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The Softest, Most Peanut Butter-Packed Classic Cookies
Dolce Flav
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Peanut Butter Flavor
Author:
Dolce Flav
Servings
18
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
This Soft Peanut Butter Classic Cookie recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with rich peanut butter flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Featuring straightforward one‑bowl mixing, the dough comes together in under ten minutes, then bakes to golden-edged perfection. The traditional fork‑press criss‑cross not only signals "peanut butter cookie" visually, but also ensures even baking. This fast, flavorful formula is often among the top‑ranked peanut butter cookie recipes—searches like “easy peanut butter cookies”, “best peanut butter cookie recipe”, and “soft peanut butter cookie” consistently point here.
Ingredients
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup creamy peanut butter
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¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 large egg
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1 tablespoon milk
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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1¾ cups all‑purpose flour
Directions
Preheat & prep sheets: Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
Cream the basics: In one bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and milk (if using) and mix until combined.
Add dry ingredients: Stir in baking soda, salt, then gradually mix in the flour just until the dough comes together—overmixing can toughen cookies.
Shape cookies: Scoop 2‑Tbsp dough balls about 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. (Optional: roll in granulated sugar.) Flatten gently with a fork in a classic cross‑hatch pattern.
Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set and just turning golden while centers appear soft.
Cool: Let cookies rest on sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to wire racks to fully cool. Enjoy warm or fully cooled.
Recipe Note
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these cookies so soft?
The high ratio of fats (butter + peanut butter) and minimal flour create a tender, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes—but natural varieties can add oiliness. Stir well first and consider chilling dough briefly to reduce spreading.
What’s the fork criss‑cross for?
It flattens the dense dough evenly for proper baking and is a classic visual cue of peanut butter cookies.
Can I chill the dough?
Yes—chilling for 30 minutes helps keep cookies thick and puffy instead of flat.
Can I omit granulated sugar coating?
Absolutely. It adds a sparkle and crisp exterior, but the cookies are delicious either way.
How long do they stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container. They stay soft at room temperature for ~3 days or up to a week chilled.
Can I make them gluten‑free?
Yes—substitute a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend, ensuring similar binding ingredients.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes—portion into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time.
Why add brown sugar and granulated sugar?
Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while granulated sugar brings slight chew and sweetness contrast.
How do I make them crunchier?
Bake an extra 1–2 minutes or press each cookie thinner before baking; allow to cool fully for crisp edges.