Nothing brings back warm memories quite like the smell of homemade cookies fresh out of the oven; it’s that nostalgic aroma that fills your kitchen and makes everyone gather around. This peanut butter cookies recipe isn’t just any cookie recipe; it’s a tried-and-true favorite that combines soft, chewy centers with just the right hint of crisp around the edges. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert after dinner or the perfect kid-friendly treat to pack for a school event; this peanut butter cookies recipe fits every occasion.
What makes this peanut butter cookies recipe truly special? It’s incredibly simple to prepare; all you need are a few pantry staples, one mixing bowl, and less than 30 minutes from start to finish. These cookies aren’t just easy—they’re rich in flavor; moist and satisfying with every bite. If you’ve ever needed a go-to treat that never fails, this peanut butter cookies recipe delivers every time—no stress, no fuss, just delicious results your whole family will love.
Why You Will Love This Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
This peanut butter cookies recipe is more than just a nostalgic treat; it’s a timeless classic that brings comfort with every bite. Rooted in American baking tradition since the early 1900s, this peanut butter cookies recipe delivers that old fashioned flavor with a soft, chewy texture that stands out from dry or crumbly versions. You'll love how simple it is to make, how rich the buttery taste is, and how well it pairs with milk or ice cream. Whether you're baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, this peanut butter cookies recipe is always a hit.
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Ingredients
Here are the ingredients for the peanut butter cookies recipe without quantities:
- Sea salt – Balances sweetness and intensifies peanut butter flavor
- Creamy peanut butter – The star ingredient! Creates smooth, rich cookies
- Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and helps create crispy edges
- Brown sugar, packed – Adds moisture and deeper flavor; contributes to the chewy texture
- Large egg – Acts as a binder and adds richness
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure; don't overmix to keep cookies tender
- Baking soda – Creates lift and soft texture
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prep and Mix
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, both sugars, egg, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming process is crucial for achieving the perfect chewy texture.
Pro tip: Room temperature ingredients mix more easily, so take your egg out 30 minutes before baking.
Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Don't overmix – this can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender, moist peanut butter cookies we want.
Expert tip: The dough should hold together when squeezed but not be overly sticky. If it seems too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons more flour.
Shape and Create Fork Marks
- Roll the dough into 1½-inch balls (about 2 tablespoons each). Place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Using a fork, create the classic crosshatch pattern by gently pressing down in one direction, then perpendicular to create an "X" pattern.
- This fork technique isn't just traditional – it helps flatten the dense dough so cookies bake evenly throughout.
Bake and Cool
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through for even browning. The best peanut butter cookies should look set around the edges but still appear slightly underbaked in the centers – they'll continue cooking on the hot pan after removal.
- Don't overbake! Golden brown edges indicate they're ready. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief cooling period allows them to set up properly without breaking apart.
- Step 1: Prep and Mix
Mix peanut butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Step 3: Shape and Create Fork Marks
Shape dough and press fork marks before baking.
- Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake until edges are set; cool before serving.
Hints & Expert Cooking Tips
- Time-saving hack: Make cookie dough balls ahead of time and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Ingredient swap pro tip: For extra richness, substitute 2 tablespoons of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for subtle chocolate notes that complement the peanut butter beautifully.
- Common mistake to avoid: Don't skip the fork marks! They're not just decorative – they help prevent the cookies from puffing up too much and ensure even baking.
- Storage secret: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread keeps them soft and prevents them from becoming dry.
Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications
Keto Peanut Butter Cookies
- Replace regular flour with almond flour and swap both sugars for granulated erythritol. These keto peanut butter cookies satisfy cravings without the carbs.
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- For ultra-simple cookies, use just 1 cup peanut butter, ½ cup sugar, and 1 egg. Perfect when you need a quick dessert recipe with minimal ingredients.
Chocolate Chip Addition
- Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for peanut butter chocolate chip cookies that combine two beloved flavors.
Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar by ¼ cup. Add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed for extra nutrition.
Holiday Variations
During Christmas, roll dough balls in colored sugar before baking for festive Christmas peanut butter cookies. For Easter, press a chocolate egg into the center of each cookie before baking.
Equipment Recommendations
Essential tools for success:
- Large mixing bowl – Glass or stainless steel works best for proper mixing
- Electric mixer – Hand mixer or stand mixer both work; stand mixer is easier for larger batches
- Cookie scoop – Creates uniform cookies that bake evenly (2-tablespoon size ideal)
- Heavy-duty baking sheets – Prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution
- Parchment paper – Non-stick surface and easy cleanup
Budget-friendly alternatives: If you don't have an electric mixer, you can cream the ingredients by hand with a wooden spoon – it just takes more elbow grease and about 5 extra minutes.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Fridge Storage
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking, and include that slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Freezing Instructions
- Cookie dough: Freeze shaped cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen.
- Baked cookies: Completely cooled cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months in airtight containers. Thaw at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Meal Prep Magic
- Double the recipe and freeze half the dough balls. You'll have fresh cookies ready whenever cravings strike – just pop them in the oven!ing for X days/weeks/months.
Grandma’s Fork Marks: The Sweet Secret Behind These Cookies
When I was little, my grandma always kept a jar of peanut butter cookies on her counter. I didn’t know it then, but those crisscross fork marks weren’t just decoration—they were her way of making sure every cookie baked evenly and stayed soft in the middle. She’d press each one with care, humming while the kitchen filled with that nutty, buttery aroma that made everyone peek in to ask, “Are they ready yet?”
Years later, I found her handwritten peanut butter cookies recipe tucked in an old cookbook, butter-stained and still marked with flour. That’s the same recipe I use now, and every time I press a fork into the dough, it’s like passing down a little love. This cookie might seem simple, but its real magic lies in the memories baked into every bite.
FAQ
What are the ingredients for 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies?
You only need peanut butter, sugar, and one egg. Just mix, scoop, and bake—no flour or fancy tools required.
What are the ingredients for peanut butter cookies?
Most classic peanut butter cookie recipes use peanut butter, sugar, butter, eggs, flour, baking soda, and vanilla extract for a soft, chewy texture.
Why are my 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies falling apart?
They may be overbaked or need a bit more mixing. Make sure to let them cool fully so they set and hold together properly.
What is Snoop Dogg's cookie recipe?
Snoop Dogg's peanut butter chocolate chip cookies feature flour, brown sugar, peanut butter, eggs, and chocolate chips—rich, flavorful, and full of personality.
One Cookie Recipe You'll Make Again and Again
This peanut butter cookies recipe is the kind you’ll never get tired of making. Whether you’re whipping up a quick treat after dinner or planning a weekend bake with the kids, this peanut butter cookies recipe delivers chewy centers and perfectly crisp edges every time. It’s a classic that feels homemade in the best way—rich, soft, and full of buttery peanut flavor.
What makes this peanut butter cookies recipe truly stand out is how effortlessly it comes together. No complicated steps, no fancy tools—just a few pantry ingredients and a love for something sweet. From bake sales to midnight snacks, this peanut butter cookies recipe is always the right choice.
If you’re loving this peanut butter cookies recipe, don’t stop here; try our Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse Recipe for a decadent twist or our Citrus Cake Recipe for something bright and refreshing. Both are just as easy and delicious!
Now it’s your turn—grab those ingredients and bake a batch! Once you’ve tried this peanut butter cookies recipe, be sure to rate it and drop a comment; I’d love to hear what you think and which version your family likes best.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl Glass or stainless steel
- 1 Electric mixer Hand or stand mixer
- 1 Cookie scoop 2 tablespoon size ideal
- 2 Baking sheets Heavy-duty recommended
- 1 Parchment paper For nonstick surface and cleanup
- 1 Wire cooling rack For cooling cookies after baking
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter Smooth texture preferred
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar For crisp edges
- 0.5 cup brown sugar Packed; adds chewiness
- 1 large egg Room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds depth of flavor
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda For lift
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt Balances sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets
- Mix peanut butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla
- Whisk dry ingredients in separate bowl
- Combine dry with wet ingredients
- Roll dough into balls and create fork marks
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden
- Cool cookies on sheet for 5 min, then on wire rack
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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