Warm, pillowy cookies with all the rich flavor of peanut butter—soft in the center with just a hint of crisp at the edge.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, chewy texture with a crisp edge
- Classic peanut butter flavor
- Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes
- Each cookie is only around 120 calories
- Great for lunchboxes and snacks
- Easily doubled for a crowd
- Freezer-friendly
- No chilling required
- Perfect for peanut butter lovers
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes.
- Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla; beat until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined—do not overmix.
- Scoop dough into balls (about 1½ tablespoons each) and place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
- Flatten each ball gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but centers still look soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Approximate Calories: ~120 kcal per cookie
Variations
- Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture
- Add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts
- Substitute almond or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version
- Sprinkle with sea salt before baking for a gourmet touch
- Dip half in melted chocolate for a treat twist
Storage/Reheating
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
- Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months
- To reheat, microwave a cookie for 5-10 seconds for a warm, just-baked feel
FAQs
How long does 120-Calorie Soft Peanut Butter Cookies last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days per USDA food safety guidelines. These cookies freeze well for up to 2-3 months, whether as dough balls or baked. To reheat, microwave a frozen cookie for 5-10 seconds for a warm, just-baked feel.
Can I substitute butter in this recipe?
I’ve found that while the recipe doesn’t specify butter substitutes, you could try using an equal amount of vegetable shortening for a similar texture, though the flavor might be less rich. Margarine is another option, but its higher water content could slightly alter the cookie’s spread.
How long does this need to chill before serving?
In my experience, this recipe explicitly states that no chilling is required for the dough, making it a quick option. You can bake these soft peanut butter cookies immediately after mixing the ingredients for a delicious, warm treat.
What goes well with 120-Calorie Soft Peanut Butter Cookies?
These soft peanut butter cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful dessert, you could also serve them alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad.
Is 120-Calorie Soft Peanut Butter Cookies gluten-free?
This recipe contains gluten from the all-purpose flour. To make these cookies gluten-free, I recommend substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a similar texture and result. Always check your blend for best practices.
Conclusion
These 120-calorie soft peanut butter cookies offer all the classic taste and texture you love in a lighter version. Quick to make and easy to enjoy, they’re a delightful treat for any peanut butter enthusiast.
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120-Calorie Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 120-Calorie Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are packed with rich, creamy peanut butter flavor in a pillowy-soft texture with golden crisp edges. A low-calorie treat that doesn’t compromise on taste—perfect for dessert or snacking anytime!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
- Scoop dough (1½ tablespoons each), place 2 inches apart on sheets.
- Flatten with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are set and centers look soft.
- Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, underbake slightly.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American