The Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Every Family Loves

Crafting the most delectable peanut butter cookies requires a dash of passion and a sprinkle of culinary magic.

Sweet memories of childhood baking adventures often dance through my kitchen when I mix these ingredients.

Soft, chewy textures promise pure comfort in every bite.

Butter and peanut butter create a harmonious blend that melts hearts instantly.

Simple pantry staples transform into golden-brown delights that spark joy and nostalgia.

No complicated techniques stand between you and these irresistible treats.

Baking these cookies might just become your new favorite weekend ritual.

Peanut Butter Cookie Options

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap butter and egg with coconut oil and a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water), using dairy-free peanut butter.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute white and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining cookie texture.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add a scoop of vanilla or peanut butter protein powder to boost protein content, perfect for fitness enthusiasts.

FAQs

• Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works great and adds extra texture to the cookies. Just make sure it’s a smooth, well-mixed variety.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a slightly set center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 weeks. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

• Why do I need to use a fork to press down the cookies?

The fork creates the classic crisscross pattern and helps the cookies spread evenly while baking, ensuring a consistent shape and texture.

What Keeps People Coming Back to Peanut Butter Cookies

• Foolproof Baking: Super easy recipe that even beginner bakers can master with simple steps and minimal ingredients.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whips up delightful cookies in less than thirty minutes, perfect for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Nostalgic Comfort: Classic peanut butter cookies that bring back childhood memories with their traditional crisscross pattern and rich, buttery flavor.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for potlucks, school events, family celebrations, or as a comforting homemade snack that everyone will love.

Peanut Butter Cookies (Best Ever) Ingredients

• Peanut Butter: Rich and creamy base for the cookie flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create soft texture.

• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with cookie caramelization.

• Egg: Helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Salt: Create structure and help cookies rise and develop proper texture.

Peanut Butter Cookies Baking Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

• Softened butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become light and fluffy, creating a dreamy mixture.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Introduce an egg and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything combines into a smooth, rich batter.

Step 4: Form the Cookie Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Stir until a perfect cookie dough forms, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls, each about the size of a walnut. This ensures consistent baking and adorable cookie shapes.

Step 6: Create Classic Crisscross Design

Place cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Dip a fork in sugar or flour, then gently press down on each ball to create the traditional crisscross pattern.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the cookie sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will become slightly crisp on the edges while maintaining a soft, tender center.

Cookie Tips That Make Peanut Butter Irresistible

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, even mixing without lumps.
• Prevent Sticky Dough: Chill the dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator if it feels too soft, helping cookies maintain shape during baking.
• Measure Peanut Butter Accurately: Use a measuring cup coated with cooking spray to prevent sticky peanut butter from clinging to the sides.
• Create Consistent Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform ball sizes for even baking and professional-looking results.
• Adjust for Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How To Keep Peanut Butter Cookies Fresh

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and delicious flavor.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Place cooled cookies in a sealed container with a slice of bread to keep them moist. Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their fresh-baked warmth and softness.

Snacks to Go with Peanut Butter Cookies

• Pair Nutty Cookies with Creamy Milk: Cold, fresh whole milk complements the rich peanut butter flavor, creating a classic childhood-style dessert experience with smooth, comforting textures.
• Brew Robust Coffee Companion: Dark roast or espresso provides a bold contrast to the sweet cookies, cutting through the richness while enhancing the nutty undertones with its deep, complex profile.
• Match with Sweet Dessert Wine: Moscato or port wine offers a delightful pairing, with their sweet, fruity notes balancing the cookies' dense, buttery character and providing a luxurious after-dinner treat.
• Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream creates a decadent combination, melting slightly against warm cookies and adding a smooth, cool counterpoint to the crisp, nutty cookie texture.

My Best Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent Peanut Butter Cookies bring classic comfort with a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. Crisp edges, chewy centers, and rich peanut butter essence invite you to savor each delightful bite of homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups (157 g) flour
• 1/2 cup (113 g) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (128 g) peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the butter, peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes airy and smooth.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until the ingredients are fully integrated.
4. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually fold into the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough emerges.
5. Gently shape the dough into small spheres, approximately the size of walnuts.
6. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring each cookie has roughly 2 inches of surrounding space.
7. Dip a fork into granulated sugar or flour, then delicately press down on each ball to create a distinctive crisscross texture.
8. Transfer the cookie sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a light golden brown.
9. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then carefully move to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.

Notes

• Choose natural, unsweetened peanut butter for a richer, more intense flavor that isn’t overly sweet.
• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature to create a smoother, more evenly mixed dough.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, maintaining the same measurement.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create more defined cookie shapes during baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 129
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg