There’s something magical about a cookie recipe that’s scrumptious, quick, and just as easy as it sounds. Easy Peanut Butter Cookies are my go-to for that very reason: in only 15 minutes, you get soft, chewy cookies bursting with rich peanut buttery flavor. Whether you’re baking with kids, need a last-minute treat, or just crave a classic with a naturally gluten-free twist, these cookies deliver every single time. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely love about Easy Peanut Butter Cookies is how brilliantly simple the ingredients are. Each one serves an important role, and together, they create a cookie that’s as flavorful as it is effortless.
- Peanut Butter (1 cup, creamy): The star of the show; choose a creamy variety for that iconic soft texture, or try crunchy for extra bits of nutty goodness!
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cookies beautifully and gives them their classic crackly tops.
- Large Egg (1): The binder that holds everything together and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of this makes the peanut butter pop and deepens the overall flavor.
- Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies lift and crackle for that irresistible texture.
- Pinch of Salt: Brings out both the sweetness and the nuttiness, balancing every bite.
How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first: set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake your cookies. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for a fuss-free clean-up and to keep those cookies from sticking. There’s nothing better than being ready to go when your dough is done!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and that pinch of salt. Stir together until the mixture is totally smooth and cohesive. Don’t worry—no fancy mixer required! Just a spoon and a little elbow grease bring everything together. You’ll end up with a glossy, thick dough that smells absolutely heavenly.
Step 3: Shape and Space
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and gently roll them between your palms to make perfect little balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet—these cookies need elbow room to spread and cook evenly!
Step 4: The Signature Crisscross
Now for the fun part: take a fork and press down on each dough ball to create that classic crisscross pattern on top. Not only does this give Easy Peanut Butter Cookies their iconic look, it also helps them bake evenly and become extra snack-worthy.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pop your tray in the oven and bake for 9–11 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and the tops start to crack. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up—then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This is where a little patience pays off—the cookies are tender and need that brief rest to reach perfect chewy goodness!
How to Serve Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle warm cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt to amplify that sweet-and-salty magic. You can also melt a little chocolate and drizzle it over the tops, or dip half of each cookie into the chocolate for a fancy touch that’ll wow anyone lucky enough to get a bite!
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs with Easy Peanut Butter Cookies quite like a tall glass of cold milk (dairy or plant-based, your call!). For grown-ups, serve them with coffee or a cozy mug of hot cocoa. Want to dial up the decadence? Enjoy them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unbeatable dessert combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a nostalgic “cookie sandwich” by spreading a bit of vanilla or chocolate frosting between two cookies. Stack the cookies in a tall mason jar and tie it with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. You can also crumble them over ice cream sundaes or yogurt parfaits for a playful, crunchy topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll be delicious for up to 5 days—if they last that long!
Freezing
If you’d like to make a batch ahead, these cookies freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then layer with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When the craving strikes, just take out what you need and let them thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
If you adore a warm, gooey cookie, simply pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It’ll taste like it’s fresh from the oven—soft, melty, and perfect with your favorite warm drink.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for these cookies?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that the texture may be a bit crumblier since natural peanut butter is often runnier and less stabilized than classic creamy varieties. Stir your natural peanut butter well before using for best results.
Are these Easy Peanut Butter Cookies really gluten-free?
They absolutely are! There’s no flour in this recipe at all, so they’re naturally gluten-free—just be sure all your ingredients (like baking soda and peanut butter) are labeled gluten-free if you have dietary concerns.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in a handful of chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a few M&Ms. Mix-ins add fun flavor and texture without complicating the super-easy process.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
This recipe is extremely easy to scale. Just double or triple all the ingredients, use extra baking sheets, and be sure to rotate your pans midway through baking for even results.
Why do the cookies crack on top?
The cracks are actually a sign of a perfectly baked Easy Peanut Butter Cookie! The baking soda reacts with the egg and sugar, causing the tops to expand and split. It’s all part of their classic charm and chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Peanut Butter Cookies have saved the day for me more times than I can count, and I hope they do the same for you. With their rich flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and foolproof steps, you’ll find yourself making these again and again. Give them a try—you’re sure to fall in love at first bite!
Print
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick and delicious treat that can be whipped up in no time. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can have freshly baked cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.
- Shape the cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the baking sheet. Press a crisscross pattern on top with a fork.
- Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are set and the tops crack slightly.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free.
- For added texture, consider using crunchy peanut butter or adding chocolate chips.
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