If you’ve ever wanted a delightful treat that’s both simple and irresistibly tasty, then this Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies come together with just a handful of everyday ingredients, baking up into soft, chewy bites packed with that rich peanut butter flavor everyone loves. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies offer the perfect blend of sweetness and nuttiness that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s amazing about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect cookie texture and flavor. The balance between peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla turns simple pantry staples into a fabulous treat that tastes so much better than you’d expect.
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy): This is the star ingredient that gives the cookies their distinct, nutty richness and creamy or textured bite depending on your choice.
- 1 cup sugar (granulated): Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps create that classic cookie crust.
- 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and lends moisture, ensuring the cookies stay tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma and depth.
How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This preheating ensures your cookies bake evenly and get that golden finish we all love.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine your peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Using a spoon or a mixer, stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. It should come together into a soft dough that’s ready to be shaped.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Take about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, leaving some space between them to allow for spreading.
Step 4: Create the Classic Crisscross
Press down each dough ball gently with the tines of a fork, making a crisscross pattern on top. This step is not just traditional but helps the cookies bake evenly and look utterly charming.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the cookies in your preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges look set but the centers still appear a little soft — that’s the secret to that perfect chewy texture.
Step 6: Cool Before Enjoying
Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This cooling period allows them to firm up just enough so they don’t fall apart when you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a delightful contrast that highlights the peanut butter’s richness. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies to add a luscious finishing touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with a dollop of peanut butter or chocolate ganache in between. Arrange them on a nice plate or wrap them individually for gifting—they make a wonderful homemade treat for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your peanut butter cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them a great grab-and-go snack throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag. They maintain their texture and flavor well and can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. The warmth enhances the peanut butter aroma and softens the cookie even more.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a lovely texture with little peanut bits, making the cookies a bit more interesting in every bite while keeping the classic flavor.
Do I have to use granulated sugar or can I substitute it?
Granulated sugar works best for texture, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like taste, or even coconut sugar for a slightly different sweetness profile.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! This Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t call for any flour, so it’s perfect if you’re avoiding gluten.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are set and just starting to brown while the center still looks a bit soft. They firm up as they cool, giving you a chewy center with a lightly crisp edge.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Stirring in chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even dried fruit before baking can make these cookies even more delicious and personalized to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is truly a gem when you crave something sweet and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Its simplicity, combined with the rich peanut butter flavor, makes it a go-to recipe you’ll reach for time and again. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become an instant favorite in your baking repertoire!
Print
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully simple and quick, these Easy Peanut Butter Cookies combine creamy peanut butter with just a few basic ingredients to create soft, chewy treats with a classic crisscross pattern. Perfect for when you want homemade cookies without the fuss.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into small balls, roughly one tablespoon of dough each, to create uniform cookies that bake evenly.
- Make Crisscross Pattern: Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet, then flatten each slightly with a fork, pressing down to create the signature crisscross pattern.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers remain soft for chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use either smooth or crunchy peanut butter depending on your texture preference.
- Don’t overbake; the center should stay soft for the best chewy cookie experience.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt if your peanut butter is unsalted.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
