My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Looking for the best Peanut Butter Cookies recipe? These classic homemade cookies are soft in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re perfect for bake sales, holiday cookie trays, afternoon snacks, or enjoying with a cold glass of milk.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft, chewy texture with crisp edges
Rich peanut butter flavor in every bite
Easy, beginner-friendly recipe
Made with everyday ingredients
Perfect for freezing and meal prep
Ready in under 30 minutes
⏱️ Prep Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
🛒 Ingredients
1 cup (250 g) creamy peanut butter
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (110 g) packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins
½ cup chocolate chips
½ cup chopped roasted peanuts
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Flaky sea salt for topping
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together:
Peanut butter
Butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Mix until light and creamy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking soda
Salt
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Fold in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts if using.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1½-inch (4 cm) balls and place them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern onto each cookie.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
Step 6: Serve
Enjoy warm or at room temperature with:
A glass of cold milk
Hot coffee
Hot chocolate
Vanilla ice cream for a cookie sandwich
💡 Baker’s Tips
Don’t overbake—the cookies continue to set as they cool.
Use regular creamy peanut butter for the most consistent texture.
Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it’s too soft to handle.
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for extra flavor.
🧊 Storage
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough for up to 3 months.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Cookie)
Calories: 170
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 120mg
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but stir it thoroughly before measuring. Cookies made with natural peanut butter may spread a bit more.
Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?
The dough is denser than many cookie doughs, so pressing with a fork helps flatten the cookies for even baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months.
What pairs well with peanut butter cookies?
Cold milk, coffee, hot chocolate, vanilla ice cream, or chocolate sauce all make delicious accompaniments.
