- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press each cookie with a fork in a crisscross pattern for the classic peanut butter cookie look.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look soft — that’s what makes them chewy!
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage:
These cookies are perfect fresh from the oven but stay soft and chewy even after cooling.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Tip: You can also freeze the cookie dough balls and bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
Tips:
- Use natural or creamy peanut butter for the softest texture.
- Don’t overbake — cookies continue to set as they cool.
- For extra flavor, toast the oats lightly before mixing.
- Mix-ins like chocolate chips, peanut chunks, or even dried fruit can make these cookies unique.
Conclusion:
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are a timeless favorite for good reason — they’re soft, chewy, and full of comforting flavor. With simple ingredients and a straightforward recipe, anyone can make a batch of these irresistible cookies at home.
Perfect for snacking, gifting, or dessert, these cookies combine the best of peanut butter and hearty oats into a treat that everyone will love.
FAQ:
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes — use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
How do I keep cookies soft?
Avoid overbaking, and store them in an airtight container once cooled. Adding a slice of bread in the container helps keep them extra soft.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes — use a plant-based butter substitute, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), and ensure peanut butter is vegan.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! They make a delicious addition without changing the chewy texture.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes — both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls freeze well for future use.