Description
These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are made with just four simple ingredients, including a clever addition of yellow cake mix that creates an irresistibly tender texture. Perfect for busy bakers seeking a no-fuss dessert that delivers impressive homemade flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter, creamy or chunky, your preference
- 2 eggs, large eggs at room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, neutral oil like canola or vegetable
- 1 box yellow cake mix, standard 15.25-ounce box
- Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, for added depth of flavor
- Chocolate chips, for extra indulgence
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling on top before baking
Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, eggs, and vegetable oil, stirring until well blended. The mixture should be smooth and uniform, taking about 1-2 minutes of mixing.
- Add the Cake Mix: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough rather than chewy.
- Fold in Additions: If using chocolate chips or vanilla extract, gently fold them into the dough now, keeping the texture light and airy.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop and Shape: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you prefer thicker cookies, use a larger scoop.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This is the secret to achieving that signature soft and chewy texture.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes