Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies: Your New Favorite Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with these Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies – a delightful fusion that brings together the best qualities of two beloved classics: the sweet simplicity of a sugar cookie and the comforting richness of a peanut butter cookie. The result? Soft, thin, and utterly irresistible cookies that boast a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an instant family favorite.

Why These Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Try

There’s an undeniable charm about sugar cookies. They are the chameleons of the baking world, adaptable to countless shapes, sizes, and textures. From hard and crisp to wonderfully soft and chewy, large or small, frosted or plain – a well-made sugar cookie is universally adored. They serve as the perfect canvas for creative decoration or can be transformed into delightful sandwich cookies. But what if you could take that beloved foundation and infuse it with another timeless flavor?

That’s where these Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies truly shine. They elevate the simple sugar cookie by introducing a subtle, yet distinct, peanut butter essence that’s far from overpowering. Unlike traditional peanut butter cookies that can sometimes be intensely rich, these cookies offer a more nuanced experience. They are designed to surprise and delight your palate with every bite.

The Irresistible Texture and Flavor Profile

The magic of these cookies lies in their exquisite texture. The first thing you’ll notice upon biting into one is the delightful crispness of the outer layer, generously coated with granulated sugar. This initial crunch gives way to a wonderfully chewy middle, creating a captivating contrast that keeps you coming back for more. It’s in this tender, chewy interior that the delicate peanut butter flavor truly emerges. It’s not a bold, “knock-you-over” peanut butter punch, but rather a gentle, lingering note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the sugar cookie. This layering of textures and flavors makes these cookies incredibly addictive and undeniably unique.

Perfectly Thin and Versatile Treats

As you can see from the images, these are beautifully thin cookies. Their delicate structure makes them perfect for enjoying on their own, perhaps with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk. But don’t let their simplicity fool you; their versatility is boundless! Imagine them as the star of a summer dessert: sandwiching a scoop of rich chocolate ice cream for a gourmet ice cream cookie sandwich. Or, for the ultimate peanut butter indulgence, spread a creamy peanut butter buttercream frosting between two cookies for an unforgettable sandwich cookie experience. The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination.

A Recipe Designed for Disappearance

In our home, these cookies have a notoriously short lifespan. It’s a testament to their deliciousness that they vanish from the cooling rack almost as quickly as they’re baked! My kids, in particular, find it impossible to resist grabbing a stack, often slowing down just long enough to pair them with a frosty glass of milk. This recipe isn’t just about making cookies; it’s about creating moments of pure joy and satisfying cravings with ease.

Essential Tips for Baking Perfect Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies

Achieving cookie perfection is all about the details. Here are some key tips to ensure your Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies turn out soft, chewy, and absolutely delicious every time:

Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. This allows it to cream properly with the sugars, creating a light and airy base for your dough.
Creaming Process: Don’t rush the creaming of butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter. Beating it until “fluffy” (about 5 minutes) incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ light texture and spread.
The Importance of Chilling: Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour is crucial. This helps solidify the fats, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and ensuring they maintain their shape and desired thickness. It also deepens the flavors.
Uniformity with a Cookie Scoop: Using a medium cookie scoop for shaping the dough into 1-inch balls ensures consistent cookie size, which leads to even baking.
Rolling in Sugar: Don’t skip rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar. This creates that delightful crisp, sugary outer crust that is a hallmark of these cookies.
Spacing on the Baking Sheet: Place cookies about 3 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. These cookies do spread, so giving them ample space prevents them from merging.
The Crisscross Pattern: The classic fork crisscross isn’t just for looks; it helps with even baking and provides extra surface area for that sugary crunch.
Don’t Overbake: Bake for just 8-9 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the edges just begin to turn golden. The centers might still look a little soft, but they will set as they cool. Overbaking leads to dry, crumbly cookies rather than soft and chewy ones.
Rest on the Baking Sheet: Allow the cookies to rest on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This continues the baking process gently and helps them firm up before transferring to a cooling rack.

Variations and Serving Ideas

While these Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies are perfect as they are, a few simple additions can customize them to your liking:

Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate into the dough for a classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing.
Nutty Twist: For an extra layer of texture, consider adding finely chopped roasted peanuts to the dough.
Glaze or Drizzle: A simple chocolate drizzle or a light peanut butter glaze can add an elegant touch.
Cookie Sandwiches: As mentioned, chocolate ice cream or a homemade peanut butter buttercream filling elevates these into a gourmet treat.
Holiday Fun: Use cookie cutters before baking (if chilling longer to firm up the dough) and decorate with festive sprinkles for special occasions.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

To enjoy your Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies at their best, proper storage is key:

Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. They tend to retain their soft and chewy texture well.
Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer storage, place cooled 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 frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing Cookie Dough: You can also freeze the raw dough. Form the dough into balls, roll them in sugar, and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?: While regular creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) is recommended for its consistency and sugar content which affects texture, you can try natural peanut butter. However, be aware that natural peanut butter often has a different oil separation and less sugar, which might affect the cookie’s spread and texture. If using, make sure it’s well-stirred and creamy.
Why did my cookies spread too much?: Several factors can cause excessive spreading: butter that was too soft or melted, not chilling the dough sufficiently, using too little flour, or your oven temperature being too low. Ensure you measure ingredients accurately and follow the chilling step.
Can I skip chilling the dough?: It’s highly recommended not to skip chilling the dough. Chilling is essential for these cookies to prevent excessive spreading and to develop their signature chewy texture and subtle flavor. Without chilling, they might be too thin and crisp.
How do I get the perfect crisscross pattern?: After rolling the dough balls in sugar, gently press them down with the tines of a fork in one direction, then lift and press again perpendicularly to create the classic crisscross. Don’t press too hard, just enough to flatten them slightly.

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Yield: 4 dozen cookies

Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 large eggs
Granulated sugar for rolling, about 1/2 cup

Instructions

Stir together flour, soda and salt and set aside. In a mixing bowl, Beat butter for about 30 seconds, just to cream it a bit. Add sugars and peanut butter. Beat until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add in eggs and vanilla, beat well. Add flour mixture and mix until all combined.
Refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour. Shape dough into 1-inch balls (I use a medium cookie scoop) then roll balls in granulated sugar.Place on ungreased cookie sheet 3 inches apart, these cookies spread. Use a fork to create a crisscross on top.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 8-9 minutes, just until edges start to turn golden. Remove from oven and let rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Remove to racks to cool completely.

Notes

recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

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My Favorite Products for Making Perfect Cookies Every Time

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking. Here are some of my go-to products that help ensure perfect cookies, including these delightful Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies, every single time. From reliable baking sheets to accurate measuring tools, these items are staples in my kitchen:

Craving More Delicious Cookie Recipes?

If these Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies have sparked your passion for baking, you’re in luck! I have a wide array of other cookie recipes that are just as delightful and sure to become new favorites in your kitchen. From rich chocolate to nostalgic root beer, explore these fantastic options:

Dark Chocolate Tiger Cookies

Root Beer Float Cookies

Caramel Apple Toffee Cookies

Salted Pistachio Pudding Cookies

Maple Glazed Oatmeal Cookies

Pie Crust Cookies

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