Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies

These Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that will satisfy your cravings for something sweet. With their crispy edges and soft, tender centers, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party. The rich peanut butter flavor combined with the sweetness of chocolate makes these cookies truly stand out.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
• Step 3: Add Peanut Butter
• Step 4: Incorporate Eggs
• Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 6: Fold in Reese’s Pieces
• Step 7: Prepare Cookie Sheets
• Step 8: Bake Cookies
• Step 9: Cool Down
• How to Serve Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies
• With a Glass of Milk
• Ice Cream Sandwiches
• Warm with Chocolate Drizzle
• On a Dessert Platter
• With Fresh Fruit
• Gift Them
• How to Perfect Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies
• Reheating Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my peanut butter cookies chewy?
• Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
• How do I know when my peanut butter cookies are done?
• What variations can I try with this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute baking.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and Reese’s Pieces creates a deliciously nutty and sweet cookie.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great on their own or can be served as part of a dessert platter.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love to help make and eat these cookies, making them a fun baking project for the whole family.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 24 servings, these cookies are ideal for sharing with friends or neighbors.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and effort when mixing the dough to achieve a creamy consistency.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized during preparation.
• Cookie sheets: These ensure even baking, allowing your cookies to spread perfectly without sticking.
• Cooling rack: A cooling rack prevents sogginess by allowing air to circulate around the cookies after baking.

Ingredients

These Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect classic cookie recipe! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with nutty flavour!

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
– 3/4 cup white sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup smooth peanut butter (low or no sugar is best – we like the no sugar blue jar from Kraft brand)
– 2 eggs
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup Reese’s Pieces (peanut butter flavored candy coated chocolate)

How to Make Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

• Add the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar to the bowl of your stand mixer (or in a large mixing bowl if you’re using a hand mixer).
• Mix on medium-high speed until the mixture is creamy and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter

Mix in the smooth peanut butter on medium-high speed until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully combined after each addition.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed just until combined; make sure no flour streaks remain.

Step 6: Fold in Reese’s Pieces

Add the Reese’s Pieces and mix by hand until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Prepare Cookie Sheets

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Drop about 1-2 tablespoon-sized balls evenly spaced on each sheet, leaving space as these cookies will spread while baking.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 9-12 minutes or until the tops of the cookies have just lost their shine.

Step 9: Cool Down

Remove from the oven and let cool on the cookie sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies

These Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that satisfies both kids and adults alike.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Add your favorite flavor of ice cream in the middle for an indulgent treat.

Warm with Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle melted chocolate over warm cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

On a Dessert Platter

• Present the cookies on a dessert platter during gatherings. Mix them with other treats for variety and color.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh berries or sliced bananas. The fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

Gift Them

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags as gifts. They make thoughtful presents for friends and family!

How to Perfect Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies

To ensure your Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients blend better for a smooth batter.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents overpacking, which can lead to dense cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough rather than tender.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can enhance flavors and help control spreading while baking.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they just lose their shine; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.

Best Side Dishes for Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies

Enjoying your Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies is even better when paired with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Chocolate Milkshake: A thick chocolate milkshake complements the nutty flavor of peanut butter beautifully.
2. Coffee or Espresso: The rich taste of coffee balances well with sweet cookies, creating a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and contrasts nicely against the richness of the cookies.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in a glass for a wholesome side that pairs well with dessert.
5. Cheese Plate: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda; their creamy texture works well with peanut butter’s nuttiness.
6. Nut Mix: A simple bowl of assorted nuts provides crunch and complements the peanut flavor in your cookies nicely.
7. Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra treat!
8. Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa makes for an inviting pairing, especially during colder months!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies can be a breeze if you avoid a few common pitfalls.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with the sugars. Make sure to use room temperature butter for a fluffy texture.
• Skipping the chilling time: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long after adding flour can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined to keep them tender.
• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies; they should lose their shine but not brown too much.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: A lack of precision can affect texture. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep layers of cookies separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Place parchment paper between layers to maintain freshness.

Reheating Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat; warm each cookie for about 1 minute per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies.

How do I make my peanut butter cookies chewy?

To achieve chewiness, slightly underbake your cookies and allow them to cool on the tray before transferring them.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add more texture and flavor to your cookies.

How do I know when my peanut butter cookies are done?

The cookies should have lost their shine and have lightly golden edges. They will continue cooking as they cool.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even swap out Reese’s Pieces for M&M’s or chopped candy bars for fun flavors.

Final Thoughts

These Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also customizable! Feel free to experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Give this classic recipe a try today!