Bakery Peanut Butter Cookies
Why Peanut Butter Cookies Are a Universal Favorite
There’s something irresistibly classic about a peanut butter cookie. Whether it’s the sweet-and-salty harmony or that soft, buttery crumble, these cookies evoke comfort and nostalgia in every bite. Always a crowd-pleaser, they shine at bake sales and pair perfectly with an ice-cold glass of milk.
What Makes Bakery-Style Cookies Stand Out
Homemade is always special—but bakery-style peanut butter cookies? That’s a whole different level of indulgence. Think crisp, golden edges, soft chewy middles, and a little nutty crunch. Oversized and packed with flavor, they’re the kind of cookies you’d splurge on at a boutique bakery—except these are made in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 1/4 cups |
| Baking soda | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter (softened) | 1 cup |
| Creamy peanut butter | 1 ½ cups |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 1 ½ cups |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole milk | 2 tablespoons |
| Peanut butter chips | 1 ½ cups |
| Chopped peanuts | 1 cup |
Pro Tips for Success:
- Always use real butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Stick with creamy peanut butter for a smooth dough (unless you prefer extra crunch).
- Let your ingredients come to room temperature for easier mixing and even baking.
How to Make Them
1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly and prevents dry pockets.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the dough and builds the cookie’s structure.
3. Add the Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and milk. At this point, the batter should be rich and creamy.
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mix to the wet mixture. Stir just until the flour disappears—don’t overwork the dough, or the cookies can get tough.
5. Fold in Chips and Nuts
Gently mix in the peanut butter chips and chopped peanuts. These give every bite a delicious pop of flavor and texture.
Time to Bake
Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Shape and Size
Scoop out generous 1/3-cup portions of dough and roll them lightly into balls. These jumbo cookies are meant to impress!
Press the Criss-Cross
Use a fork to press a traditional criss-cross pattern into each dough ball. This flattens the cookie slightly and gives it that iconic peanut butter cookie look.
Bake and Cool
Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the centers are soft. Let the cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.
Storage Tips
- Short-Term: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously soft for 4–5 days.
- Long-Term: Freeze them by wrapping in plastic and storing in a zip-top freezer bag. They thaw beautifully!
