We’ve always had a soft spot for Mrs. Fields peanut butter cookies—their gooey centers and nutty crunch make them a timeless favorite. Originating from the beloved bakery chain that started in the 1970s, these treats capture the essence of homemade comfort with a professional twist we can’t resist.
In our kitchen, we’ve perfected this classic recipe to bring that iconic flavor straight to your table. It’s simple yet satisfying, and we’re thrilled to guide you through baking these crowd-pleasers that blend nostalgia with easy steps.
Ingredients
To recreate our perfected version of the iconic Mrs. Fields Peanut Butter Cookies, we start by gathering these key ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’ll be used, with prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened at room temperature for creaming)
- Peanut butter (1 cup, creamy variety for that signature nutty flavor we love in Mrs. Fields originals)
- Granulated sugar (1 cup, for adding sweetness and texture)
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed to enhance the gooey centers)
- Large eggs (2, at room temperature to ensure even mixing)
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons, pure for authentic taste)
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups, sifted to avoid lumps)
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon, for the perfect rise and crunch)
- Salt (½ teaspoon, to balance the sweetness)
This selection captures the homemade comfort and professional touch of Mrs. Fields Peanut Butter Cookies, blending simple pantry staples for a nostalgic bake.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Mrs. Fields Peanut Butter Cookies to life with precision and ease, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure perfect texture and baking results. These items help us transform the listed ingredients into gooey, nutty delights without any fuss.
Here’s a curated list of the key equipment, organized by the order of use in the recipe process:
- Mixing Bowls: We start with two large mixing bowls—one for creaming the butters and sugars, and another for combining dry ingredients like flour and baking soda. Opt for sturdy, heat-resistant bowls to handle everything from mixing to dough preparation.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for achieving that signature creamy consistency in our peanut butter dough. A hand-held electric mixer works for smaller batches, while a stand mixer offers hands-free convenience for larger ones.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking, so we use standard measuring cups and spoons to measure out ingredients like butter, sugars, and vanilla extract precisely, avoiding any imbalances in flavor or texture.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For folding in the dry ingredients after mixing the wet ones. We recommend a flexible silicone spatula for scraping down bowl sides and ensuring even incorporation.
- Baking Sheets: Two rimmed baking sheets are ideal for scooping and baking the dough. Line them with parchment paper for even heat distribution and to prevent sticking, helping achieve those perfect golden edges.
- Cookie Scoop: To form uniform cookies, we use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop. This tool ensures consistent sizes, leading to even baking and that iconic Mrs. Fields look.
- Oven Thermometer: While not always necessary, we suggest an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s temperature accuracy, as precise heat is crucial for the cookies’ gooey centers and crunchy exteriors.
With these tools at hand, we’re set to move seamlessly from ingredients to the baking steps, capturing the homemade comfort of Mrs. Fields Peanut Butter Cookies in every batch.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and tools lined up, let’s guide you through baking these iconic Mrs. Fields Peanut Butter Cookies with our straightforward steps. We’ll ensure every batch delivers that perfect gooey center and nutty crunch.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we start mixing, we measure and prep our ingredients for smooth baking. Begin by softening 1 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature—this ensures creamy blending. In a separate bowl, measure out 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) together in a bowl to avoid lumps later, setting the stage for a dough that’s easy to work with and full of that signature peanut butter flavor.
Mix the Dough
We start by creaming the wet ingredients to build a rich base. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy—imagine the irresistible aroma of peanuts and sweetness filling your kitchen. Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) on low speed, mixing just until combined to form a soft, pliable dough that promises those chewy, nutty bites we love in Mrs. Fields cookies.
Shape and Bake the Cookies
With our dough ready, we shape and bake for that perfect golden finish. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop, portion out 1 ½ tablespoon scoops of dough onto the sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart for even spreading—this yields about 24 cookies, each with a delightful crinkle top and tender interior. Gently press each ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern, enhancing the classic look. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft, capturing the homemade comfort of Mrs. Fields Peanut Butter Cookies in every warm, fragrant batch.
Cool the Cookies
Once baked, we cool the cookies to set their texture without losing that fresh-baked appeal. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies rest on them for 5 minutes—this allows the gooey centers to firm up slightly while retaining their melt-in-your-mouth quality. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely for another 10-15 minutes. Now, your Mrs. Fields Peanut Butter Cookies are ready to enjoy, with their nutty crunch and irresistible flavor shining through.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
As we perfect our take on Mrs. Fields Peanut Butter Cookies, planning ahead ensures you enjoy their irresistible gooey centers and nutty crunch whenever the craving strikes. Let’s explore practical strategies to prepare and preserve these cookies without compromising their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Make-Ahead Options
We recommend making the dough in advance to simplify baking day. This approach allows the flavors to meld, enhancing that classic peanut butter taste.
- Chill the Dough: After mixing, shape the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and intensifying the cookies’ chewy texture when baked.
- Freeze the Dough: For longer storage, form dough balls as above, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container after they firm up in the fridge. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking to preserve the fresh-baked quality and prevent spreading.
- Prepare and Bake Later: If you’re short on time, mix the full dough batch, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When ready, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking as directed.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage keeps Mrs. Fields Peanut Butter Cookies fresh, maintaining their soft centers and crisp edges. Below, we outline the best methods based on duration and conditions.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Optimal Results |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3-5 days | Store in an airtight container at a cool spot away from direct sunlight. This keeps the cookies soft and flavorful, with that nutty crunch intact for everyday snacking. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigeration helps retain moisture, ensuring the gooey centers don’t dry out—simply let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
For long-term storage, arrange cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freezing locks in the fresh-baked aroma and taste; thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to revive that just-baked warmth.
By following these tips, we ensure every batch of Mrs. Fields Peanut Butter Cookies delivers the same comforting, homemade delight with minimal effort.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing our take on the classic Mrs. Fields Peanut Butter Cookies and hope you’ve found it straightforward. Baking these treats brings that warm, nostalgic joy right to your kitchen.
Remember, with our tips, you’ll whip up batches that impress family and friends. Let’s keep the tradition alive—grab your ingredients and enjoy every gooey bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mrs. Fields peanut butter cookies?
Mrs. Fields peanut butter cookies are a classic treat from the 1970s bakery chain, known for their gooey centers, nutty crunch, and homemade comfort with a professional edge. They blend nostalgia and simple baking to deliver irresistible flavor, making them a timeless favorite for cookie lovers.
What ingredients are needed for Mrs. Fields peanut butter cookies?
You’ll need basic pantry staples like unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated and brown sugar, large eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. These ingredients are organized for easy use and create the signature taste and texture of the original cookies.
What equipment is required to bake Mrs. Fields peanut butter cookies?
Essential tools include mixing bowls for wet and dry ingredients, an electric or stand mixer for creamy dough, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a spatula or wooden spoon, baking sheets with parchment paper, a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, and an optional oven thermometer for precise baking.
How do I make Mrs. Fields peanut butter cookies?
Start by softening butter and measuring ingredients. Cream wet ingredients like butter, peanut butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, and salt to form dough. Shape into balls, add a crisscross pattern with a fork, bake at the right temperature, and cool on a rack for that perfect gooey center and crunch.
Can I prepare Mrs. Fields peanut butter cookies in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead and chill it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. This allows for fresh baking whenever you want, keeping the cookies’ soft centers and crisp edges intact for easy, on-demand treats.
How should I store Mrs. Fields peanut butter cookies?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. This preserves their soft texture and flavor—thaw frozen ones at room temperature for the best results.
What tips can help me get the best results with Mrs. Fields peanut butter cookies?
Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing, don’t overbake to keep the gooey center, and let the dough chill if it’s too soft for perfect shaping. For variations, try adding chocolate chips, but stick to the original for that authentic Mrs. Fields taste and texture.