Who doesn’t love a batch of soft, chewy peanut butter cookies fresh from the oven? Whether you crave a classic cookie recipe or want to try a new twist, these homemade peanut butter cookies deliver the perfect balance of sweet and salty goodness.
With a crispy edge and a melt-in-your-mouth center, this easy baking recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. You can keep it simple or add chocolate chips, nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
Table of Contents
Key Benefits of These Peanut Butter Cookies
Why will you love this homemade peanut butter cookie recipe? Let’s break it down:
Perfect Texture – These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside with just the right amount of crispiness on the edges.
Quick and Easy – No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed—just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes!
Versatile & Customizable – Love extra crunch? Use chunky peanut butter or toss in chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Prefer a classic, smooth bite? Stick with creamy peanut butter.
Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat, a bake sale, or a holiday gift, these classic peanut butter cookies never disappoint.
Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough can be refrigerated or frozen, so you can bake a fresh batch anytime!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather these simple pantry staples to make the best peanut butter cookies:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy for a smooth texture or chunky for extra crunch)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (adds richness and a soft texture)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (for a chewy, caramel-like flavor)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (helps with crisp edges)
- 1 large egg (binds everything together)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances flavor)
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (for structure; use gluten-free flour if needed)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (adds lightness)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (balances sweetness)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for a classic peanut butter-chocolate combo)
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts (for extra crunch)
- Sea salt flakes (sprinkled on top for a gourmet touch)
These simple ingredients come together to create rich, flavorful cookies with the perfect balance of chewiness and crunch. Customize them to suit your taste!
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
Let’s dive into the detailed process of making these homemade peanut butter cookies. Follow these thorough steps for a foolproof baking experience:
Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Cream the Fats & Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Egg & Vanilla
- Crack in the large egg and add vanilla extract.
- Mix until fully incorporated, ensuring a consistent texture throughout the batter.
Mix in Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Customize Your Dough
- Fold in any optional add-ins like chocolate chips or chopped peanuts using a spatula.
- If you prefer a classic version, you can skip this step for a purer peanut butter taste.
Shape & Bake
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared cookie sheet, leaving space between each for spreading.
- Flatten slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon for even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft and chewy.
Cool & Enjoy
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Enjoy warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience or store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
These delicious, easy-to-bake peanut butter cookies are perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!
Following these detailed, actionable steps will guide you in creating delicious, easy-to-bake peanut butter cookies that are sure to impress. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips and Variations
Ready to take your peanut butter cookies to the next level? Here are some expert tips and fun variations to make these cookies even more amazing:
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature: To achieve the best texture, ensure that your butter and peanut butter are at room temperature. This helps them blend seamlessly with the sugars.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough: Mix the dough only until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Chill the Dough: If you prefer a thicker, chewier cookie, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading excessively while baking.
- Bake One Tray at a Time: To ensure even baking, always bake one tray at a time. This allows for consistent heat distribution and perfect texture.
Creative Variations
- Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re a fan of the classic peanut butter and chocolate combo, fold in chocolate chips or chunks before baking.
- Incorporate Nuts: Add chopped peanuts, pecans, or even walnuts to give your cookies a delightful crunch.
- Go Gluten-Free: If you prefer a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your baking soda is gluten-free.
- Peanut Butter Lovers Delight: Double the peanut butter by adding a spoonful of peanut butter chips or a drizzle of peanut butter syrup over the cooled cookies for extra flavor.
To Make Them Healthier
- Reduce Sugar: You can cut down on sugar by using half the amount of brown sugar. The cookies will still be delicious but slightly less sweet.
- Use Natural Peanut Butter: If you prefer a healthier option, use natural peanut butter with no added sugars or oils for a more wholesome treat.
With these tips and variations, you can easily customize your cookies to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Happy baking, and enjoy these perfect peanut butter cookies however you like them!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies
These peanut butter cookies are a treat on their own, but why not make them even more special? Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience:
Classic Pairings
- With a Glass of Milk: There’s nothing quite like dipping a warm peanut butter cookie into a cold glass of milk. The creamy milk pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty flavor of the cookies, making for a nostalgic treat.
- Coffee or Tea: If you’re looking for a more grown-up pairing, try serving your cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. The bitterness of the coffee or the light notes of tea balance out the richness of the cookies beautifully.
Dessert Platter or Gift Idea
- Make a Cookie Platter: For a festive occasion or gathering, arrange these cookies alongside other homemade treats like chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, or even brownie bites for a cookie platter that will wow your guests.
- Cookie Gift Boxes: These cookies also make great gifts. Pack them in a cute gift box or cookie jar, tie with a ribbon, and give them to a friend or family member as a thoughtful, homemade treat.
Creative Toppings and Add-Ins
- Peanut Butter Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, melt some peanut butter and drizzle it over the cooled cookies. This adds extra richness and a peanut butter lover’s dream finish.
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of sea salt on top right after baking can add a gourmet touch, bringing out the natural flavors of the peanut butter while giving a satisfying contrast to the sweetness.
These peanut butter cookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Whether you’re enjoying them with a simple beverage or presenting them as part of a dessert spread, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
These peanut butter cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a nostalgic, comforting bite that everyone will love. With their perfect blend of soft and chewy texture and rich peanut flavor, they’re ideal for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon snack to a holiday dessert platter. Plus, with the flexibility to customize the recipe to your taste, you can make them exactly how you like!
Whether you stick with the classic version or get creative with add-ins, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and start baking these irresistible peanut butter cookies today! And if you’re also craving some chocolatey goodness, make sure to try chocolate chip cookies.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy or chunky
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
Preheat the Oven & Prepare Your Baking Sheet
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the dough.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute everything evenly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft cookie dough forms.
- If using mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped peanuts, fold them in now.
Shape the Cookies
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.
- Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern onto each cookie, slightly flattening them.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown.
- The centers will look slightly soft—this is perfect for a chewy texture!
Cool and Enjoy
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Once fully cooled, enjoy them with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee!
Notes
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 4g
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works great in this recipe. Just be sure to stir it well before using, as natural peanut butter tends to separate. Keep in mind that it might give your cookies a slightly different texture—more crumbly but still delicious!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for later use! Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, and then transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just place them directly on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I store leftover peanut butter cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re properly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make these cookies without sugar?
If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind that this will change the texture slightly, but it’s a great option for those reducing their sugar intake.