Best Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you like peanut butter, well, then you’re in for a real treat with these peanut butter cookies. This recipe is easy and just right for cookies that are soft yet crispy enough that it’s difficult to have just one.

You likely have all of the ingredients in your pantry, so you’ll be baking some up in no time. Whether a pro at baking or in a rush and looking out for something quick and delicious, this peanut butter cookie recipe should be pinned in your baking recipes list.

Let’s dive in and see why these cookies are so irresistible!

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT MY RECIPE

This peanut butter cookie recipe gives a rich, nutty flavor and a perfect balance between being soft and slightly crunchy.

Most of the ingredients in this cookie are things that one normally keeps in their pantry and can bake anytime the need arises for something sweet and comforting.

Further, this recipe yields a chewy center and a crispy edge, which is an addictive combination.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR THIS RECIPE

• Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Use either creamy or chunky, whichever you like the best.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness, and the brown sugar imparts a little moistness, with a hint of caramel flavor.
• Egg: The general rule in most cookie recipes is to have a single egg bind everything together and add richness to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Like a leavening agent, this gives cookies their light and tender crumbs.
• Vanilla extract: It will add flavor to this, and it goes well with the peanut butter.

HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Combine wet ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla, if using until smooth.
3. Fold in dry ingredients. Stir in the baking soda, mixing until barely combined.
4. Shape the cookies: You take a portion of about a tablespoonful of dough for each cookie, roll it into a ball, and place it on the baking sheet. Lightly flatten each ball slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
5. Bake and cool. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let cool a few minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

TIPS FROM PROS FOR THIS RECIPE

Other options for added texture include chunky peanut butter or folding in chopped peanuts. Avoid overmixing the dough to create tender cookies.

• If you prefer chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and then let them cool on the sheet.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free baking soda, and you are ready to rock.
2. Can I add chocolate chips? Adding chocolate chips or chunks brings a delightful chocolatey touch to these cookies.
3. How do I store these cookies? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Freezing does them well also, and you can enjoy them later!
4. Why do you put fork marks on peanut butter cookies? Fork marks help peanut butter cookies bake evenly. Peanut butter dough is typically dense, and pressing with a fork encourages it to spread out during baking, ensuring an even cooking. The classic criss-cross pattern also gives these cookies their signature look, so we stick to this tradition even though the cookies might spread on their own with this recipe.
5. Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! This dough freezes well. Just prepare the cookies as if you’re about to bake them, roll them if desired, and then freeze them. You can freeze rolled cookies if you prefer a sugar coating or simply drop unrolled dough on a lined sheet, freeze, and store.
6. Are there any mix-ins that I can add to this recipe? Definitely! Add-ins like chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, Reese’s pieces, chopped chocolate, or chopped-up Nutter Butters all work wonderfully. Just skip the fork marks if you’re adding chunky mix-ins for a smoother baking process.
7. Why were my peanut butter cookies hard? Hard cookies usually result from overbaking. To keep them soft, remove the cookies from the oven while they’re still slightly soft in the middle, letting them finish cooking on the sheet outside the oven.

Print Pin

Best Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

These classic peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you need a simple treat or something to bring to a gathering. The crisscross pattern on top adds a nostalgic touch.

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter creamy or chunky
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
• Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Make the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
• Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Press the dough balls down gently with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.
• Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.