Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re looking for a simple yet delightful treat that brings smiles to faces, you’ve come to the right place! Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are not just any cookies; they’re soft, chewy, and packed with that irresistible peanut butter flavor we all love. This recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends. The best part? They come together in no time!

These cookies are wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re baking for a school event, a family movie night, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these Classic Peanut Butter Cookies will be your go-to recipe. Let’s dive into why this beloved recipe is so fantastic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves peanut butter cookies! These treats are sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later baking.
• Irresistible flavor: Each bite is filled with rich peanut butter goodness—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have at home. These items come together beautifully to create the perfect cookie!

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations that can add a fun twist to your classic cookies.

• Add some chocolate: Mix in some chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Nutty crunch: Toss in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for added texture.
• Sweet spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden color.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric hand mixer, cream them together until they become light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies soft and tender.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Egg

Next, add in the peanut butter and one large egg. Mix well until everything is fully combined. The peanut butter here is what gives these cookies their signature taste!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour (make sure to sift the flour after measuring). Gradually mix this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the key to soft cookies is gentle handling!

Step 5: Form and Bake

Now it’s time to form your cookie dough! Roll it into 1-inch balls and place them about 3 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Use a fork to flatten each ball slightly in a crisscross pattern. Bake them for 8-9 minutes until they start turning golden at the base. Once done, let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack.

Enjoy these delightful Classic Peanut Butter Cookies straight from the oven or store them for later—they’re sure to disappear quickly!

Pro Tips for Making Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Baking the perfect peanut butter cookies is all about the little details, and I’ve got some tips that will help you achieve cookie perfection!

• Use room temperature butter: Starting with butter that’s at room temperature allows it to cream better with the sugars, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cookie texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the flour to the peanut butter mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
• Chill the dough (if time allows): If you have extra time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and help prevent spreading during baking.
• Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different, so check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. You want them golden on the bottom but still soft in the center.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor boost!

How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Presenting your classic peanut butter cookies can turn a simple treat into something special! Here are some fun ways to serve them.

Garnishes

• Chocolate drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate adds a delightful touch that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some crushed peanuts on top right after baking gives a nice crunch and enhances that nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

• Glasses of cold almond milk: The creamy texture of almond milk complements the richness of peanut butter perfectly. It’s a classic pairing!
• Fresh fruit platter: Serve alongside slices of apples or bananas for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Dairy-free ice cream: A scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream makes for a delicious dessert combo. Try vanilla or chocolate flavors for a sweet treat experience!
• Coffee or tea: A warm mug of coffee or herbal tea enhances your cookie enjoyment while providing a cozy vibe to your snack time.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your classic peanut butter cookies are set to be a hit at any gathering—or just as a delightful treat for yourself! Enjoy every bite!

 

Make Ahead and Storage

These Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, ensuring you always have a sweet treat ready to enjoy.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life by another week.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Classic Peanut Butter Cookies.

Can I use natural peanut butter for Classic Peanut Butter Cookies?

Yes! Just be aware that natural peanut butter may result in slightly different texture. Stir it well before measuring to ensure consistency.

How do I make Classic Peanut Butter Cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, slightly reduce the baking time and avoid overmixing the dough. This helps retain moisture and creates that soft texture you love.

What can I add to my Classic Peanut Butter Cookies?

Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even oats for added texture and flavor!

Can I make these Classic Peanut Butter Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Classic Peanut Butter Cookies! They’re not just delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up whenever you’re craving something sweet. Enjoy sharing them with loved ones or savoring them solo—either way, they’re sure to bring a smile. Happy baking!