The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate peanut butter cookie, look no further—these are truly The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies. Picture this: a hint of crispness on the outside, irresistibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside, packed with nutty flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. This is the kind of cookie you’ll want to bake on a whim and share with loved ones, though they might disappear faster than you expect!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze, but every component here has an important role, from the creaminess of the peanut butter to the hint of brown sugar that keeps each bite moist and satisfying. The balance creates the magic that sets The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies apart from any others you’ve tried.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): This forms the tender base for your cookies and provides a rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): The star ingredient, bringing robust flavor and a perfectly smooth texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and ensures those delightfully crisp edges.
- Brown Sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Locks in moisture for a perfectly chewy bite every time.
- Large Egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the signature softness to the cookie.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and enhances all the classic peanut butter flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender.
- Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives each cookie that little bit of lift and helps the cookies stay soft.
- Baking Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Works with the baking soda for the perfect rise and texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and highlights the nutty flavor.
How to Make The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Start by getting your baking station ready: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also helps those cookies achieve gently golden bottoms.
Step 2: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Beat everything together using an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture looks fluffy and a bit lighter in color. This step is crucial for the signature texture of The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing on medium speed until the egg and vanilla are fully incorporated, making the dough look luscious and creamy—just try not to sneak a taste at this stage!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the leaveners and salt distribute evenly, so each cookie rises and bakes flawlessly.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix! The dough will feel soft, almost like soft-serve ice cream. This is the secret to those incredibly chewy cookies.
Step 6: Shape and Mark
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll each bit between your hands to form smooth balls. Set them on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Then, use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern onto each one. This not only looks charming but helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes—just until the edges look set while the centers remain soft. Don’t wait for them to brown! Overbaking is the enemy of chewiness. As the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, they’ll finish setting, then use a spatula to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The reward: warm, fragrant, soft, and chewy perfection.
How to Serve The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes
The finishing touch to The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies can be as simple or fancy as you like. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on warm cookies for a grown-up twist, or drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for unmistakable appeal. Even a dusting of powdered sugar gives them an inviting bakery look.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat. If you’re building a dessert platter, add fresh berries or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream—there’s nothing better than balancing the sweet and nutty with something cool and tangy.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, stack a few cookies in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, or layer them in a rustic bakery box. Create peanut butter cookie sandwiches by spreading softened vanilla ice cream or whipped peanut butter frosting between two cookies. The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies also make a charming topping for a bowl of chocolate pudding or banana cream pie!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, which makes them perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon snacks, or midnight treats. To keep them ultra-fresh, toss in a slice of bread—the cookies will draw moisture from the bread, maintaining their dreamy texture.
Freezing
The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months (just let them cool completely first). For even fresher results, freeze the portioned dough balls—simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, pop your leftovers in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. This brings back that oven-fresh softness. If reheating from frozen, a minute or two at 300°F (150°C) does the trick for wonderful chewiness—just don’t overdo it!
FAQs
Why do my peanut butter cookies get hard after baking?
Usually, cookies harden if they’re baked too long or if too much flour is added. For The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies, bake just until the centers look slightly underdone—cookies will continue to set as they cool. Also, measure flour carefully using the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds a bit of crunch, which some folks love. Just know your cookies may be a bit more rustic, but they’ll keep their signature chew.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can swap in your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The texture may be just a little different, but the rich peanut butter flavor and chewy middle will absolutely shine through.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This recipe for The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies doubles beautifully. Simply scale up the ingredient amounts and bake in batches for parties or sharing. Trust me, you’ll be glad you made extra.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is optional but gives even chewier results and helps keep the cookies from spreading too much. If you have the time, let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking—you won’t regret it!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a classic treat that never goes out of style, The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are everything you need. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy every irresistible bite—don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to cookie!
Print
The BEST Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the epitome of comfort in every bite. With a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, these cookies are a classic treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Shape and bake: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place on the baking sheets. Press a crisscross pattern into each cookie with a fork. Bake for 9–11 minutes until set but still slightly soft in the center.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overbake—cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- For extra chewiness, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg