Bake the best homemade peanut butter cookies that are perfectly soft and chewy every time. This easy, old-fashioned recipe delivers rich flavor and the classic crisscross pattern quickly.
Author:rosasterling
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:11 min
Total Time:26 min
Yield:24 cookies 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the peanut butter until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
Scoop the dough into balls, about 1.5 tablespoons each, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Use a fork to press down on each ball, creating a crisscross pattern. You may need to dip the fork in sugar between presses to prevent sticking.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For the softest cookies, measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
If you prefer a thicker cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before forming the balls.
Press the crisscross pattern gently; pressing too hard can cause the cookies to spread too thin while baking.
If you want a salty finish, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the dough balls before baking.