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Soft-Baked Chewy Peanut Butter Lunch Box Cookies

soft-baked chewy peanut butter lunch box cookies - featured image

These soft-baked chewy peanut butter lunch box cookies are perfect snacks that hold their shape and softness, making them ideal for school or work lunches. They balance a rich peanut butter flavor with a chewy texture and a touch of vanilla.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) creamy peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (90g) mini semisweet chocolate chips or chopped peanuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined and creamy.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
  6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to prevent spreading and keep cookies soft and chewy.
  7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  8. Optionally, gently press each dough ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
  9. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly soft. For ultra-chewy cookies, bake closer to 10 minutes.
  10. Let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough for at least 20 minutes is essential to prevent spreading and maintain chewiness. Avoid overmixing once flour is added to keep cookies tender. Use creamy peanut butter for best texture. Baking time affects chewiness: 10 minutes for ultra-chewy, 12 minutes for slight crisp edges. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep soft.

Nutrition

Keywords: peanut butter cookies, soft-baked cookies, chewy cookies, lunch box snacks, easy peanut butter recipe, kid-friendly snacks