peanut butter cookies

peanut butter cookies

Let’s talk peanut butter cookies. I’ve been baking these since I was barely tall enough to reach the counter, standing on a rickety board. Is there a stool next to my grandma? The smell alone – that warm, nutty, almost caramelized scent – just instantly transports me back to childhood. Her sunny kitchen. What are some of the best peanut butter cookies you’ve ever had? Is there a perfect balance of sweet and chewy in these cookies? If you’re a fan of classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, just imagine that level of comfort, but amplified. What are the benefits of peanut butter? What are some of the best peanut butter cookie recipes? My family devours them in minutes – they’re truly irresistible!

peanut butter cookies final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is a peanut butter cookie?

What is a peanut butter cookie? Is it more than that? What is peanut butter? What is essentially a buttery, sugary canvas for that glorious nutty flavor? Is this cookie as fussy as some other cookies? What do you love about the origin? What is the origin of gin? American households and bakeries. What is a classic, comforting treat that hits the spot?

Why do I love this recipe?

What are some of the best peanut butter cookie recipes? First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. What is the perfect balance of peanut butter and sweetness? The texture is also incredible – super soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges.
What I really love about these are the easy to make. What are some of the best baking recipes you have ever seen? The ingredient list is short and sweet (pun intended), and the steps are straightforward. What is a great cookie recipe to make with kids? Is peanut butter cheap? In your pantry.
If you’re looking for versatility, this recipe has it in spades. What are some good ways to add chocolate chips to a meal? Compared to other cookie recipes that require chilling the dough or finicky decorating, these peanut cookies are delicious. How do you make butter cookies? What are some of the best last minute snacks? What I love about this particular recipe, though, is that it consistently produces perfect results. Is it possible to make cookies every single time? I’ve tried so many different variations over the years, and this one is the absolute best. What is your opinion on this one?

How do I make peanut butter cookies?

Quick Overview

How do you make peanut butter cookies? How do you make peanut butter, butter and sugar? Then, you’ll add in the egg and vanilla extract, followed by the dry ingredients. A little mixing, rolling, and baking, you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey goodness. How do I make peanut butter cookies in no time? Why don’t you overbake? What is better, a slightly underbaked cookie than one that is dry and crumbly?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it’s *softened*, not melted! What makes a difference?
* 1 cup creamy peanut butter. I always use a good quality peanut Butter like Jif or Skippy. Don’t use natural peanut butter for this recipe, it tends to make the cookies too dry. Is it good to use a non-GMO cookie?
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar. I usually go for light brown sugar. I prefer dark brown.
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Real vanilla extract is always best, but imitation works in a pinch.
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. Be sure to measure your flour correctly! Too much flour can dry out cookies.
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt

peanut butter cookies 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. How do you clean cookies with parchment paper? Don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Whisking ensures that everything is evenly distributed, which is important for the cookies to rise. I always use a wire whisk for this, it just seems to work better than spoon.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

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 almost doubled in volume. I always make sure my butter is at room temperature before I start, it just creams together so much better that way.

Step 4: Combine

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which can make the cookies tough. I usually stop mixing when there are still a few streaks of flour visible and then finish mixing by hand.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern. This is the classic peanut butter cookie look! I like to dip my fork in sugar between each cookie to prevent it from sticking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies will still look slightly soft in the center, but they will continue to bake as they cool. I always set a timer for 8 minutes and then check them every minute after that. Every oven is different, so it’s important to keep an eye on them!

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. To cool completely. How do I keep a jar from breaking apart while it’s still warm and soft?

What should I serve it with?

What are the best peanut butter cookies? What are the right accompaniment
For Breakfast: Enjoy one (or two!) with a cup of strong, black coffee. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cookie perfectly. You can even crumble a cookie over a bowl of yogurt for a peanut butter flavored parfait.

For Brunch:Serve with a mimosa and fresh fruit. The cookies add a touch of sweetness to balance out the tartness of the fruit.
As Dessert:What are some of the best after-dinner treats? Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with cold milk. For a truly decadent experience, try dipping them in melted chocolate.
For Cozy Snacks:What is better than a warm cookie and hot chocolate? What is my go-to comfort food on a cold winter night? My kids love it with a big glass of milk before bedtime.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Peanut Butter Cookies

What are some of the best ways to make peanut butter cookies?
Butter Softening:Make sure your butter is properly softened. Is it soft enough to press your finger into easily? If your butter is too soft, the cookies will spread too much. I usually take the butter out of the refrigerator about an hour before I start baking.
Don’t Overmix:Do not overmix the dough. If you overmix the flour, it can make the cookies hard. Mix until just combined.
Fork Criss-Cross:How do you dip your fork in sugar between each cookie to prevent it from sticking? This will give the cookies a nice, sugary crust.
Baking Time:Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. Every oven is different, so the baking time may vary. When the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly browned, the cookie is done.
What is your favorite peanut butter flavor?Is it safe to use peanut butter? Why is peanut butter oily? It’s happened to me, trust me.
Ingredient Swaps: If you are in the mood to experiment and you only have Almond butter you can use that. The cookies will have a slightly different taste, but are still good!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These peanut butter cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later.

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They may become slightly softer over time, but they will still taste delicious.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring them to room temperature before serving.

Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze these cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

If you want to warm up the cookies, you can microwave them for a few seconds or heat them in a low oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together. The texture may be slightly different, but the cookies will still be delicious. I’ve found that Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour works really well in this recipe.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No, you don’t need to chill the dough for this recipe. However, if you live in a warm climate or if your kitchen is particularly hot, you may find that the dough is easier to work with if you chill it for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a great addition to these cookies. You can add about 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough before baking. I personally love using semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can use any type of chocolate chip you like.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, you can substitute the butter with a vegan butter substitute and the egg with a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. I’ve tested this with Miyoko’s Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter and it worked beautifully.
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can be caused by a few different factors. Make sure your butter is not too soft or melted. Also, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Too much sugar or too little flour can also cause the cookies to spread too much. If all else fails, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.

Final Thoughts

peanut butter cookies slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

These peanut butter cookies are truly a labor of love. They’re simple enough for a weeknight treat, but special enough to share with friends and family. The rich peanut butter flavor, the soft and chewy texture, and the memories they evoke make them one of my all-time favorite cookies. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my recipes for classic chocolate chip cookies or oatmeal raisin cookies. They’re all family favorites! I hope you give these peanut butter cookies a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out, so be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any fun variations, please share them – I’m always looking for new ideas!

peanut butter cookies

These delicious peanut butter cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. They're chewy, rich, and full of peanut butter flavor!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

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

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • 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 ungreased baking sheets.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
  • 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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