If you are craving a delightfully simple yet irresistibly flavorful treat, this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create soft, chewy cookies bursting with rich peanut butter goodness that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re baking with kids, pulling together a last-minute dessert, or just need a nostalgic snack, these cookies hit all the right spots with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, making the Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe surprisingly easy while delivering that perfect texture and irresistible peanut buttery flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, moisture, and mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crisp edge on the cookies.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that provides richness and that unbeatable nutty taste.
- Large egg (room temperature): Binds the dough together and gives the cookies their tender structure.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet easily without sticking or breaking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, creamy peanut butter, and the room-temperature egg. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended, making sure there are no lumps—this is where your cookie magic begins!
Step 3: Form the Cookie Dough Balls
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the dough at a time and roll it into neat balls with your hands. Place these balls onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to expand during baking.
Step 4: Create the Signature Crisscross Pattern
Take a fork and gently press down on each dough ball, making a crisscross pattern on the top. This not only flattens the cookies for even baking but also gives them that iconic peanut butter cookie look.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the edges set and the tops show delicate cracks. This timing achieves the perfect balance of soft centers with lightly crisp edges.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this helps them firm up a bit before moving. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Now they’re ready to be savored!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, you can add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top before baking for a delightful salty-sweet contrast. Alternatively, drizzling melted chocolate on cooled cookies elevates their decadence beautifully.
Side Dishes
Peanut butter cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. These simple accompaniments highlight the cookies’ rich flavor and provide a comforting, nostalgic experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For an adorable party treat, sandwich two cookies together with chocolate or vanilla frosting. You can also crumble them over yogurt or pudding for a crunchy topping or pack them in decorative tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them soft and chewy, preserving that fresh-baked feel every time you reach in for one.
Freezing
If you want to save cookies for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This step restores their softness and enhances the peanut butter aroma perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a lovely textural contrast with tiny peanut bits in your cookies, making each bite extra interesting while preserving the classic flavor.
Is it necessary to use room temperature eggs?
Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the dough for a better texture. If your eggs are cold, you can briefly warm them by placing in warm water before using.
Can I substitute sugar with a sugar alternative?
Some sugar alternatives can work, but they might affect the cookie’s texture and spread. It’s best to use a granulated sugar substitute designed for baking and follow package conversion recommendations.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help cookies keep their shape and prevent excessive spreading in the oven.
Can I double this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe?
Yes, doubling the ingredients is simple and perfect for parties or gift-giving. Just make sure to space the cookies well on the baking sheets or bake in batches for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this beloved Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. It’s quick, fuss-free, and always delivers that warm, comforting peanut butter flavor that feels like a hug in cookie form. Give it a try, and you might find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again to share with friends and family.
Print
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously simple and classic peanut butter cookies made with just three ingredients: creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and a large egg. These cookies are quick to prepare, bake to perfection with a soft center and slightly crisp edges, and are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, creamy peanut butter, and the large egg. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and everything is thoroughly combined.
- Form cookie balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Create crisscross pattern: Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie ball, forming a classic crisscross design on the top, which also helps flatten the cookies evenly.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the cookie edges are set and the tops show slight cracking.
- Cool on baking sheet: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up.
- Cool completely on wire rack: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your fresh peanut butter cookies!
Notes
- Using an egg at room temperature helps to better bind the ingredients.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake cookies an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- For a nuttier flavor, use natural peanut butter, but expect a thinner dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavor if using unsalted peanut butter.
