Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe because it hits that perfect balance between soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s both nostalgic and downright irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or bringing a batch to a get-together, these cookies always get rave reviews.

You’ll find that this recipe works beautifully even if you’re not a seasoned baker since the steps are straightforward and forgiving. Plus, the little criss-cross fork pattern on top gives each cookie its charming classic look — something that makes me smile every time I make them. Trust me, once you try this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for peanut butter cravings.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role, from the richness of peanut butter to the light sweetness of brown and white sugars. I always make sure to choose creamy peanut butter for that smooth texture, but chunky works beautifully if you love added crunch!

• All-purpose flour: Sifting helps avoid clumps and gives you a lighter, tender cookie.
• Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter makes creaming easier and results in better texture.
• Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter blends well, but chunky adds a delightful texture twist.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor to your cookies.
• Sugar (granulated): Balances sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
• Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way boosting the overall flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind everything and adds richness.
• Baking powder: Gives your cookies a gentle lift without puffing them up too much.

Variations

I love how this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe welcomes personalization. Over time, I’ve tweaked it with small additions that pack even more flavor or accommodate dietary needs—feel free to experiment so the cookies suit your taste best.

• Chunky Peanut Butter: I once swapped creamy with chunky peanut butter and was thrilled by the extra crunch it gave each bite.
• Adding Chocolate Chips: Mixing in some semi-sweet chocolate chips adds a gooey sweetness that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter.
• Vegan Version: You can replace the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg for a plant-based twist that still bakes up great.
• Salted Kick: Depending on your peanut butter’s saltiness, adding a 1/4 tsp of flaky sea salt on top before baking elevates the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder — this step assures your cookies bake evenly with a lovely tender crumb. It’s a small step that makes a noticeable difference!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), beat the room temperature butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy and light. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If you want a touch of savory balance, this is where you can add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt — it brightens the peanut butter flavor.

Step 3: Mix in Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

Add the peanut butter next and blend until fully combined. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. I like to scrape the sides of my bowl a couple of times here to make sure everything is mixed evenly, which helps avoid any dry flour pockets later.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour and baking powder mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix on low speed, just until you see no more flour streaks. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so stopping as soon as it’s combined is key.

Step 5: Shape and Flatten

Roll your dough into 1-inch balls — I find using a small cookie scoop speeds things up. Place them spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, using a fork, gently press down each ball in a criss-cross pattern. This not only gives that classic peanut butter cookie look but helps them bake evenly.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for about 10 minutes. They might look slightly underdone when you take them out but resist the urge to overbake! The cookies will set as they cool on the baking sheet, going from soft to perfectly tender. I’ve learned the hard way that trusting this step makes all the difference.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before baking — it brings out the nutty sweetness amazingly well. Another favorite is lightly drizzling melted dark chocolate for a touch of decadence that makes these cookies party-ready.

Side Dishes

These cookies go perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, I’ve served them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream at summer gatherings — it’s a simple combo that people rave about every time.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re gifting these or serving at a party, stacking them in a rustic tin tied with twine makes a charming presentation. For holidays, I’ve decorated with edible gold dust or mini peanut butter cups on top. Little touches like this make sharing these cookies even more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment paper between them to keep from sticking. They usually stay deliciously soft for up to five days — but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

Frozen cookie dough balls work like a charm if you want fresh cookies on demand. I freeze them spaced out on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag to save space. When I’m ready, I bake straight from frozen, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To revive leftover cookies, I pop them in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes or so. This refreshes their softness and reactivates those lovely flavors without drying them out — way better than a microwave in my opinion.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both simple and satisfying—every bite reminds me of homemade comfort. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these cookies as much as I do, whether it’s a quick treat for yourself or a sweet gift for someone special. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie!

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