Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a timeless treat that never disappoints with its nutty richness and comforting sweetness. These cookies are soft, chewy, and delightfully simple to make any day of the week.
In just minutes, your kitchen will be filled with the nostalgic aroma of freshly baked peanut butter cookies. Each bite delivers that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture with a subtle salty finish.
What You’ll Need for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut butter – The star ingredient, lending deep nutty flavor and soft, chewy texture.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and keeps the cookies tender and buttery.
- All-purpose flour – Provides the right structure so the cookies hold their shape beautifully.
- Brown sugar – Infuses a slight molasses note for added depth and chewiness.
- Granulated sugar – Balances sweetness and gives the cookies their crisp edges.
- Egg – Binds the dough and keeps the cookies moist.
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
- Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft, light bite.
Quick & Easy Steps for Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Preheat your oven and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sift the flour and baking powder together so your dough stays light and lump-free.
Cream the unsalted butter and both sugars until fluffy. Add the peanut butter and mix until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to build rich flavor.
Slowly add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Roll the dough into one-inch balls, arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, and flatten each cookie with a fork in a classic criss-cross pattern.
Bake until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet until they firm up perfectly.
Tips & Twists for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
To dial up the salty-sweet balance, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking. If you love texture, stir in some chopped roasted peanuts or chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
For a twist, swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy to add tiny nutty bites. Want them gluten-free? Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Always let these cookies cool fully on the baking sheet—they finish setting up as they rest, ensuring they stay soft inside.
Keeping Your Peanut Butter Cookies Fresh
Store any leftover peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days—they’ll stay tender and delicious. To keep them soft even longer, slip a slice of bread into the container to maintain moisture.
For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the microwave for that fresh-baked goodness anytime.
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened (113g)
- 1 egg large, at room temperature
- 1 cup peanut butter 250g
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar 100g
- 3/4 tsp baking powder 3g
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 180g
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 100g
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 5mL
Instructions
- Set the oven to preheat at 350°F. Combine the flour with the baking powder by sifting them together, then whisk lightly to ensure even distribution. In the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy; if desired, incorporate 1/4–1/2 teaspoon of sea salt for added depth. Add the peanut butter and continue mixing until fully blended. Introduce the egg along with the vanilla extract, mixing until uniform. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat on low until just incorporated. Form the dough into one-inch balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press each ball with a fork, creating a crosshatch pattern. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet until completely cool and firm enough to transfer.
