Homemade Soft Peanut Butter Cookies: A Recipe from the Heart
Okay, grab your aprons, friends! Let’s chat about something near and dear to my heart – and I suspect, yours too: homemade soft peanut butter cookies. I can almost smell them now, can’t you? That warm, nutty aroma filling the kitchen, promising a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
I remember the first time I tried to make peanut butter cookies. It was a disaster! They came out flat, hard, and tasted more like burnt peanuts than the delicious cookies I was dreaming of. I almost gave up, thinking I just wasn’t cut out for baking. But then my grandma, bless her heart, stepped in and shared her secret – a little bit of love and a few key ingredients, and suddenly, I was making homemade soft peanut butter cookies that were gobbled up in minutes.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected that original recipe, turning it into a family favorite that’s requested for every holiday, birthday, and just-because occasion. It’s funny how such a simple cookie can bring so much joy, isn’t it? And you know what? It’s actually a really easy peanut butter cookie recipe to throw together, even on a busy weeknight.
Sometimes, when the kids were little, I’d let them “help” me make these. Flour everywhere, peanut butter smeared on their faces…it was a mess, but those are the memories I cherish the most. Now they’re older, but they still come running when they hear I’m making homemade soft peanut butter cookies. It’s become our little tradition.
My cooking philosophy is all about creating delicious, approachable food that brings people together. And these homemade soft peanut butter cookies fit that bill perfectly. They’re simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. They are so easy to make and bring joy to everyone in the family!
I truly think you’re gonna love it! So, let’s get baking, shall we? I promise, even if you’ve had a cookie-baking mishap in the past, this recipe will turn you into a homemade soft peanut butter cookie pro. I also made these spider cookies before during Halloween! Check out my homemade soft peanut butter cookie variation by clicking here!
What You’ll Need for These Homemade Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these amazing homemade soft peanut butter cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: I always use unsalted butter because I like to control the amount of salt in my baking. Plus, it gives the cookies a richer flavor.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: I’m a creamy peanut butter kind of gal when it comes to homemade soft peanut butter cookies. It gives them that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. However, you could use chunky for a little extra crunch!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness, of course!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a lovely molasses flavor and helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- 2 large eggs: These bind everything together. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that classic cookie flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I usually have all-purpose flour on hand, but you can use a gluten-free blend if you need a gluten-free peanut butter cookie option.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: For extra lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To balance out the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar, for rolling: This is optional, but it adds a nice sparkle and extra sweetness to the cookies.
Shopping Tip: When I’m making homemade soft peanut butter cookies, I always check the expiration dates on my baking soda and baking powder. Expired leavening agents can result in flat, sad cookies. Also, sometimes I get my Peanut butter from Costco since its so much cheaper!
Kitchen Wisdom: Here’s a trick I learned from my grandma: Cream the butter and sugars together really well. It makes a huge difference in the texture of the cookies. I also use this tip with other recipes, like my chocolate peanut butter pie here.
Cost-Saving Tip: Buy peanut butter in bulk when it’s on sale. It lasts a long time, and you’ll always have it on hand for making homemade soft peanut butter cookies or a quick sandwich.
Storage Tip: Store leftover flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh.
Let’s Make These Homemade Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Together
Okay, friend, let’s get down to business and bake these homemade soft peanut butter cookies together! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is where that kitchen wisdom comes in handy! The better you cream these ingredients, the softer and chewier your cookies will be. I use a stand mixer for this, but a hand mixer works just as well.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. I also like to add a tablespoon of peanut butter here to ensure extra peanut butter flavor in my homemade soft peanut butter cookies!
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. You can use a cookie scoop to make sure they’re all the same size.
- Roll each ball in granulated sugar. This is optional, but it adds a nice sparkle and sweetness.
- Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern. This is the classic peanut butter cookie look. I learned the hard way with homemade soft peanut butter cookies that if you skip this step, they won’t bake evenly.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. I find that homemade soft peanut butter cookies usually take about 9 minutes in my oven, but yours may vary.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking apart.
While the homemade soft peanut butter cookies are baking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or catch up on a book. It is a nice, simple snack to make while catching up with my family. Your homemade soft peanut butter cookies should smell like peanut butter heaven! If they don’t, something went wrong.
Family-Tested Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. You can also check this Facebook forum for more cookie baking tips here.
How I Love to Serve These Homemade Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Oh, where do I even begin? My family loves these homemade soft peanut butter cookies any time of day!
My kids especially love them with a cold glass of milk after school. It’s the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. They love to come home from school and eat it, talking about their day. I usually make homemade soft peanut butter cookies when I’m hosting a potluck. They’re always a hit, and they’re so easy to transport.
Serving Suggestions
Go-To Side Dish: I love to serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, nutty cookies paired with the cold, creamy ice cream is simply divine. It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. You can even put peanut butter on the ice cream!
Occasions: This homemade soft peanut butter cookies recipe is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you need a sweet treat. I’ve even made them for bake sales and school events. And of course, Christmas time is not complete without it!
Presentation Tip: Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Leftover Ideas: If you have extra homemade soft peanut butter cookies (which is rare in my house!), you can crumble them over ice cream, use them to make a cookie crust for a pie, or simply enjoy them with a cup of coffee.
Seasonal Variation: For a festive twist, you can add a sprinkle of red and green sprinkles to the cookies during the holidays. Check out another recipe on this site for different variations! You can find them here.
Guest Reaction: Friends always ask for this homemade soft peanut butter cookies recipe whenever I make them. They can’t believe how soft and chewy they are.
Your Homemade Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Questions Answered
Alright, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about making these homemade soft peanut butter cookies. I’ve been there, I’ve made the mistakes, so let’s learn from them together!
- Q: My cookies are always flat. What am I doing wrong?
A: Ah, the dreaded flat cookie! There are a few reasons why this might be happening. First, make sure your butter isn’t too soft. It should be softened, but not melted. Second, don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to flat cookies. Third, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading.
- Q: Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
A: You can, but be aware that natural peanut butter tends to be oilier than regular peanut butter. This can affect the texture of the cookies, making them more crumbly. If you do use natural peanut butter, you may need to add a little more flour to the dough to compensate.
- Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! This is a great way to have homemade soft peanut butter cookies on hand whenever you want them. Simply roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply bake the cookies from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Q: My cookies are burning on the bottom. What can I do?
A: This usually happens when the oven rack is too close to the heating element. Try moving the rack to the middle position. You can also try using a double baking sheet, which will provide extra insulation.
- Q: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A: Yes, you can! There are a few different egg substitutes you can use, such as applesauce, mashed banana, or flaxseed meal. Keep in mind that the texture of the cookies may be slightly different.
- Q: My cookies are too dry. How can I fix this?
A: This usually means you’ve added too much flour. Next time, be careful not to overmeasure the flour. You can also try adding a tablespoon of milk or water to the dough to add some moisture. Another thing is you may have overbaked them. Be sure to check the cookies every couple of minutes once they start to look golden brown.
- Q: Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
A: Oh, you bet! Chocolate chips and peanut butter are a match made in heaven. Feel free to add a cup of your favorite chocolate chips to the dough. For more peanut butter and chocolate combos, you can check the external link here.
My Final Thoughts on These Homemade Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
These homemade soft peanut butter cookies aren’t just a recipe to me; they’re a symbol of home, comfort, and happy memories. From those early baking mishaps to the countless batches I’ve made with my family, this recipe has become a cherished part of our lives. Plus, they make a great recipe that does not take a long time to make!
My Homemade Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Pro Tips:
- Don’t overbake: This is key to keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This will help the dough come together more easily.
- Chill the dough: This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Now, let’s talk variations! Over the years, we’ve experimented with all sorts of additions to these homemade soft peanut butter cookies. My son loves them with chocolate chips, my daughter prefers them with a sprinkle of sea salt, and my husband is a purist who likes them just the way they are.
Here are a few of our favorite peanut butter cookie variations:
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- Peanut Butter Blossoms: Roll the cookies in sugar and press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center after baking.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats to the dough.
I also enjoy making gluten-free peanut butter cookie options by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. I hope I’m making your mouth water with all these variations! For another variation you can also check this simple recipe here.
Ultimately, the best thing about these homemade soft peanut butter cookies is that you can make them your own. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations until you find your perfect cookie.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and create your own sweet memories with your loved ones. Happy baking, friends! And don’t forget to share your homemade soft peanut butter cookie creations with me. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
homemade soft peanut butter cookies
These homemade soft peanut butter cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Made with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Granulated sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and peanut butter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in granulated sugar.
- Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Use a fork to flatten each cookie, pressing down in a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.