Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe: Easy, Soft & Chewy Classic Treats

There’s something magical about the scent of freshly baked peanut butter cookies wafting through the kitchen—a smell that instantly takes me back to my childhood, standing on a stool in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. Those classic peanut butter cookies were always the star of family gatherings, soft yet chewy with just the right amount of peanutty goodness.

Today, I’m sharing a simple, no-fuss peanut butter cookie recipe that’s perfect for busy home cooks, parents juggling dinner and homework, and baking enthusiasts who want that perfect cookie every time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these homemade peanut butter cookies will bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.

If you love classic treats with a twist, don’t miss out on my butter pecan cookies recipe or the festive fun in my July cookies with festive sprinkles. And if you want to keep baking inspired, be sure to Follow Kai Recipes on Facebook for more delicious ideas!

What Makes These Classic Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies So Great

This recipe is a keeper because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. These peanut butter cookies are soft and chewy—think melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with that irresistible peanut butter aroma. They’re also incredibly kid-friendly, making them a go-to for after-school snacks or holiday baking sessions.

The beauty? No chilling required for the dough, which means you can mix and bake in under an hour, ideal for busy schedules or spontaneous cookie cravings. For a little gourmet upgrade, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top before baking—it adds a lovely contrast that takes these cookies from classic to crave-worthy.

If you enjoy peanut butter but want to try a moist, chocolatey twist, check out my moist chocolate zucchini bread recipe for a sneaky veggie treat. And for a sweeter bite, the red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are pure indulgence. Don’t forget to Explore Kai Recipes on Pinterest for creative cooking inspiration to keep your dessert game strong!

What You’ll Need: Peanut Butter Cookie Ingredients

Here’s a handy breakdown of the star ingredients you’ll need to whip up these soft and chewy peanut butter cookies:

• Creamy shelf-stable peanut butter: For smooth texture and easy mixing
• Brown sugar & white sugar: Brown sugar adds chewiness; white sugar balances sweetness
• Unsalted butter (softened): Real butter = best flavor and texture
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth
• Unbleached all-purpose flour: For tender crumb
• One large egg: Binds ingredients perfectly
• Baking soda & baking powder: For lift and lightness
• Optional: flaky sea salt: For that salty-sweet magic on top
• Optional additions: Chocolate chips or chopped nuts for peanut butter cookie variations

Choosing the right ingredients is key to nailing the classic peanut butter cookie texture and flavor. If you want a gluten-free option or a healthier spin, I’ll share some variations below!

What Kind of Peanut Butter Is Best?

The secret to the best peanut butter cookies lies in the peanut butter itself. For a soft, creamy cookie dough and a consistent bake, I recommend using creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter brands like Jif or Skippy. These hold up well in baking, providing a smooth texture without drying out the dough.

Chunky peanut butter can add delightful nutty bits but may require a slight tweak in quantity to maintain moisture. Natural peanut butter, while healthy, tends to separate and can make cookies dry or crumbly—so if you go natural, be prepared for a different texture.

Pro tip: Avoid peanut butter brands with added oils or sugars for the cleanest flavor and best baking results. For a deeper dive into peanut butter choices, explore best peanut butter brands for baking cookies (coming soon on kai Recipes!).

How to Make Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies: Step-by-Step

Ready to bake? Follow these steps for perfect, classic peanut butter cookies every time:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually stir this dry mix into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
5. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form dough into balls and place them on your baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
6. Press down on each ball with a fork, creating the signature crisscross fork marks—this helps the cookies bake evenly and look classic.
7. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie for a gourmet touch.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them—the cookies may look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
9. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

No chilling required here, but if you want, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes for even thicker cookies.

Can I Make the Dough in Advance?

Absolutely! You can make your peanut butter cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature for about 15–20 minutes—it will be easier to scoop and shape.

Chilling the dough enhances flavor and texture by letting the ingredients meld, especially useful if you prefer slightly thicker, chewier cookies.

Tips for Success & Variations

• Use real butter (not margarine or spreads) for the richest flavor.
• Don’t skip the fork press marks — they’re not just decorative; they help the cookies bake evenly and develop that classic texture.
• Weigh your ingredients with a kitchen scale for accuracy and consistent results.
• For chocolate lovers, try adding chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on cooled cookies.
• Love a little crunch? Substitute part of the creamy peanut butter with chunky peanut butter for texture.
• Need gluten-free? Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and bake as usual.
• For an allergy-friendly option, try an egg substitute like flax eggs and use natural peanut butter carefully.
• For busy days, quick peanut butter cookie recipes with fewer ingredients work great — and you can find some on my Pinterest board, Discover irresistible sweet treats on Kai Recipes’ Pinterest board.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

To keep your peanut butter cookies fresh:

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 5 days.
• To freeze, layer baked cookies with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw cookies at room temperature before serving.
• You can also freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container once frozen. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to baking time.

More Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes to Try

If you loved this classic peanut butter cookie recipe, you might want to try some of these crowd-pleasers from kai Recipes:

• Butter pecan cookies recipe: A nutty, buttery delight perfect for nut lovers.
• July cookies with festive sprinkles: Celebrate any occasion with these colorful, fun cookies.
• Moist chocolate zucchini bread recipe: A sneaky way to enjoy veggies and chocolate in one!
• Red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting: Decadent and perfect for special occasions.

Stay Connected for More Tips & Updates

There you have it — your go-to recipe for soft, chewy peanut butter cookies that feel like a warm hug from the oven. Don’t be shy—give this recipe a try, tweak it to your liking, and share your results or secret tips in the comments below.

Hungry for more inspiration? Follow Kai Recipes on Facebook for more delicious ideas and Explore Kai Recipes on Pinterest for creative cooking inspiration. Happy baking, friends!

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