Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe because it’s the perfect balance of rich, nutty flavor and that classic chewy texture that makes you want to reach for just one more. Whether you’re baking for a last-minute craving or prepping for a cozy afternoon tea, these cookies come together quickly and taste like they took hours in the oven. You’ll find that the simplicity of the ingredients lets the peanut butter shine, making these cookies a family favorite in no time.

When I first tried this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, I was blown away by how soft and tender they turned out without any complicated steps or unusual ingredients. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that works beautifully whether you’re a beginner baker or someone who wants reliable, crowd-pleasing cookies. Trust me, once you master this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for gifting, parties, or just a sweet little pick-me-up anytime you want.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe come together to create that classic, comforting cookie flavor. Keep your peanut butter fresh and creamy, and always use room temperature butter and egg for better mixing and texture.

• All-purpose flour: The base for your cookies, gives structure without weighing down the dough.
• Butter (unsalted, room temp): Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Peanut butter: Use creamy for a consistent texture or chunky if you want extra nutty bits.
• Brown sugar (lightly packed): Brings moisture and a subtle molasses flavor for chewiness.
• Sugar: Balances the flavors and helps crisp up the edges slightly.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the peanut butter’s natural nuttiness perfectly.
• Egg (large, room temp): Binds everything together and keeps the cookies tender.
• Baking powder: Gives the cookies a light rise without making them cakey.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes or dietary needs. I love experimenting with a few tweaks here and there to keep things interesting, and you should definitely feel free to make these cookies your own.

• Chunky Style: Add chopped peanuts for a delightful crunch—I find it elevates the texture perfectly.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate on top for an indulgent twist my kids adore.
• Vegan Option: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead for a plant-based version that’s just as tasty.
• Salted Sweet: Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on each cookie before baking—it balances the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and ready, then sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder in a bowl. This step helps avoid clumps and makes sure your cookies rise evenly without tasting gritty.

Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream your room temperature butter with both the brown and white sugar until fluffy and light—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. I like to add a pinch (1/4 to 1/2 tsp) of sea salt here, which really brings depth to the flavor.

Step 3: Adding Peanut Butter and Eggs

Next, mix in your peanut butter thoroughly until the mixture looks smooth and creamy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. It’s important your egg is at room temperature here to avoid the batter from curdling or looking uneven.

Step 4: Combining with Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour and baking powder mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until everything just comes together. Don’t overmix at this stage since it can make cookies tough; stop as soon as there are no visible flour streaks.

Step 5: Rolling and Shaping

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, press each ball down lightly with a fork in a criss-cross pattern — this classic step not only looks adorable but also helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 6: Baking and Cooling

Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. It’s tempting to take them out right away, but trust me—let them cool completely on the baking sheet first. This waiting step lets the cookies set perfectly so they don’t fall apart when you move them to a rack.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with these cookies, but sometimes I sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top just before baking—it adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness. If I’m feeling fancy, a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate after the cookies cool is my go-to, and it takes them from everyday treat to party-worthy dessert.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats a cold glass of milk alongside these peanut butter cookies—that’s my classic combo and it never disappoints. They also pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert or even a cup of hot coffee or chai for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I sometimes stack these cookies with layers of peanut butter frosting in between to make mini cookie sandwiches. I’ve also wrapped small packages of these cookies with ribbons as homemade gifts, which everyone really appreciates. Serving them on a cute platter with fresh fruit adds a nice pop of color and makes the treat feel extra thoughtful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I store leftover peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay delicious for up to a week. To keep them soft, I sometimes toss in a slice of bread—trust me, it’s a simple trick that really works.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! I like to freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet first and then transfer them to freezer bags. This way, I can bake fresh cookies whenever I want and skip the prep work. Also, fully baked cookies freeze well—just thaw them for a few hours at room temp or warm briefly in the oven.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, I pop leftover cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. They taste almost as good as when freshly baked, and the aroma fills the kitchen with that irresistible homemade cookie smell.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe has become a cherished staple in my kitchen because it’s simple, reliable, and so incredibly tasty every single time. I love baking these when I need a comforting treat or want to impress friends without fuss. I promise once you try them, you’ll be hooked just like I was — so go ahead and give it a whirl, your cookie jar will thank you!

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