If you’re craving a truly delightful treat that’s quick to whip up and endlessly satisfying, this Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe has got your back. These cookies are the perfect balance of soft and chewy with that unmistakable rich peanut butter flavor everyone loves. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a batch of irresistible cookies fresh from your oven in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that classic peanut butter cookie taste and texture, while keeping things incredibly simple. From sweet sugars to creamy peanut butter, each component blends together perfectly to form those cherished cookies we all adore.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and, when used for rolling, gives the cookies a slight crunchy exterior.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel depth that keeps cookies soft and flavorful.
- Creamy full-fat peanut butter: The star ingredient that delivers richness and that signature peanut butter essence.
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough and adds tenderness to the cookie texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, aromatic touch.
How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly ready when your dough is shaped. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla. Using an electric mixer, blend everything together until the dough is smooth and well incorporated, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key to getting a uniform dough that bakes just right.
Step 3: Shape the Cookie Dough
Scoop heaping tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. If you want an extra bit of texture and sparkle, roll the dough balls lightly in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheet. This little trick gives your cookies a slightly crisp outside that’s totally delightful.
Step 4: Create the Signature Pattern
Place each cookie dough ball about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined sheet. Take a fork and press down gently in one direction, then across the other to form that classic criss-cross pattern. This not only looks great but also helps the cookies bake more evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn a lovely light golden brown while the centers remain soft. This timing ensures the perfect balance between chewy and slightly crispy.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your warm cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they firm up a bit before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling on a wire rack prevents sogginess and helps maintain that wonderful texture you’re after.
How to Serve Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra granulated sugar or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant touch and a subtle sweetness. For a fun twist, you can drizzle melted chocolate or even press a few chocolate chips or chopped peanuts on top before baking for added flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. They also make a fantastic dessert alongside vanilla ice cream or a berry compote for a more indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe into a charming cookie tower tied with a ribbon for gifting. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of chocolate or peanut butter frosting in the middle to make scrumptious cookie sandwiches everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your freshly baked peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for enjoying over several days or sharing with friends and family.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a sealable bag or airtight container. They freeze really well and can last up to 3 months, so you always have something sweet on hand whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To regain that fresh-baked warmth and softness, gently warm cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in the oven for a few minutes at a low temperature. This brings back their irresistible texture and aroma in no time.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful nutty texture to your cookies. Just keep in mind the dough might be a bit chunkier, which some people really enjoy.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
This particular Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe doesn’t require chilling, which makes it perfect for quick baking sessions. However, if you want thicker cookies, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help.
Can I substitute the egg?
If you need an egg substitute, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) works well to bind the cookie dough while keeping it moist.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Great news: this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no flour! Just make sure your peanut butter and other ingredients don’t have cross-contamination if you have a severe gluten allergy.
What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Using full-fat peanut butter helps maintain the shape better. Avoid overly oily peanut butter, and make sure your dough balls are chilled briefly if your kitchen is particularly warm.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a fresh batch of peanut butter cookies straight from the oven, and this Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe makes that joy effortlessly achievable. Whether it’s a sweet treat after dinner or a surprise snack for friends, these cookies always bring smiles. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how simple, delicious, and wonderfully nostalgic it is.
Print
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These easy peanut butter cookies are a quick and delicious treat made with simple ingredients like creamy peanut butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, they have a classic criss-cross fork pattern and a soft, chewy texture with a lightly browned finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling, optional)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy full-fat peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to blend everything for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop out heaping tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls with your hands. If desired, roll these balls lightly in extra granulated sugar to add a slight crunch and sweetness on the outside.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading as they bake.
- Create Criss-Cross Pattern: Use the back of a fork to gently press down on each cookie ball, making a traditional criss-cross pattern. This also helps to flatten them slightly for even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes or until they are lightly browned on the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For crunchy cookies, bake an additional 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Using creamy peanut butter ensures a smoother cookie texture; natural peanut butter may affect consistency.
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking adds a subtle sweetness and slight crunch but is optional.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
