There’s something truly magical about bakery-style peanut butter cookies. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with that irresistible nutty flavor we all love. If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve that perfect bakery-quality cookie at home, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for bakery-style peanut butter cookies, along with some handy tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Crowd-Pleaser. Peanut butter cookies are a timeless favorite that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Whether for a holiday cookie swap, a casual get-together, or just a sweet treat at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Classic Crisscross Pattern. The crisscross pattern, created by pressing a fork into the dough, not only gives these cookies their iconic look but also helps them bake evenly. This little touch adds a bit of nostalgia and makes the cookies instantly recognizable.
Why These Are the Best Peanut Butter Cookies
Perfect Texture:
These cookies strike the ideal balance between soft and chewy. The combination of creamed butter and sugars, along with just the right amount of baking soda and baking powder, ensures a tender crumb with slightly crispy edges.
Rich Peanut Butter Flavor:
By using a generous amount of creamy peanut butter, these cookies deliver an intense, authentic peanut butter taste that’s both comforting and indulgent. Every bite is packed with that signature nutty flavor we all crave.
Ideal Sweetness:
The blend of granulated sugar and brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also enhances the chewiness of the cookies. Brown sugar, with its molasses content, contributes a subtle caramel note that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
Versatile Recipe:
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous mix-ins and variations. Whether you add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt, you can customize these cookies to suit your preferences or get creative with new flavors.
Consistency:
Chilling the dough ensures that the cookies maintain their shape and don’t spread too much during baking. This step guarantees that each cookie is thick, chewy, and perfectly baked.
Simple Ingredients:
Made with pantry staples like butter, sugars, flour, and peanut butter, this recipe is easy to whip up whenever a craving strikes. There’s no need for special ingredients, making it accessible for any home baker.
Storage-Friendly:
These cookies store well at room temperature and freeze beautifully. You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy fresh-tasting cookies whenever you like, making them convenient for any occasion.
Tried and Tested:
This recipe has been inspired by tried-and-true methods from reputable sources, ensuring that the cookies turn out perfectly every time. The combination of expert techniques and personal touches makes this recipe reliable and foolproof.
By following this recipe, you’re not just baking cookies; you’re creating a delightful experience that combines rich flavor, perfect texture, and the joy of homemade goodness. These factors come together to make these the best peanut butter cookies you’ll ever bake.
Tips for Baking Perfect Bakery-Style Peanut Butter Cookies
Creaming the Butter and Sugars:
Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you begin. Cream the butter and sugars together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough, helping to create a tender and soft cookie.
Accurate Measuring:
Measure your flour using the spoon-and-level method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Too much flour can make your cookies dense and dry.
Don’t Overmix:
When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies.
Chill the Dough:
For best results, chill the dough for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading. It also enhances the flavors by allowing the ingredients to meld together.
Portioning the Dough:
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough evenly. This ensures all cookies are the same size and bake uniformly. For extra-large cookies, use about ¼ cup of dough per cookie.
Rolling in Sugar:
Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking. This adds a delightful crunch to the outside of the cookies and gives them a sparkling finish.
Crisscross Pattern:
Press a fork gently into the tops of the dough balls to create a crisscross pattern. This classic touch not only looks appealing but also flattens the cookies for even baking.
Baking Time:
Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden, about 16-18 minutes. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as the cookies cool. This ensures a soft and chewy texture.
Cooling:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and finish baking without becoming overdone.
Indulge in Bakery-Style Peanut Butter Cookies
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Butter softened
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar packed
- 1 1/2 Cups Creamy Peanut Butter
- 2 Large Eggs room temperature
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract Vanilla Bean Paste
- 2 Tablespoons Heavy Cream
- 3 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Extra granulated sugar for shaping
text ingredients
Instructions
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- Using an electric stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, in a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to make sure everything is incorporated.1 Cup Butter, 1 Cup Granulated Sugar, 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
Adding the Peanut Butter
- Add the peanut butter to the bowl and mix until everything is well blended and smooth.1 1/2 Cups Creamy Peanut Butter
Add Eggs and Flavorings:
- At low speed, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow this by mixing in the vanilla extract and heavy cream until combined.2 Large Eggs, 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 2 Tablespoons Heavy Cream
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk or sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.3 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour, 1 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Chill the Dough:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dough to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line three baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Form the Cookies:
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, divide the dough into 12 extra-large portions, about ¼ cup each. Shape each portion into a ball and roll in granulated sugar to coat.Extra granulated sugar for shaping
Arrange and Press:
- Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use a fork to gently press down on each ball to create a crisscross pattern on the top. Alternatively, you can use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup dipped in white sugar to gently press down the center of each dough ball slightly.
Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Cool the Cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Alternative Mix-Ins for Bakery-Style Peanut Butter Cookies
Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of milk, dark, or white chocolate chips for a classic twist.
Peanut Butter Chips: Enhance the peanut butter flavor by mixing in 1 cup of peanut butter chips.
Butterscotch Chips: For a sweet and buttery variation, incorporate 1 cup of butterscotch chips.
Chopped Nuts: Add 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped nuts such as peanuts, pecans, or walnuts for added crunch.
Coconut Flakes: Mix in 1 cup of sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
Dried Fruit: Include 1/2 to 1 cup of dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for a chewy texture.
Toffee Bits: Stir in 1 cup of toffee bits for a rich, buttery flavor.
Mini Marshmallows: Add 1 cup of mini marshmallows for a gooey, sweet addition.
M&M’s or Candy Pieces: Mix in 1 cup of M&M’s or your favorite candy pieces for a colorful and fun variation.
Pretzel Pieces: For a salty-sweet combination, incorporate 1 cup of crushed pretzel pieces.
Cinnamon Chips: Add 1 cup of cinnamon chips for a warm, spicy note.
Espresso Powder: For a subtle coffee flavor, mix in 1-2 teaspoons of espresso powder.
Storage Tips for Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies
Room Temperature Storage:
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to one week.
Freezing Cookies:
These cookies freeze wonderfully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let the cookies thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
We hope you enjoyed these chewy peanut butter cookies. Here are a few more delicious recipes for you to try.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.
Delicious version of a peanut butter cookie. I think it’s my favorite.