If you’ve ever longed for that perfect blend of melt-in-your-mouth texture with a rich nutty flavor, these Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are truly a dream come true. They turn classic pantry ingredients into a batch of ultra-tender, chewy cookies that beg to be shared (though you might want to keep a few extra for yourself). Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon with family or a festive occasion, these cookies have a way of disappearing fast and inspiring big smiles whenever they appear.

Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of staple ingredients, you’re set up for peanut butter cookie success. Each element plays its own special role, ensuring that every bite is perfectly soft, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, delivering that deep, unmistakable peanut flavor and helping create the signature soft chew.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture so the cookies bake up ultra-tender.
- Granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and helps those pretty crisscross tops sparkle.
- Packed brown sugar: Contributes not only extra sweetness, but also a touch of molasses flavor and crucial chewiness.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and keeps each cookie cohesive without making them cakey.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile, enhancing
all the nutty notes. - All-purpose flour: Provides classic structure and gives the cookies just enough body to hold their shape.
- Baking soda: Ensures your cookies rise for that perfect pillowy effect.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the layered flavors.
How to Make Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), the sweet spot for golden-edged cookies. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies lift right off, ensuring maximum softness and zero sticking.
Step 2: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat these together with enthusiasm until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and lighter in color. This is your ticket to that irresistible, tender crumb in every cookie.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky and everything is beautifully combined. The egg helps bind, while the vanilla brings out the richness of the peanut butter.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures every ingredient is distributed evenly, preventing any salty surprises or uneven rising.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a super soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix! A gentle touch ensures your cookies bake up fluffy and not tough.
Step 6: Shape and Pattern the Cookies
Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough, rolling each into a ball between your palms. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart, then gently press each ball with a fork twice in a crisscross pattern. This classic step flattens the dough for even baking and gives that signature look.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Watch closely: you want the edges set, but the centers should still look a little underbaked. That’s the secret to keeping your Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies ultra-tender! Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, where they’ll finish setting up while staying irresistibly soft.
How to Serve Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes
For a playful finishing touch, sprinkle the tops of your cookies with a few flakes of sea salt right after baking for that salty-sweet magic. You could also drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or scatter some mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
These cookies are absolutely dreamy with an ice-cold glass of milk or a cozy mug of hot cocoa. To take things up a notch, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a dessert plate that will wow everyone at your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies in a glass jar and tie with a ribbon for an adorable homemade gift, or slide them into a box lined with parchment for a holiday or bake sale treat. For parties, poke cookies onto skewers and arrange like a cookie bouquet for a whimsical display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep cookies at peak softness by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer with parchment or waxed paper if stacking, and they’ll stay just right for up to 5 days.
Freezing
To freeze, place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months and can be thawed as needed for a sweet, soft snack anytime.
Reheating
If you’d love to revive the fresh-baked texture, warm cookies briefly (about 10–15 seconds) in the microwave. This softens them perfectly and brings back that just-out-of-the-oven aroma.
FAQs
How do I make sure my cookies stay super soft and don’t get dry?
Be sure not to overbake! Pull them from the oven while the centers still look underdone. They’ll finish setting as they cool, guaranteeing that super soft texture everyone adores.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter gives extra texture and peanut pieces in every bite. Your Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies will still be wonderfully tender, just with a fun crunch.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten free?
Yes, simply substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The cookies may have a slightly different texture but will still be deliciously soft and peanutty.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Of course! Fold in a cup of chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even mini peanut butter cups right before shaping the dough for endless variations on Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies.
Do I need to chill the dough?
For this recipe, chilling isn’t required, making it a fabulous quick treat. If you want a thicker cookie or are baking on a hot day, you can chill dough for 20–30 minutes to help it hold its shape even better.
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright magical about sharing a plate of Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies with people you love. Every bite is pure peanut butter comfort, and the recipe is so simple, it’s easy to make again and again. Give them a whirl and get ready to watch these soft, chewy cookies become a cherished favorite!
Print
Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Super Soft Peanut Butter Cookies for a classic treat that will melt in your mouth. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Form and bake: Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Cool and enjoy: Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra softness, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting as they cool.
- Add chocolate chips for a peanut butter chocolate twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg