If you are a fan of rich, nutty flavors paired with a soft yet slightly crumbly texture, this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. It effortlessly combines the creamy goodness of peanut butter with just the right balance of sweetness and a hint of salt, delivering a cookie that feels homemade and so satisfying. Whether you want a quick treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or a batch to share with friends, this recipe’s simplicity and irresistible taste make it a standout in any cookie collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together to create the perfect texture and flavor in your Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a critical role — from moisture and richness to sweetness and leavening — ensuring your cookies bake up soft, flavorful, and with that classic peanut butter aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cup): Provides the structure and base of the cookie dough.
- Baking powder (3/4 tsp): Helps the cookies rise a bit, keeping them light instead of dense.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and richness, making the cookies melt in your mouth.
- Peanut butter (1 cup): The star ingredient that gives these cookies their distinct flavor and moist texture.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle molasses tone and keeps the cookies tender.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and aids in light browning.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s soft crumb.
- Sea salt (1/4 to 1/2 tsp): Important for balancing the sweetness, especially if your peanut butter isn’t salted.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential so the cookies bake evenly and develop the perfect texture and color from the moment they hit the oven.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Sift together all-purpose flour and baking powder, then whisk until blended. This step ensures your dough is light and that the leavening is evenly distributed, which helps avoid dense spots in your cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter with both the brown and white sugars until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This process incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender crumb. Don’t forget to add sea salt here if you like that slight contrast to the sweetness!
Step 4: Add Peanut Butter
Into the creamed butter and sugars, add the peanut butter and mix until fully combined and smooth. This step ensures every bite bursts with that rich peanut flavor.
Step 5: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is homogeneous. This bonding step creates the perfect wet base for adding your dry ingredients.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your sifted flour mixture into the wet ingredients, beating just until incorporated. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so mix gently for tender results.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced apart on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spacing prevents the cookies from merging during baking.
Step 8: Add Classic Fork Pattern
Press each dough ball down lightly with a fork in a criss-cross pattern. This not only flattens the cookies for even baking but gives that iconic peanut butter cookie look that makes them instantly recognizable.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Removing them just before they look fully done lets them finish cooking on the hot tray and remain tender inside.
Step 10: Cool Completely
Allow your cookies to cool fully on the baking sheet before moving them. This resting time allows residual heat to finish baking them gently and helps them firm up without losing softness.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a fun twist, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on freshly baked cookies; this enhances their natural sweetness. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or add chopped roasted peanuts on top to amp up the crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair amazingly well with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert that feels lavish.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your peanut butter cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of peanut butter and chocolate sauce for dipping. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment tied with twine makes charming gifts or party favors that friends will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to preserve their soft texture. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect shape.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. To freeze dough, roll into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag—bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds to revive their softness without drying them out. Alternatively, briefly heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes for that freshly-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth in this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add delightful little peanut bits to your cookies, giving extra texture and bursts of nutty flavor.
What if I don’t have baking powder; can I substitute baking soda?
Baking powder and baking soda are not interchangeable one-to-one. This recipe relies on baking powder for gentle rising; using baking soda alone may change the texture and spread of the cookies.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can substitute the butter with a vegan butter spread and replace the egg with flax or chia egg alternatives; just keep in mind slight changes in texture might occur.
Why do some peanut butter cookies come out dry?
Overbaking or overmixing the dough can cause dryness. Following precise baking times and mixing just until combined helps keep your cookies soft and moist.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better. Additionally, avoid using overly oily peanut butter, which can cause excess spreading.
Final Thoughts
There is just something incredibly comforting about a batch of homemade peanut butter cookies fresh from the oven, and this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe captures that feeling perfectly. With straightforward ingredients, approachable steps, and a taste that brings joy with every bite, you simply can’t go wrong. So grab your mixing bowl and get baking—these cookies are destined to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Peanut Butter Cookies recipe yields 18 deliciously soft and chewy cookies with a perfect criss-cross pattern. Combining creamy peanut butter, brown and white sugars, and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are baked to golden perfection, offering a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (180g)
- 3/4 tsp baking powder (3g)
- 1/4–1/2 tsp sea salt (if peanut butter is not salty)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
- 1 cup peanut butter (250g)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed (100g)
- 1/2 cup sugar (100g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the desired temperature for even baking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then whisk to evenly blend the ingredients for a light, uniform dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter together with the brown and white sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. If desired, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt to enhance flavor.
- Add Peanut Butter: Incorporate the peanut butter into the creamed mixture and mix until fully combined for a smooth texture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the batter, mixing well to blend all wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the sifted flour and baking powder mixture into the wet ingredients. Beat until just incorporated to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into one-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Create Classic Pattern: Using a fork, gently press down on each ball in a criss-cross pattern to flatten the cookies and create the classic peanut butter cookie design.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden but still soft to the touch.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. This resting time lets them set up and finish cooking with residual heat, resulting in a firm yet tender texture suitable for handling and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- If your peanut butter is already salty, adjust or omit additional sea salt.
- Do not overmix once the dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
- Allow cookies to cool fully on the baking sheet before removing to maintain shape and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
