the goodness of these soft peanut butter cookies!.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

While these soft peanut butter cookies are utterly delicious on their own, you can always jazz them up with additional ingredients or get creative with your serving ideas. Here are a few variations and suggestions:.

Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for an extra indulgent twist.
Sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of creamy Nutella or a spread of strawberry jam for a delightful cookie sandwich.
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert.
Enjoy them alongside a warm mug of cocoa or a cup of freshly brewed coffee as an afternoon pick-me-up.

However you choose to enjoy them, soft peanut butter cookies are a timeless treat that will never disappoint.