Nothing beats the warm, nutty aroma of freshly baked peanut butter cookies. With their signature fork-pressed crisscross pattern and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies have been a household favorite for decades. Originating in the United States during the 1930s, peanut butter cookies quickly became popular thanks to their simple ingredients and unbeatable flavor. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and nutty goodness that never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Simple and quick – Ready in under 30 minutes with pantry staples.
- Irresistibly delicious – Soft, chewy centers with lightly crisp edges.
- Customizable – Add chocolate chips, drizzle with melted chocolate, or sandwich with frosting.
- Beginner-friendly – Easy to follow, even if you’re new to baking.
- Perfect for sharing – A crowd-pleasing treat for holidays, bake sales, or weeknight desserts.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter – The star ingredient, bringing rich nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Butter – Adds richness and creates a tender, soft cookie crumb.
- Sugar (brown and white) – Balances sweetness while adding chewiness and depth.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for a soft texture.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and keeps cookies from spreading too thin.
- Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly for the perfect bite.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light and fluffy. This ensures a soft texture.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly incorporate into the wet ingredients.
- Scoop the dough into small balls and place them evenly on the baking sheet.
- Flatten each dough ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking for softer cookies.
- Cool on a wire rack to allow them to firm up without becoming hard.
Expert Tip: Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and achieve thicker cookies.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Chocolate Twist – Stir in chocolate chips or dip half the cookie in melted chocolate.
- Crunch Factor – Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Healthier Swap – Replace some sugar with honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
- Extra Nutty – Top cookies with chopped peanuts before baking.
How to Store & Reheat
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore softness.
Similar Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed these classic peanut butter cookies, you’ll definitely want to try a few more of my favorite cookie recipes. For a timeless treat, bake up the Toll House Cookie Recipe with its rich chocolatey goodness. When fall flavors call, the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, spiced, and irresistible. And if you’re looking for something colorful and fun, the Jello Sugar Cookies are chewy, vibrant, and perfect for parties or family baking days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?
The crisscross pattern flattens the dough for even baking and has become the signature look of peanut butter cookies.
2. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but stir it well to avoid oily or crumbly cookies. For best results, use a creamy, no-stir peanut butter.
3. How do I make them extra chewy?
Use more brown sugar than white sugar and slightly underbake them for a softer, chewier texture.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Peanut butter cookies scale well—just make sure to chill the dough if making large batches.
These classic peanut butter cookies are proof that simple ingredients create the best desserts. Soft, chewy, and packed with nutty flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your cookies with family and friends—or keep a secret stash just for yourself. Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Press each ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.