If you are craving a treat that feels like a warm hug from childhood, look no further than this Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies boast a perfect balance of rich peanut butter flavor, a tender but slightly chewy texture, and just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy any sweet tooth. They are incredibly simple to make yet endlessly satisfying, drawing you back to the kitchen for “just one more.” Whether you prefer creamy or crunchy peanut butter, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results that fill your home with irresistible aroma and nostalgia.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The foundation of any great cookie lies in using straightforward, kitchen-staple ingredients that work in harmony. Each item in this Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe plays a pivotal role, from the all-purpose flour that gives the cookies structure to the creamy peanut butter that infuses every bite with that signature, nutty richness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base ingredient that creates the cookie’s perfect bite without being too cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the peanut butter flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides crispness on the edges and a subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and chewiness.
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter: The heart and soul of the recipe, supplying nutty flavor and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together for structure and tenderness.
How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the perfect temperature for your cookies to bake evenly with a golden edge and soft center. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on enjoying your freshly baked treats.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed, which allows the cookies to bake with consistent texture and flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer or sturdy spoon, cream the softened butter together with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it aerates the dough, resulting in cookies that are tender yet delightfully chewy.
Step 4: Add Egg and Peanut Butter
Beat in the large egg and the peanut butter until everything is well combined. This combination enriches the dough, blending the creamy peanut flavor beautifully into every bite without overpowering the sweetness.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing here—your cookies will be softer and more tender if you stop once everything is just incorporated.
Step 6: Scoop and Space the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. This gives your cookies room to spread and develop their signature criss-cross pattern if you choose to press them down.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers stay slightly soft. The slight underbaking in the center guarantees the cookies stay chewy and moist as they cool.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes—they will firm up slightly as they come to room temperature. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before diving in. This ensures that each bite holds together beautifully without crumbling.
How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are perfect on their own, adding a simple garnish can elevate your presentation. Consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking—it creates a delightful contrast with the sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor dramatically.
Side Dishes
Peanut butter cookies pair wonderfully with classic comfort beverages. A glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea makes a cozy, comforting combination that feels like a mini celebration in your day. For an extra indulgence, dunking the cookie in milk is absolutely dreamy!
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gift, stack cookies and tie them with a rustic twine or place each cookie in a decorative cellophane bag with a personalized tag. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a generous spread of chocolate ganache or marshmallow fluff for a fun twist everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store your baked Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeping them sealed helps retain their tenderness and prevents them from drying out—a key to savoring that fresh-baked texture even days later.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies fresh longer or prepare in bulk, freezing is your friend. Place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months without losing their delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. This revitalizes their soft centers and melts the peanut butter just a little, making each bite extra comforting.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture and extra peanutty crunch to your Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe without changing the taste profile too much. Feel free to experiment with your favorite type.
What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I substitute it?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix granulated sugar with a bit of molasses to mimic it, or simply use all granulated sugar. Just know that brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, so your cookies might be slightly less tender without it.
Why do my cookies sometimes come out dry?
Dry cookies typically result from overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately and bake the cookies just until the edges turn golden—centers should be soft. Remember, they continue to bake a bit after you take them out of the oven.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even mini peanut butter chips can add extra flavor and texture to your Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Just fold them in after mixing your dough for a delicious upgrade.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
This recipe doesn’t require chilling, which makes it perfect for a quick treat. However, chilling can help the cookies hold their shape better if you prefer thicker cookies, so feel free to experiment to find your perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the comfort and delight packed into this Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies bring smiles with every bite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try them out—you might just find your new favorite cookie to keep on hand for any occasion!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are a nostalgic treat featuring a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. These cookies are delightfully soft in the center with slightly crisp edges and are quick to whip up using simple pantry staples. Perfect for dessert, snack time, or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to ensure cookies do not stick and bake evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well blended. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps with cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Peanut Butter: Beat in the large egg and peanut butter into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated, creating a creamy, smooth cookie base.
- Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet peanut butter mixture, mixing just until the dough forms; avoid overmixing for tender cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely for best texture.
Notes
- For crunchier cookies, opt for crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to minimize spreading if desired.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- These cookies can be frozen either as dough balls or baked; thaw and bake or reheat accordingly.
