If you’ve been searching for that perfect, nostalgic treat, you’re in for a real delight with this Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a timeless favorite, blending the rich, nutty goodness of peanut butter with just the right balance of sweetness and a slightly chewy texture. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or a party treat, these cookies bring that warm, homey feeling that makes everything better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is wonderfully straightforward because the ingredients are simple, familiar, and each adds its own magic to the cookies. From the creamy smoothness of peanut butter to the golden richness of brown sugar, every element plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that beautiful color.
- Unsalted butter (0.5 cup, softened): Offers a tender, rich base and controls the saltiness perfectly.
- Creamy peanut butter (0.5 cup): The star of the show, it brings that unmistakable, luscious nuttiness.
- Granulated sugar (0.5 cup): Adds the ideal sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
- Brown sugar (0.5 cup, packed): Contributes moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel hint.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the cookies a soft interior.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with its warm aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour (1.5 cups): The foundation that creates the cookie’s shape and body.
- Baking soda (0.5 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- Salt (0.25 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the nutty flavor.
How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by combining the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar in a large bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is fluffy and creamy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential because it ensures your cookies will have a light, tender texture while locking in all those wonderful flavors.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated. The egg will bind your mixture, and vanilla will add a lovely depth of flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour, ensuring consistent flavor and rise in every bite.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your peanut butter mixture. Stir just until combined—overmixing can result in tougher cookies, and we definitely want to keep them soft and tender.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down each ball with the tines of a fork, creating that classic crisscross pattern. Not only does this pattern look iconic, but it also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until they’re just set around the edges but still soft in the center. This timing is key—overbaking will dry them out, but underbaking means they might fall apart. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delightful on their own, you can add a little something extra to elevate the presentation. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look extra special, or sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top before baking for a subtle salty crunch that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter.
Side Dishes
Classic peanut butter cookies love to be enjoyed with a cold glass of milk—whether it’s dairy or your favorite plant-based option. They also make a wonderful companion to a cup of rich coffee or a cozy mug of hot chocolate for that perfect afternoon indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of chocolate ganache or vanilla frosting for a peanut butter cookie sandwich. Alternatively, crumble them over vanilla ice cream as a crunchy topping for a scrumptious dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to a week, perfect for snacking or sharing throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies by layering them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy your favorite cookies anytime a craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop frozen cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This little trick revives their softness and brings out the peanut butter aroma all over again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture with small peanut bits, giving the cookies an extra nutty crunch that many people love.
What if I don’t have baking soda?
Baking soda is important for the right rise and texture, but if you don’t have it, you can try using baking powder instead, about three times the amount. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. This swap usually works well without any major changes, but always check your blend’s instructions for best results.
Why are my cookies drying out quickly?
Make sure not to overbake them, and store leftovers in an airtight container. Adding brown sugar helps retain moisture, so if your batch feels dry, check the ratio of sugars and baking time next time.
Can I add chocolate chips to the Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe?
You can! Mixing in chocolate chips adds a delicious contrast to the peanut butter flavor, creating a classic combo that’s hard to resist. Just fold them in during the step when you mix the dry ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about baking and sharing the Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a batch of cookies that feel like a warm hug from the inside out. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to enjoy one of the best peanut butter cookie experiences possible—you won’t regret it!
Print
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these classic peanut butter cookies with a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and rich buttery flavor. Crispy on the edges and soft in the center, they’re an easy-to-make treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to form a cookie dough.
- Form Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Use a fork to press each ball down, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, bake a couple of minutes longer until edges are darker.
- Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet, more intense peanut flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a salty-sweet flavor contrast.
