Peanut Butter Clouds Recipe
If there were ever a cookie that lives up to its name, it’s these Peanut Butter Clouds. Picture this: light, pillowy-soft centers, a kiss of peanutty richness, and a finishing snowfall of powdered sugar that looks as dreamy as it tastes. Soft and tender with a slightly crisp edge, these cookies are pure comfort for peanut butter lovers and absolutely perfect for those moments when you need a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch because these irresistible cookies tend to vanish almost instantly!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! Don’t worry—each one is easy to find, but together, they create the signature taste and texture of Peanut Butter Clouds. Every component plays a key role, whether it’s building fluffiness or deepening the peanut butter flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter: Delivers that rich, nutty base—use your favorite brand for best results.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides moisture and tenderness for a lighter crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s delicate structure.
- Packed brown sugar: Brings a touch of molasses flavor and extra chewiness.
- Large egg: Binds everything together for a soft, rich texture.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors and adds aromatic depth.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure while keeping them airy.
- Baking soda: Ensures a gentle rise and those ultra-soft, puffy centers.
- Salt: A pinch balances all the sweet and nutty flavors—don’t skip it!
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): That magical, cloud-like finish that makes these cookies so memorable.
How to Make Peanut Butter Clouds
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go once your dough is mixed. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also helps keep the bottoms of your Peanut Butter Clouds beautifully golden and soft.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat these together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost looks like peanut butter mousse. This step is crucial for getting that signature cloud-like texture in the finished cookie!
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again just until everything is smooth. The egg gives your Peanut Butter Clouds a little lift while the vanilla brings warmth and an aromatic background to every bite.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution so your cookies rise just right and every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Be sure not to overmix—this keeps your Peanut Butter Clouds fluffy rather than dense. The dough will be soft, just the way it should be.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, rolling each into a ball between your palms. Place the balls about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to give them room to puff up. This step is always fun—almost like making tiny, edible snowballs!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for cookies with set edges and centers that remain soft and puffy—think marshmallow meets peanut butter cookie. Don’t worry if they look slightly underbaked in the middle; that’s exactly right!
Step 8: Cooling & Finishing Touches
Once your Peanut Butter Clouds are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up. While they’re still slightly warm, dust generously with powdered sugar. This not only makes them look cloud-like, but adds an extra touch of sweetness that melts on your tongue.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Clouds
Garnishes
Dusting with powdered sugar is a must for that classic cloud effect, but you can also get creative—try a drizzle of melted chocolate, a tiny sprinkle of sea salt, or even a dip in tempered chocolate for a shiny finish. Each garnish adds a little personality to your Peanut Butter Clouds and makes them truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair these dreamy cookies with a lightly sweetened cup of coffee, a tall glass of cold milk, or even hot chocolate for cozy moments. If you’re serving them at a party, fresh fruit like strawberries or grapes create a delightful contrast to the cookie’s rich flavor. Peanut Butter Clouds are wonderful all on their own, but they’re even better as part of a sweet spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Peanut Butter Clouds on a cake stand with a generous dusting of powdered sugar for an eye-catching centerpiece. You could also sandwich two cookies together with a swirl of marshmallow fluff, or wrap each individual cloud in crinkly cellophane for homemade gifting. For parties, nestle them into cupcake liners and arrange them in a gift box—they’ll disappear in a flash!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Butter Clouds stay soft and delicious for up to five days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them extra fresh, add a slice of bread to the container—the bread gets stale while your cookies stay pillowy and perfect!
Freezing
To make your cookie prep even easier, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Simply freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a resealable bag; bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. You can also freeze baked Peanut Butter Clouds—just let them cool completely and double-wrap for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
If you love your cookies warm, pop a Peanut Butter Cloud in the microwave for just 7-10 seconds. This revives the soft, melty center and gives you that “just-baked” magic any time. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw at room temperature first for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for Peanut Butter Clouds?
It’s best to stick with traditional creamy peanut butter, as natural types can separate and change the texture. If you do use natural peanut butter, make sure it’s very well-stirred and be prepared for a slightly less puffy cookie.
Why are my cookies dry instead of soft and fluffy?
If your Peanut Butter Clouds turned out a bit dry, try reducing the bake time or checking that your ingredient measurements are precise. Overmixing or overbaking can also make cookies less tender, so try to mix gently and keep a close eye on them in the oven.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Fold in a handful of chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even white chocolate chunks for a tasty twist. Just be careful not to overload the dough, as too many additions can weigh down your Peanut Butter Clouds.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. You can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if you need gluten-free Peanut Butter Clouds, but results might vary slightly in texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for edges that are set but centers that remain soft and puffy; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Avoid baking until fully golden or firm in the middle for truly cloud-like cookies.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the secrets to Peanut Butter Clouds, what are you waiting for? Each bite is soft, sweet, and absolutely packed with comfort. I hope you’ll fall in love with this recipe as much as I have, and maybe even make it a regular star in your baking routine. Happy baking, and here’s to perfectly puffy, peanut buttery treats every time!
Print
Peanut Butter Clouds Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Clouds are soft, fluffy, and utterly irresistible. With a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, they are like biting into a sweet, peanut buttery cloud. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt.
For Dusting:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Bake: Scoop dough into balls, place on baking sheets, and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Cool and Dust: Let cookies cool on sheets briefly, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar while warm.
Notes
- For extra decadence, drizzle with melted chocolate or sandwich with marshmallow fluff.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
