Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Oh, if you love the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. I absolutely love how these cookies turn out—crispy on the edges and irresistibly soft in the center, with that classic criss-cross pattern that just screams homemade goodness. Whether you’re baking for a last-minute treat or craving something nostalgic, these cookies hit that sweet spot every time.

When I first tried this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to whip up a batch that my whole family went crazy for. The best part? It uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, so it’s perfect for those impromptu baking sessions. You’ll find that the balance of sweetness and peanut butter richness is just right, making it a go-to whenever you want a quick, comforting bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part in creating that iconic peanut butter cookie taste and texture. I always recommend using smooth peanut butter for a creamier dough, but you can’t go wrong either way.

• All-purpose flour: It’s the base that gives structure; make sure it’s fresh for the best crumb.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness—softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugars.
• Peanut butter: I usually go for creamy peanut butter, but chunky works if you want some texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, which complements the peanut butter beautifully.
• Sugar: Balances the brown sugar’s molasses notes and helps with that crisp edge.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances all the flavors and brings warmth to the dough.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and keeps the cookies tender.
• Baking powder: Lightens the dough for a perfect rise without puffing it up too much.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe — it’s a versatile base that you can easily tweak to match your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to add a little flair to make these your own.

• Add chocolate chips: My kids adore this simple upgrade; it turns them into peanut butter chocolate chip cookies instantly.
• Swap peanut butter for almond butter: For a different nutty twist, try almond butter—you’ll be surprised how much you enjoy it.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and slightly reduce the baking powder for an allergy-friendly option.
• Sprinkle sea salt: I discovered this trick recently—just a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking amplifies the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep your dry ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder into a bowl and whisk them to make sure they’re well combined. This step helps avoid any lumps and spreads the baking powder evenly for a flawless rise.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugars

In your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and sugar. I like to add an optional ¼ to ½ teaspoon of sea salt here if my peanut butter is unsalted—it really lifts the flavors. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add peanut butter and mix-ins

Next, add the peanut butter and mix until fully incorporated with the butter and sugars. Then, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is evenly combined. You’ll have a creamy, luscious dough right now.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Add the flour and baking powder mixture to the wet ingredients and beat on low speed until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix—stop once you see no streaks of flour. The dough should come together nicely and be slightly soft but firm enough to roll.

Step 5: Shape and flatten cookies

Roll the dough into one-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t crowd them because they will spread a bit. Then, use a fork to gently press down on each ball in a criss-cross pattern—classic and satisfying to make!

Step 6: Bake and cool

Bake your cookies for about 10 minutes. Here’s what I learned: they’ll look very soft when you take them out, but don’t be tempted to eat them just yet. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet—that resting time is crucial because the cookies continue to set with residual heat and turn perfectly tender but sturdy enough to handle.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it classic with these cookies but occasionally sprinkle a few extra chopped peanuts on top before baking for a nice crunch and visual appeal. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate after baking takes them up a notch.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats these cookies paired with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside some fresh fruit for a balanced snack during afternoon breaks.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party treat, I’ve arranged these cookies in little stacks tied with twine or nestled in small gift boxes with some parchment paper—makes a sweet homemade gift. You can also sandwich some peanut butter or chocolate frosting between two cookies for peanut butter cookie sandwiches that wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They usually stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days, though they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If I want to make these in advance, I freeze the cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When I want fresh cookies, I bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. It’s a game changer for quick and fresh treats anytime.

Reheating

To freshen up refrigerated or frozen cookies, I pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This revives that soft, chewy texture just like when they came fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my home because of how reliably delicious and simple it is. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, bringing treats to a friend, or just craving that peanut butter goodness, I highly recommend giving it a try. I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorites too—ready to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!

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