If you are looking for a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s equally at home in a lunchbox or on a holiday cookie platter, these Peanut Butter Cookies are destined to become your new favorite. Their irresistible sweet-salty flavor, signature crisscross tops, and lightly crisp edges make every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re baking for a weekend indulgence or sharing with friends, you’ll love how these classic cookies bring a big dose of comfort—plus, they’re always a hit with peanut butter lovers of all ages!

Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the beauty of classic Peanut Butter Cookies lies in their simplicity—every ingredient plays a starring role, from adding creamy richness to creating that golden, slightly chewy texture. Grab the following pantry staples for guaranteed cookie perfection.

1 cup creamy peanut butter: The heart and soul of the recipe, giving cookies their nutty richness and tender crumb.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds buttery flavor and helps create those crisp edges.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and gives the cookies structure, resulting in a slightly crunchy exterior.
1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a little caramel depth for an extra chewy bite.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and keeps your cookies tender.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a lovely hint of warmth and sweetness.
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, balancing softness with structure.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise ever so slightly, making them light and tender.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Balances the batter and encourages perfect spreading in the oven.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the peanut butter pop.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking, but also ensures your cookies bake up perfectly even every time. Getting things prepped before you start mixing helps everything go smoothly once the dough is ready.

Step 2: Cream the Peanut Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until light and fluffy. This step is essential for incorporating air, which gives your Peanut Butter Cookies their classic tender texture and helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Once your mixture looks smooth and creamy, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined. This is where everything starts to come together—the egg binds the dough, while the vanilla adds a wonderful cozy aroma that’s the hallmark of homemade cookies.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures that everything is evenly distributed, so you won’t bite into any pockets of baking soda or flour later on.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your peanut butter mixture, stirring gently until the dough just forms. Be careful not to over-mix; stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky—ideal for rolling into balls in the next step.

Step 6: Shape and Pattern the Cookies

Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and arrange them about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheet. Now comes the fun part: use a fork to press a gentle crisscross pattern onto each dough ball. This classic touch not only makes your Peanut Butter Cookies instantly recognizable, but also encourages even baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, keeping an eye on them so the edges turn a lovely light golden color while the centers stay soft. If you prefer crunchier cookies, go for the full 12 minutes. After baking, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This little pause ensures they hold their shape and don’t break apart while they’re still warm.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

Warm from the oven, these cookies are already a delight, but if you want to dress them up, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking. This accentuates the nutty notes and adds a sophisticated finish. For special occasions, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar will wow your family and guests.

Side Dishes

The classic pairing is, of course, a tall glass of cold milk—it’s unbeatable! For a grown-up twist, try serving your Peanut Butter Cookies alongside a steaming mug of coffee, creamy chai latte, or even with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a homemade ice cream sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, stack your cooled cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon, or tuck them into a decorative tin. You can even sandwich two Peanut Butter Cookies with chocolate ganache or marshmallow fluff for a decadent dessert upgrade. Get creative and make cookie pops by inserting sticks before baking—the possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies extra fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, so you can enjoy a quick treat any time the craving strikes.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead, Peanut Butter Cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months. You can also freeze the raw dough balls and bake directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

To restore that freshly baked taste, gently reheat the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes. Let them cool for a minute or two before indulging for a soft, just-out-of-the-oven feel, even days later!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter gives your Peanut Butter Cookies extra texture and a bit more peanut punch. Just substitute it in equal amounts and enjoy a fun, nutty variation.

Why do my cookies sometimes turn out dry?

Dry cookies often result from over-baking or accidentally adding too much flour. Measure carefully, bake just until the edges are golden, and let them rest briefly on the baking sheet after coming out of the oven for perfect, moist cookies every time.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes—swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The results will be just as delicious, and everyone will be able to enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Cookies.

Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the dough, shape into balls, and refrigerate for up to two days or freeze for up to three months. Bake them directly from the fridge or freezer; they may just need an extra minute or two in the oven.

What add-ins go well with Peanut Butter Cookies?

Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, white chocolate chunks, or even a handful of dried cranberries can be mixed into the dough for a personalized twist. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Peanut Butter Cookies is the ultimate act of cookie love—simple, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try, share the cookies with friends and family, and maybe even create some sweet memories in the process. Happy baking!