If you’re searching for Softest Peanut Butter Cookies that turn out tender every single time, this easy recipe is for you. These cookies are rich, buttery, and packed with creamy peanut butter flavor—no chilling required and no complicated steps. Whether you need a quick breakfast bite, a lunchbox treat, or a comforting dessert, these soft peanut butter cookies fit the moment perfectly.
Why You’ll Love These Softest Peanut Butter Cookies
- Ultra-soft texture: Perfectly tender centers with lightly set edges
- No chill time: Mix, scoop, and bake—done
- Pantry staples: Simple ingredients you already have
- Beginner-friendly: Foolproof method with consistent results
- Family-approved: Sweet, cozy flavor everyone loves
These cookies are especially great when you want homemade results without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How to Make Softest Peanut Butter Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add Peanut Butter and Wet Ingredients
Mix in the creamy peanut butter until smooth, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined and glossy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and consistent baking.
Step 4: Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto a lined baking sheet. Lightly press with a fork if desired. Bake until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool for a few minutes on the pan, then transfer to a rack. They’ll firm slightly while staying irresistibly soft inside.
Tips & Variations
- Extra softness: Slightly underbake for ultra-tender centers
- Crunchy option: Use crunchy peanut butter for texture
- Healthier swap: Replace half the butter with coconut oil
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour
- Flavor boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or extra vanilla
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve these soft peanut butter cookies warm with milk, coffee, or tucked into lunchboxes. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Softest Peanut Butter Cookies (Easy & Amazing)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, rich, and packed with peanut butter flavor, these Softest Peanut Butter Cookies bake up with lightly set edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center. No chill time, minimal effort, and big comfort-bake results—perfect for lunchboxes, quick desserts, or anytime cravings.
Ingredients
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 1–2 minutes).
3. Mix in peanut butter until smooth, then beat in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until a soft dough forms (don’t overmix).
6. Scoop 1-tablespoon portions onto the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. (Optional) Gently press tops with a fork for a crisscross pattern.
7. Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are set and centers still look slightly soft.
8. Cool 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
For the softest texture, slightly underbake (cookies continue to set as they cool).
If dough feels too sticky, let it sit 5 minutes at room temperature before scooping.
Substitutions: Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter in place of peanut butter. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour if needed.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 190 | 4g | 20g | 11g | 1g | 140mg |
Final Thoughts
These Softest Peanut Butter Cookies are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Simple, cozy, and endlessly satisfying, they’re perfect for busy days or whenever a sweet craving hits. Once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your baking rotation.