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The Hands-Down Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: ~24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies have a rich, buttery texture with the perfect balance of sweetness and peanut flavor. They require no chilling, come together in one bowl, and are great for any occasion!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Mix-Ins:

 

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, beat together peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
  2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
  4. (Optional) Stir in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts.

Step 3: Shape & Bake

  1. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  2. Use a fork to press down in a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
  3. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
  4. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

For extra soft cookies, slightly underbake and let them firm up while cooling.

Want a crispier cookie? Bake for an extra 1-2 minutes.

Make them flourless: Use 1 cup peanut butter, ¾ cup sugar, and 1 egg for a gluten-free version!