master-cooks | Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Bakery-Style Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a soft and chewy texture. To start, gather high-quality ingredients including creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Begin by creaming the butter and both sugars together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the peanut butter and eggs, mixing well to create a smooth batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms. For the authentic bakery style, scoop generous portions of the dough onto a baking sheet, allowing enough space for each cookie to spread. Gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a fork, creating the classic crisscross pattern. Bake in a preheated oven until the edges are golden brown, but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a comforting taste of homemade goodness with each bite.

Gather the ingredients for bakery-style peanut butter cookies

To make these peanut butter cookies, you'll primarily need common pantry ingredients. Unsalted butter and peanut butter form a rich foundation for the cookies. Granulated sugar and dark brown sugar provide sweetness, with the brown sugar contributing a touch of molasses for extra warmth and complexity. An egg helps bind the dough, while all-purpose flour gives it structure. Baking soda ensures the perfect lift and spread, resulting in a delightful chewy-crisp texture, and kosher salt elevates the overall flavor. For an added crunch, raw peanuts are incorporated, but feel free to substitute them with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or any other mix-ins you prefer.

For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on each unbaked cookie, creating a deliciously crisp, salty contrast that enhances every bite. A drizzle of melted peanut butter over the finished cookies adds a visually appealing flourish that intensifies the peanut butter flavor.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Set the oven temperature to 375°F.

Step 2: Line baking sheets

Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper and set them aside.

Step 3: Beat the butter and sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, combine the butter, peanut butter, and sugars, and mix until smooth.

Step 4: Add the egg

Incorporate the egg and whisk until blended.

Step 5: Add dry ingredients

Incorporate the flour, baking soda, and salt; mix until a smooth dough is achieved.

Step 6: Fold in peanuts

Incorporate the peanuts, setting aside 2 tablespoons for garnishing the cookies, if you wish.

Step 7: Scoop the cookies

Scoop out 1-ounce portions of cookie dough onto a plate lined with parchment paper. If possible, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the dough is firm.

Step 8: Transfer to the baking sheets

Place the scooped cookies onto the baking sheets lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced a few inches apart. If you like, sprinkle the remaining peanuts and flaky sea salt on top.

Step 9: Bake until set

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges are firm but the center remains soft and gooey.

Step 10: Cool and drizzle

Allow to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then move to wire racks. If desired, drizzle with melted peanut butter.

Step 11: Serve

Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

How can I keep peanut butter cookies soft and chewy?

What gives these peanut butter cookies their soft and chewy texture instead of a crunchy one? The high levels of fat and sugar in the recipe help maintain their softness and tenderness while also creating a delightfully crisp edge during baking. Additionally, the use of brown sugar contributes to this effect, as it adds extra moisture that keeps the cookies soft.

To ensure these cookies remain soft and chewy for an extended period, it's important to pay attention to the baking time and how you store them. Bake the cookies just until the edges are set, leaving the centers looking slightly underbaked. Don’t worry—they will continue to firm up as they cool, achieving the perfect texture. Using chilled cookie dough can also be beneficial, as it slows down the spreading of the dough and prevents the centers from overbaking.

How long can I store peanut butter cookies, and what is the best way to store them?

Rosenhouse is a firm believer in the power of her freezer: "My husband often jokes that I freeze everything, but I truly think freezing is the best method for keeping cookies fresh for a longer time," she explains. "These cookies only need a few minutes to thaw at room temperature, and they taste just like they were freshly baked."

To properly store baked cookies, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will remain fresh at room temperature for two to three days, but for extended storage, follow Rosenhouse's tip — move them to the freezer where they can last for up to three months while maintaining their texture. You can thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for that freshly-baked sensation.

If 13 large cookies feel like too many to have on hand, consider freezing the dough instead. Prepare it as instructed, scoop it onto a baking sheet or plate, and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the dough to a freezer-safe zip-top bag and store it for up to two months. When you're ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake the cookies straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary. This way, you can enjoy warm, fresh cookies anytime with very little effort.

Bakery-Style Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe