Mom’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a truly classic and heartfelt treat, look no further than Mom’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. This charming recipe combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the perfect chewy texture and just the right hint of cinnamon, making each bite a delightful throwback to warm kitchen memories. Whether you’re baking for an afternoon pick-me-up or a cozy gathering, these cookies bring that unmistakable homemade magic alive in every crumb. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for this recipe comes from straightforward, wholesome pantry staples that balance sweetness, texture, and flavor beautifully. Each ingredient plays its role in making these cookies tender yet sturdy, perfectly sweet, and packed with peanut buttery goodness.

• Unsalted butter (½ cup): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb when softened to room temperature.
• Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): The star of the show, giving the cookies that deep, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
• Dark brown sugar (½ cup): Offers moisture and a touch of caramel undertone that enhances the cookie’s chewiness.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the brown sugar by giving a slight crisp edge to the cookie’s exterior.
• Large egg (1): Acts as the binder to hold everything together and adds a subtle richness.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates all the other flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.
• All-purpose flour (1¼ cups): Provides the essential structure, making cookies sturdy but soft.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture.
• Kosher salt (¾ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth that makes these cookies extra special.
• Peanut butter baking chips (1 cup, optional): These juicy morsels pump up the peanut flavor and add delightful pockets of gooeyness.
• Powdered sugar (¼ cup): Perfect for dusting on top for a subtle sweet finish and that inviting look.

How to Make Mom’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Get Ready to Bake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment, hold off on greasing the sheets as this recipe works best with this method.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Peanut Butter

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter on medium speed until they become completely combined and silky smooth. This step takes about 2 minutes and is key to a smooth dough base.

Step 3: Sweeten the Mix

Add in the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar, then continue beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and a pale creamy color. It usually takes 2 to 3 minutes—don’t rush this part because the airiness contributes to lighter cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the lightly beaten egg and the vanilla extract, blending for another minute until everything is well combined and glossy.

Step 5: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spices throughout the dough.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to your butter and peanut butter base while mixing on low speed. Mix just until the flour is nearly incorporated—stop when you can still see a little flour since you will finish stirring by hand to avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Add Peanut Butter Chips

Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in the peanut butter baking chips if you are using them. These little pockets of peanutty goodness will give your cookies an extra treat.

Step 8: Finish Mixing the Dough

Gently stir by hand just to incorporate the leftover flour completely. This gentle touch keeps the dough tender without activating too much gluten.

Step 9: Shape the Cookies

Using a 1½-inch cookie scoop or about 1½ tablespoons of dough, scoop or roll the dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. This space allows the cookies room to spread evenly.

Step 10: Powder and Fork Mark

Lightly sprinkle each cookie with powdered sugar for a pretty, subtle sweetness. Then, use a fork to gently press each dough ball down, crisscrossing the fork marks to create that iconic peanut butter cookie look.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes until their edges are set but the centers remain soft. Keep a close eye near the end—timing is essential to get that perfect chewy yet slightly crisp edge texture.

Step 12: Cool Completely

Once out of the oven, transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack and let them cool to room temperature. This helps them set fully and makes them much easier to handle and enjoy.

How to Serve Mom’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While the powdered sugar topping is classic and elegant, feel free to experiment with a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts for added texture and flavor contrast. These little touches can transform your cookies from simple to stunning.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk—whether cow’s or a creamy non-dairy option. You can also serve them alongside your favorite café latte or spiced chai tea to turn an ordinary snack time into a comforting ritual.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress guests or gift these delicious treats? Stack them in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon or arrange them on a rustic wooden board alongside other nut-based sweets and fresh fruit. These presentation ideas elevate this humble cookie into a festive, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they completely cool, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them perfect for week-long snack enjoyment or spontaneous cookie cravings.

Freezing

You can freeze both unbaked dough balls and baked cookies. For dough, scoop and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen (just add a few extra minutes to the bake time). Baked cookies will maintain their freshness for up to 3 months when stored in a sealed container or freezer bag.

Reheating

To revive frozen or stored cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds. This warm-up brings back the soft texture and fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

You certainly can, but natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less smooth, which might affect the texture of your dough slightly. If you use natural peanut butter, stir it well beforehand to keep the oil evenly distributed.

What if I don’t have peanut butter chips?

No worries at all! The cookies are delicious on their own or you can substitute with chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even butterscotch chips for an exciting twist.

Why do I need to avoid greasing the baking sheets?

Using parchment paper without greasing prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps create nicely shaped cookies with perfect edges. Greasing can cause the dough to melt more rapidly on hot sheets which leads to flatter cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results; otherwise, the texture might be crumbly.

How can I make these cookies chewier or crispier?

For chewier cookies, bake them on the shorter side of the timing and consider adding a tablespoon of honey or molasses for moisture. For crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting and timeless about Mom’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. The blend of creamy peanut butter, a hint of cinnamon, and that perfect balance of sweet and salty make these cookies a heartwarming treat any time of the year. Baking these is a joy in itself, but sharing them with loved ones is where the magic truly happens. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it becomes a cherished favorite before you know it!

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