Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Add Preferred SourceWhen it comes to classic cookies, nothing beats a simple, delicious Peanut Butter Cookie. With just the right balance of sweetness and a touch of saltiness, these cookies are all about comfort and nostalgia. You can whip them up with pantry staples, and they come together in no time, making them perfect for a quick treat or last-minute gatherings.
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I can’t get enough of these Peanut Butter Cookies. They’re done in under 30 minutes, and the recipe is so simple that it feels almost effortless. Kids love helping out with the crisscross pattern, and there’s just something comforting about these familiar flavors wafting through the kitchen. Whether it’s for a holiday or a quick snack, these cookies are the kind that bring people together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Follow my straightforward steps, and you’ll have warm, delicious peanut butter cookies in no time.
Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream together the unsalted butter, sugar, and brown sugar.
Keep mixing until the texture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. This helps give your cookies that perfectly soft center.
Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Peanut Butter
Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract, stirring just until they’re mixed in. Then, blend in the peanut butter until you’ve got a smooth, creamy mixture.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
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Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the peanut butter mixture, blending just until the dough comes together.
Don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with tough cookies!
Shape the Dough and Make the Classic Fork Pattern
Use an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to scoop the dough, placing each portion on your prepared baking sheet.
Press each ball of dough down lightly with a fork, making a crisscross pattern. This step is not just decorative—it also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Bake and Cool
Pop the cookies in the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges start to brown.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy your delicious peanut butter cookies!
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup crunchy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until combined, then blend in the peanut butter until smooth.½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup crunchy peanut butter
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together.1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Scoop the dough with an ice cream scoop or tablespoon and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each dough ball lightly with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges start to brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy your cookies!
Notes
- Room Temperature Butter: Using softened butter is key for a smooth and even cookie dough texture.
- Creaming Time: Cream the butter and sugars for a full 5 minutes; this adds air to the dough, making the cookies softer.
- Crunchy vs. Smooth: Crunchy peanut butter adds an extra bit of texture and a slight crunch in each bite, while smooth peanut butter creates a more consistent, creamy cookie. Both are great; just choose depending on the texture you want!
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Fork Pattern Tip: Pressing a fork down in a crisscross pattern isn’t just for looks—it actually flattens the cookie so it bakes more evenly. Without this step, the cookies might puff up too much in the middle and not bake evenly throughout.
- Watch the Baking Time: Start checking at 9 minutes; they’re ready when the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are my best tips to ensure your Peanut Butter Cookies turn out perfectly:
- Room Temperature Butter: Using softened butter is key for a smooth and even cookie dough texture.
- Creaming Time: Cream the butter and sugars for a full 5 minutes; this adds air to the dough, making the cookies softer.
- Crunchy vs. Smooth: Crunchy peanut butter adds an extra bit of texture and a slight crunch in each bite, while smooth peanut butter creates a more consistent, creamy cookie. Both are great; just choose depending on the texture you want!
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Fork Pattern Tip: Pressing a fork down in a crisscross pattern isn’t just for looks—it actually flattens the cookie so it bakes more evenly. Without this step, the cookies might puff up too much in the middle and not bake evenly throughout.
- Watch the Baking Time: Start checking at 9 minutes; they’re ready when the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft.
How to Store Leftover Peanut Butter Cookies
To keep your Peanut Butter Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week this way.
If you’re in a warmer or more humid climate, you might consider adding a piece of bread or a small slice of apple to the container. This will help retain moisture and prevent the cookies from drying out.
For longer storage, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Once completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour, or warm them briefly in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
More Easy Cookie Recipes for You to Try at Home
I have more easy and delicious cookie recipes for you to explore and enjoy at home.
