If you’re looking for a cookie that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, salty, melt-in-your-mouth softness and irresistible nutty flavor, look no further than Peanut Butter Cookies. This classic treat has been a staple at bake sales, family gatherings, and after-school snacks for generations, and it’s easy to see why. With just the right amount of peanut butter and a few pantry staples, these cookies deliver a nostalgic punch with every bite, making them beloved by kids and grown-ups alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Peanut Butter Cookies is how wonderfully simple the ingredient list is. Each addition serves a unique purpose, whether it’s adding a touch of chewiness, contributing sweetness, or helping the cookies bake up golden and tender.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and ensures the cookies have a soft, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Gives the cookies their classic sweetness and helps create crisp edges.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings depth of flavor and a lovely chew thanks to its molasses content.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star of the show, providing unbeatable nutty taste and creamy texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and helps the cookies rise just right.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor, making every bite a little more fragrant and rich.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Forms the foundation that gives the cookies their perfect structure.
- Baking soda (3/4 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies spread nicely for that classic look and texture.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a bit of lift, preventing the cookies from being too dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and amplifies the peanut butter flavor.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by turning your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. Taking just a moment to prepare your pans ensures the cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a total breeze later on.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which helps the cookies bake up light and soft.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything’s thoroughly combined – the batter should be delightfully smooth and creamy by the end of this step, with no streaks of egg visible.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
Grab a second bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients before folding them into the wet mixture ensures everything gets distributed evenly, avoiding any hidden pockets of baking soda.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently after each addition until just incorporated. Resist the urge to overmix – this is the secret to those soft, tender Peanut Butter Cookies!
Step 6: Shape and Crisscross
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheets. For that signature look and irresistible texture, gently press the tops with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the trays in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges turn lightly golden. The centers should still look a tiny bit soft – they’ll firm up as they cool, ensuring the perfect chewy bite.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This brief rest stops them from breaking apart and lets all those flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaked sea salt over freshly baked Peanut Butter Cookies can elevate their flavor and add a hint of crunch. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or dust them with powdered sugar for an extra special touch that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk, a piping hot mug of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The nutty richness of Peanut Butter Cookies matches beautifully with fresh fruit like sliced apples or bananas for a snack that feels both indulgent and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich a scoop of chocolate or strawberry ice cream between two Peanut Butter Cookies to make a dreamy dessert sandwich. You can also pack them up with a handwritten note for homemade gift bags or stack them in mason jars for a rustic and eye-catching display at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days. Slip in a slice of bread to the container if you want to help keep the cookies even softer – the cookies will draw in extra moisture from the bread.
Freezing
Both baked Peanut Butter Cookies and unbaked dough freeze wonderfully. To freeze the baked cookies, let them cool completely, then store in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. For dough, roll into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag once solid. You can bake straight from frozen, just add a minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
If you want your cookies warm and gooey again, just pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. For that just-baked taste and aroma, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, and they’ll taste as delightful as the day you made them.
FAQs
Can I use natural or crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Natural and crunchy peanut butters work well in this recipe, though natural varieties may make the dough a bit softer and the cookie slightly more rustic. Crunchy peanut butter adds wonderful texture to every bite.
What’s the best way to get the classic crisscross pattern?
Simply dip a fork in a bit of flour or sugar to prevent sticking, then press gently across the top of each dough ball in one direction, then again at a 90-degree angle. This pattern is not just decorative, it also helps the cookies bake more evenly.
How do I know when Peanut Butter Cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye out for edges that turn lightly golden while the centers still look slightly soft. The residual heat from the baking sheet will finish setting them, giving you that perfect chewy center every time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Double check that all other ingredients are gluten-free and you’re set for a delicious batch of Peanut Butter Cookies everyone can enjoy.
Why do my cookies come out dry or crumbly?
Overbaking is often the culprit when it comes to dry cookies. Pull them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden and the centers look a bit underdone, and always measure your flour carefully to avoid adding too much.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Cookies are one of those crowd-pleasing classics you’ll reach for time and time again, whether it’s for an afternoon pick-me-up, sharing at a potluck, or gifting to a friend. Now that you know how straightforward they are to make, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience just how irresistible homemade Peanut Butter Cookies can be!
Print
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Peanut Butter Cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a chewy texture and rich peanut butter flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Shape and bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them and allow them to finish setting on the baking sheet.
- You can also use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture or add chocolate chips for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
