Name: Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something sweet and comforting, these Peanut Butter Cookies are exactly what you need. They are easy to make, chewy on the inside with just the right amount of crispy edges, and packed with that rich, nutty peanut butter flavor that feels like a warm hug. This classic cookie recipe satisfies your sweet cravings perfectly, combining simple ingredients for an irresistibly delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion or snack time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples to create something extraordinary without the fuss.
Chewy Texture: Balances softness and slight crunch for the perfect bite every time.
Quick Preparation: Mix and bake these cookies in less than 30 minutes, great for last-minute cravings.
Classic Flavor: A timeless taste that highlights the rich, nutty goodness of peanut butter.
Kid-Friendly: A fun and easy recipe that children love to help make and devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Peanut Butter Cookies recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients; each one adds to the cookie’s wonderful flavor, texture, and color. From the buttery richness to the sweetness and binding power, every ingredient plays a crucial role.

Peanut Butter: Use creamy or chunky for texture, providing the signature peanutty flavor and moisture.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crisp on the edges.
Brown Sugar: Brings a hint of caramel flavor and contributes to the chewy texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring the dough holds together and adds richness.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure without toughness.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and spread just enough.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the peanut butter’s natural oils.
Vanilla Extract: Lifts and deepens the overall flavor profile beautifully.

Variations for Peanut Butter Cookies

This recipe is endlessly customizable, allowing you to tweak flavors or textures to your liking or accommodate dietary needs. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand or your cravings!

Chocolate Chips: Add sweetness and richness with classic chocolate chips folded into the dough.
Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use crunchy instead of creamy peanut butter for added texture.
Oats: Stir in rolled oats for a heartier cookie with a slight chewiness.
Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warm, cozy depth to the flavor.

Best Peanut Butter Cookies to Satisfy Cravings

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a wooden spoon or mixer until creamy and smooth. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well blended and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution before gradually adding to the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined; don’t overmix. The dough will be soft but manageable.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form dough balls and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Press down each ball gently with a fork, creating the classic crisscross pattern. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and allows residual heat to set the texture perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Cookies

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough mix evenly and prevents clumps.
Don’t Overbake: Remove from oven when edges are golden but centers are still soft to retain chewiness.
Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill dough for 15-30 minutes to reduce spreading and intensify flavors.
Press Fork Gently: Avoid pressing too hard when creating crisscross patterns to keep cookies light and airy.
Experiment with Sweeteners: Try substituting brown sugar for coconut sugar for a subtle caramel twist.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top after baking for a delightful sweet-salty contrast. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or add a dollop of peanut butter frosting for a special treat.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a comforting cup of coffee or tea. They also complement ice cream beautifully, making an easy dessert sandwich or topping.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Peanut Butter Cookies in a decorative tin or wrap in colorful parchment for gifting. Layer them with homemade whipped cream and berries in a trifle bowl for an irresistible dessert presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and chewiness.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls. Separate cookies with parchment paper and freeze in a container or bag for up to three months.

Reheating

Warm thawed cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to bring back the freshly baked softness and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes! Natural peanut butter works well but may change the texture slightly due to its oil content; you might want to chill the dough to help with spreading.

Are peanut butter cookies gluten-free?

Traditional Peanut Butter Cookies use all-purpose flour so they are not gluten-free by default, but you can easily substitute with gluten-free flour blends.

How do I make these cookies vegan?

Replace the egg with a flax egg or chia egg, and use a dairy-free peanut butter to make the cookies vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

Why are my Peanut Butter Cookies dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dryness; aim to pull cookies out when edges are set but centers remain soft and use proper measuring techniques.

Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips complement the peanut butter flavor wonderfully and add a bit of melty sweetness to every bite.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless, crowd-pleasing classic everyone should have in their recipe box. Their effortless preparation, delightful texture, and deep, nutty flavor make them perfect for any occasion or just a sweet moment of joy. Give this recipe a try, and watch these cookies become your go-to delight!