Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These homemade peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich peanut flavor. With a hint of vanilla pudding for extra moisture, they make a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter flavored shortening (room temperature)
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix (unprepared)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk (additional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar (optional coating)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, peanut butter, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the unprepared vanilla pudding mix, eggs, additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for about one minute to combine well.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, about half a cup at a time, mixing until just combined.
6. Step 6: Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into balls. Roll each ball between your palms, then optionally roll in granulated sugar for a lightly crisp coating.
7. Step 7: Place the dough balls on the prepared cookie sheet about two inches apart. Use a fork to gently press each ball flat, making two criss-cross indentations.
8. Step 8: Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper peanut flavor, use natural peanut butter and reduce the added sugar slightly.
• Add ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped peanuts to the dough for extra texture and taste.
• If you prefer crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Rolling the cookie dough in granulated sugar is optional but adds a nice slight crunch on the outside.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to three months. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave or oven to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute regular butter; however, shortening helps keep the cookies soft and chewy. Using butter may result in a slightly crisper texture.

What purpose does the instant pudding mix serve?

The instant vanilla pudding mix adds moisture and tenderness to the cookies, helping them stay soft and adding a subtle vanilla flavor.

Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 106 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies combine creamy peanut butter with a hint of vanilla and a touch of instant vanilla pudding mix for extra softness. Rolled in granulated sugar and pressed with a classic fork crisscross, these cookies bake to golden perfection with a tender, chewy texture and rich peanut flavor, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• ½ cup butter flavored shortening (room temperature)
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix (unprepared)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk (additional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

Coating

• ½ cup granulated sugar (optional coating)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside for easy transfer of your cookies.
2. Cream Shortening, Peanut Butter, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter flavored shortening, creamy peanut butter, and packed light brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Pudding Mix and Eggs: Add the unprepared instant vanilla pudding powder, the 2 large eggs, the additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat everything on medium speed for about one minute until well combined and smooth.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients one half cup at a time, mixing until combined after each addition to form a cohesive cookie dough.
6. Portion and Shape Dough: Use a medium cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls. Roll each dough ball between your palms to smooth, then roll each ball in granulated sugar for a delicate sweet crust.
7. Arrange on Cookie Sheet: Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
8. Flatten and Create Criss-Cross Pattern: Gently press each dough ball flat using the tines of a fork, making two indented criss-cross marks for the classic peanut butter cookie look and even baking.
9. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers look set but still soft.
10. Cool Cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Ensure shortening and peanut butter are at room temperature to achieve a smooth cream when mixing.
• Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar is optional but adds a delightful sugary crust.
• Do not overbake; cookies should be soft in the center when you remove them as they will firm up while cooling.
• You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter but expect a denser texture.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for best freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: peanut butter cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, soft peanut butter cookies, vanilla pudding cookies