If you’re a peanut butter lover, there’s nothing better than Jif Peanut Butter Cookies. This classic recipe creates soft, chewy, and rich cookies that bring warmth to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just a cozy night in, this guide will walk you through making the perfect peanut butter cookies using Jif.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know—from selecting ingredients to baking tips and storage recommendations!
Why Jif Peanut Butter is the Best for Cookies
1. Smooth, Creamy Consistency
Jif Peanut Butter has a velvety texture that blends seamlessly into cookie dough. Unlike natural peanut butter, which can separate, Jif ensures consistent texture and taste in every bite.
2. Rich Peanut Flavor
Jif’s signature roasted peanut flavor makes these cookies extra indulgent. The balance of sweetness and nuttiness enhances the overall taste.
3. Perfect for Baking
Since Jif has a stabilized formula, it holds up well during baking, ensuring your cookies have the ideal chewiness without being too dry or crumbly.
Ingredients for Jif Peanut Butter Cookies
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Jif Creamy Peanut Butter (or Crunchy for texture)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for a peanut butter-chocolate twist)
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (for extra crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, Jif peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each dough ball 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Use a fork to press down each ball, making the classic crisscross pattern on the cookies.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will be slightly soft but will set as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Soft butter and eggs blend better for an even dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
- Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies – If you prefer thicker, bakery-style cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- For Extra Chewiness – Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the dough.
- Avoid Overbaking – The cookies should be soft in the center when removed from the oven. They will firm up as they cool.
- Enhance the Flavor – Sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch.
Variations of Jif Peanut Butter Cookies
1. Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies
Melt dark chocolate and dip half of each cookie for a decadent upgrade. Let the chocolate harden before serving.
2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies
Press a small thumbprint in each dough ball before baking, then fill with strawberry or grape jelly after they cool.
3. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Replace 1/2 cup of flour with rolled oats for a chewier texture.
4. Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
Swap out all-purpose flour for 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free alternative.
How to Store Jif Peanut Butter Cookies
At Room Temperature
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread helps maintain softness.
In the Refrigerator
For longer storage, refrigerate cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
In the Freezer
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Freezing Cookie Dough
Roll dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes.
FAQs About Jif Peanut Butter Cookies
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Jif?
Yes, but it may change the texture of the cookies. Natural peanut butter contains more oil and lacks stabilizers, which can make the cookies either too dry or too greasy.
If you decide to use natural peanut butter, follow these tips:
- Stir it well before using to mix the oils evenly.
- Reduce the butter slightly to balance the extra oils.
- Chill the dough before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
For the best results, stick with Jif Creamy or Jif Crunchy Peanut Butter to ensure a consistent texture and flavor.
How Do I Make Peanut Butter Cookies Softer?
If you prefer soft and chewy cookies, try these simple tricks:
- Use brown sugar instead of only white sugar, as it adds moisture.
- Add an extra egg yolk to make the cookies richer and softer.
- Do not overbake—remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
- Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the dry ingredients for a more tender texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them from drying out.
Why Do My Peanut Butter Cookies Crumble?
If your cookies are falling apart, these could be the reasons:
- Too much flour—adding too much flour makes cookies dry and crumbly. Always measure flour correctly using the spoon and level method.
- Not enough fat—butter and peanut butter provide moisture. Reducing them can cause the cookies to be too dry.
- Overbaking—even an extra minute in the oven can dry out the cookies. Remove them when they are just golden at the edges.
- No egg or too little binding agent—eggs help hold everything together. If omitted or reduced, cookies may crumble.
To fix dry cookies, try adding one to two tablespoons of milk to the dough next time.
Can I Double the Recipe for a Large Batch?
Yes, this recipe doubles well, making it perfect for parties or holiday baking.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Use a stand mixer for easy mixing when handling a large amount of dough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Bake in batches do not overcrowd the baking sheet.
- If you don’t need all the cookies at once, freeze the extra dough balls and bake them fresh later.
Can I Make These Cookies Without Eggs?
Yes, you can make egg-free peanut butter cookies by using an egg substitute. Here are a few options:
- Flaxseed egg – Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Applesauce – Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce instead of an egg for a softer texture.
- Mashed banana – Replace the egg with 1/4 cup mashed banana (adds a slight banana flavor).
- Greek yogurt – Use 1/4 cup plain yogurt as an egg substitute for moisture.
Egg-free cookies may spread more, so chill the dough before baking for better results.
What’s the Best Way to Get a Stronger Peanut Butter Flavor?
If you love extra peanut butter flavor, try these methods:
- Use Jif Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter for more peanut texture in every bite.
- Add peanut butter chips to the dough for double the peanut taste.
- Increase the peanut butter to 1 1/4 cups, but slightly reduce the butter to keep the dough balanced.
- Mix in chopped roasted peanuts for an even stronger peanut flavor.
- Drizzle melted peanut butter glaze over the cooled cookies for extra richness.
These tips will make sure every bite of your cookies is packed with peanut butter goodness.
Conclusion
Baking Jif Peanut Butter Cookies is a fun and rewarding experience, perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a variation, these cookies are sure to impress.
Give this recipe a try, and let us know how your cookies turn out!