27 Delicious Easy Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipes

Peanut butter cookies remain one of America’s most beloved treats – comfort food that brings back childhood memories with every bite.

The perfect peanut butter cookie should be soft, tender, and melt in your mouth while delivering that rich nutty flavor we all crave.

This collection features 27 simple recipes that anyone can master, from classic versions to creative variations that will impress family and friends.

Whether you’re a novice baker or seasoned pro, these easy recipes promise delightfully soft cookies every time.

27 Irresistible Easy Soft Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes

1. Classic Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

These basic yet incredibly soft cookies require just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg – proving simplicity often yields amazing results.

Mix thoroughly, form into balls, press with fork tines for that signature crosshatch pattern, then bake until just golden around edges while maintaining a wonderfully tender center.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

2. Brown Sugar Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Brown sugar creates caramel notes that complement peanut butter perfectly while ensuring exceptionally soft texture throughout.

These cookies develop a subtle chewiness with crisp edges, creating wonderful contrast in each bite, making them impossible to resist straight from oven.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

3. Honey-Sweetened Peanut Butter Cookies

Substituting honey for refined sugar gives these cookies natural sweetness with floral undertones while maintaining incredible softness.

Honey attracts moisture, guaranteeing cookies stay pillowy-soft days after baking – perfect for making ahead when expecting visitors or satisfying sudden cravings.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup honey
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

4. Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Cookies

Whole wheat flour adds nutty depth plus extra fiber without sacrificing desired softness when balanced properly with moisture-rich ingredients.

These health-conscious cookies maintain wonderful tenderness through careful proportion of fats, leaving everyone amazed wholesome cookies can taste this good.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• ¾ cup coconut sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¼ cups whole wheat flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

5. Coconut Oil Peanut Butter Cookies

Coconut oil creates remarkably soft yet sturdy cookies with subtle tropical notes complementing peanut butter’s richness.

These dairy-free treats maintain pillowy centers even after cooling completely, offering perfect solution for serving those avoiding butter without compromising enviable texture.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

6. Maple-Kissed Peanut Butter Cookies

Real maple syrup infuses these soft cookies with woodland sweetness that pairs beautifully with nutty undertones.

Careful temperature control prevents overbaking, ensuring centers remain gloriously soft while edges offer slight resistance, creating perfect textural balance throughout each delightful bite.

Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

7. Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Cookies

Greek yogurt creates phenomenally soft yet protein-enriched cookies with subtle tang balancing peanut butter’s richness.

Their cake-like texture stays remarkably tender for days when stored properly, making batch-baking practical option for busy households seeking wholesome treats.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

8. Applesauce Peanut Butter Cookies

Unsweetened applesauce reduces fat while ensuring incredibly soft results – these lighter cookies maintain wonderful moisture without heaviness.

Their subtle fruit undertones complement nutty flavor perfectly, creating balanced taste profile that satisfies sweet cravings without overwhelming richness.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

9. Banana-Infused Peanut Butter Cookies

Ripe banana naturally sweetens while guaranteeing supremely soft texture – these cookies practically melt upon first bite.

Their subtle tropical notes create wonderful flavor partnership with peanut butter, offering healthier option without sacrificing coveted pillowy consistency everyone desires.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

10. Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

Quick-cooking oats create wonderful texture contrast while maintaining overall softness – these hearty cookies deliver satisfying chew without becoming tough.

Their homespun appearance belies sophisticated flavor balance, offering substantial treat perfect for breakfast indulgence or afternoon hunger pangs.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

11. Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

Almond flour creates exceptionally soft gluten-free cookies with subtly nutty dimension complementing peanut butter perfectly.

These protein-rich treats maintain wonderful tenderness while offering alternative for wheat-sensitive individuals, proving dietary restrictions needn’t limit enjoyment of homemade cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup almond flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

12. Molasses Peanut Butter Cookies

Blackstrap molasses adds mineral-rich sweetness while ensuring incredibly soft texture – these deeply flavored cookies stay tender for days.

Their complex flavor profile offers sophisticated upgrade to childhood favorite, perfect for accompanying afternoon coffee or serving at holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

13. Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Cookies

Cream cheese creates extraordinary softness while adding subtle tang contrasting wonderfully with peanut butter’s richness.

These bakery-quality cookies maintain cloud-like texture for days, making them perfect make-ahead option for special occasions requiring impressive yet accessible dessert option.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

14. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Cookies

Pumpkin puree ensures remarkably soft cookies while adding subtle vegetal sweetness complementing peanut butter beautifully.

These autumnal treats maintain wonderful moisture without becoming soggy, offering seasonal twist on classic favorite perfect for fall gatherings.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

15. Avocado Peanut Butter Cookies

Ripe avocado creates unbelievably soft yet nutrient-dense cookies while subtly enhancing peanut butter’s creaminess.

These uniquely green-tinted treats maintain wonderful buttery mouthfeel without dairy, offering conversation-starting dessert certain to intrigue curious eaters seeking healthier indulgences.

Ingredients:

• ½ ripe avocado, mashed
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

12 More Irresistible Easy Soft Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes

16. Ricotta Peanut Butter Cookies

Creamy ricotta creates remarkably soft cake-like cookies with delicate texture rarely achieved through other ingredients.

These Italian-inspired treats maintain cloud-like consistency even days after baking, offering sophisticated twist on American classic perfect for accompanying espresso after dinner.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

17. Brown Butter Peanut Butter Cookies

Browning butter creates nutty depth complementing peanut butter brilliantly while maintaining wonderful softness through careful mixing technique.

These sophisticated cookies offer complex flavor profile rarely found in simpler versions, elevating humble treat into gourmet experience worthy of special occasions.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

18. Miso Peanut Butter Cookies

White miso paste adds umami complexity while ensuring remarkably soft texture – these savory-sweet cookies deliver sophisticated flavor profile rarely found in traditional recipes.

Their subtle fermented undertones balance sweetness perfectly, offering grown-up interpretation of childhood favorite perfect for adventurous palates.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

19. Mayonnaise Peanut Butter Cookies

Mayonnaise creates unbelievably soft yet sturdy cookies by contributing perfect balance of eggs, oil, and acidity.

These surprisingly delicious treats maintain wonderful moisture without greasy mouthfeel, offering brilliant solution for achieving bakery-quality texture through pantry staple many overlook.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

20. Tahini-Swirled Peanut Butter Cookies

Tahini marbled throughout dough creates visually striking cookies with sesame undertones complementing peanut butter beautifully.

These Middle Eastern-inspired treats maintain wonderful softness through careful proportion of fats, offering globally-influenced variation certain to impress guests seeking something beyond ordinary.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup tahini
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

21. Buttermilk Peanut Butter Cookies

Buttermilk creates wonderfully soft tangy cookies through reaction with leavening agents while tenderizing proteins.

These Southern-inspired treats maintain exceptional moisture without becoming heavy, offering perfect balance between cake-like tenderness and traditional cookie structure many find irresistible.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

22. Condensed Milk Peanut Butter Cookies

Sweetened condensed milk ensures extraordinarily soft fudge-like centers while simplifying ingredients list significantly.

These decadent cookies maintain wonderful chewiness without becoming tough, offering foolproof option for novice bakers seeking impressive results without complicated techniques.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

23. Sour Cream Peanut Butter Cookies

Sour cream creates remarkably soft yet structurally sound cookies with subtle tang balancing sweetness perfectly.

These bakery-style treats maintain wonderful tenderness days after baking, offering practical option for advance preparation when entertaining guests requires multiple dishes.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

24. Cornstarch Peanut Butter Cookies

Cornstarch creates unbelievably soft melt-in-mouth texture through inhibiting gluten development during mixing.

These delicate cookies maintain wonderful tenderness without falling apart, offering perfect balance between structure and softness many find elusive when baking peanut butter treats.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

25. Mascarpone Peanut Butter Cookies

Mascarpone creates luxuriously soft rich cookies with subtle dairy sweetness complementing peanut butter perfectly.

These Italian-inspired treats maintain wonderful buttery mouthfeel without overshadowing nutty flavor, offering sophisticated variation perfect for impressing dinner guests with elevated take on classic.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

26. Potato Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

Potato flour creates remarkably soft yet sturdy gluten-free cookies with subtle earthy undertones enhancing peanut flavor.

These unique treats maintain wonderful moisture retention properties, staying fresh longer than wheat-based versions while offering alternative for those with celiac disease.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¼ cups potato flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

27. Aquafaba Peanut Butter Cookies

Chickpea liquid creates remarkably soft vegan cookies when whipped properly, mimicking egg’s binding properties perfectly.

These plant-based treats maintain wonderful chewiness without animal products, offering ethical alternative satisfying diverse dietary needs without sacrificing beloved texture everyone craves.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Conclusion

These 27 easy soft peanut butter cookie recipes prove that creating bakery-quality treats at home doesn’t require culinary school training or fancy equipment.

By understanding how different ingredients affect texture, you can customize your perfect peanut butter cookie exactly how you prefer – whether that means classic simplicity or creative variations.

Remember that slightly underbaking ensures maximum softness, and proper storage in airtight containers maintains that delightful tenderness for days.

Whatever version you choose, nothing beats homemade cookies fresh from your oven, filling your kitchen with that unmistakable aroma of peanut butter goodness that brings everyone running to discover what’s baking.