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Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

What are Peanut Butter Cookies? They’re the kind that disappear within minutes, leaving behind only a sweet, nutty aroma and happy feeling. My grandma used to make them every Christmas, and the smell of peanut butter and vanilla wafting. From the oven is basically the smell of my childhood. What makes them so much better than store-bought peanut butter? Is it safe to try this?What are some of the best peanut butter cookies recipes?, you’ll never look back!

Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is peanut butter cookies?

Peanut Butter Cookies are essentially a sweet treat made primarily from peanut butter, flour, sugar, and eggs. Think of them as the ultimate comfort food—simple, satisfying, and undeniably delicious. The magic of these cookies lies in the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re called cookies because of the small size and shape you can easily eat one or two after you are done with lunch or dinner. I swear, every time I bake these cookies, the whole house just feels a little bit warmer and cozier, you know?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? What’s not to like about peanut butter? Is there a hint of vanilla in this drink? I’ve tried other recipes that just don’t have the same punch. The simplicity is another huge win. Is this true?What is a Peanut Butter Cookie recipe?Just a few ingredients are required to make this recipe. I’m talking pantry staple magic! Is it so easy to make a cake? What is a great way to spend the afternoon with your children? What I love about these are the versatile they are. Can you serve them as an afternoon snack, a simple dessert, or crumble them over ice cream? a little extra treat. What are some of the best deals on online shopping? Plus, you know exactly what’s going into them, which gives me peace of mind. When you taste these, you will wonder why you haven’t baked them before. Trust me, and try them now!

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Quick Overview

Making these cookies is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll start by creaming together the butter, Peanut Butter, and sugars, then adding in the egg and vanilla. After that, you’ll gradually mix in the dry ingredients until you have a smooth dough. The best part? No chilling required! Just roll them into balls, flatten them with a fork (that classic criss-cross pattern!), and bake until golden brown. I love how quick and easy this method is, especially when I’m short on time. It’s a lifesaver for those last-minute dessert cravings.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: What are some of the

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) Make sure it’s softened, not melted, for the best texture.
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: 1 cup peanuts: 2 cups peanut I prefer using regular peanut butter, not the natural kind, for a richer flavor and smoother texture.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a chewy texture and molasses flavor.
  • 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
  • What is the best way to use vanilla extract in peanut butter?
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie structure.
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Why do cookies stick? I always do this—it’s a non-negotiable for me!

Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and Brown Sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale and airy – this step is crucial for a tender cookie.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Serve warm. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated before moving on to the next step. I always scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. The dough should be slightly sticky.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them. What is the difference between a cookie How do you flatten a cookie in criss-cross pattern? I find this gives them a nice, even bake.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will still be soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Keep a close eye on them – they can burn quickly!

Step 7: Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. To cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they’re still warm.

What should I serve it with?

Peanut Butter Cookies: What are some ofIs there any good substitute for a chocolate bar?

For Breakfast:What would you serve with a cookie and black coffee? The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookie perfectly, it can give a great flavor. What should I do in the morning?

For Brunch:Serve them on a platter alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and mimosas for an elegant brunch. Can be a great option if you are looking for something else than sandwiches or eggs?

As Dessert: Crumble them over vanilla ice cream or serve them with a glass of cold milk for a classic dessert combination. My kids love this!

For Cozy Snacks:What is a good evening snack? What are some ways to add chocolate chips to your favorite dessert?

What are some of my favorite family traditions? What is the best way to share them with friends and neighbors? How can I spread happiness and create lasting memories?

How do I make Peanut Butter Cookies?

I’ve been making cookies for years, and I have learned a few tricks along the way!

What is the quality of peanut butter?Use a good-quality creamy peanut butter for the best flavor and texture. Is it true that peanut butter is oily?

Mixing Advice:Don’t overmix dough. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt to the dough for extra flavor and texture. I sometimes throw in some Reese’s Pieces for a peanut butter overload!

Baking Tips: If your oven runs hot, reduce the baking time by a minute or two. You want the cookies to be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.

Fork Pattern Perfection: Dip the fork in sugar between pressings to prevent it from sticking to the dough. This also gives the cookies a nice, sparkly finish.

Cooling is Key: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

One time, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted, and the cookies were way too salty. It was a disaster! Now I always double-check my ingredients before I start baking. You can also try using a cookie scoop to ensure that all of your cookies are the same size.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your cookies fresh and delicious!

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing them to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

I usually make a big batch of these cookies and freeze half for later. They’re perfect for when I need a quick and easy dessert or a sweet treat for unexpected guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. I recommend using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but be aware that natural peanut butter tends to be more oily. If you use it, you might want to reduce the amount of butter slightly to compensate.
Do I have to flatten them with a fork?
Nope! You can use a cookie stamp or just leave them as round balls. Flattening them helps them bake more evenly, though.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a fantastic addition to these cookies. I recommend using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a nice contrast to the peanut butter flavor.
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can be caused by too much butter, too little flour, or an oven that’s not hot enough. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and preheat your oven properly.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

I hope you give this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe a try! They’re simple to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Seriously, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie recipes for more sweet treat inspiration. And hey, if you try these out, leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. Happy baking!

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Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

These chewy peanut butter cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. They're rich, buttery, and utterly delicious!
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanut butter creamy peanut butter preferred
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

I’m Noelle, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, personal trainer, author, and podcaster. I love helping people improve their physical and mental health with easy to understand health articles, and delicious recipes made with nourishing ingredients. Pull up a seat, you’re welcome at this table!

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