You’ll love these ultra-easy peanut butter cookies! Packed with peanut butter flavor and the perfect balance of salty and sweet, these cookies melt in your mouth with every bite. Their soft texture and delicate crumb make them an all-time classic, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing your friends and family.
Making these cookies couldn’t be easier, and they’re a crowd-pleaser every time! You can even prepare the dough ahead of time to enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever you want. Patience is the only real challenge here—letting them cool after baking is essential for achieving the best texture.
If you’re a peanut butter fan like me, you’ll also love trying my Easy No-Bake Cookies. Let’s dive into what makes these peanut butter cookies so special and how to perfect them at home.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they’re essential to creating the best peanut butter cookies:
- Peanut Butter:
For a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, I recommend smooth peanut butter. If you prefer a crunchier bite, feel free to use chunky peanut butter. Using natural peanut butter? Be sure to mix it well to avoid oily or runny cookies. - Brown Sugar:
Both light and dark brown sugar work for this recipe. Light brown sugar delivers a subtle sweetness, while dark brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor. - All-Purpose Flour:
The foundation of any cookie! Be sure to measure it correctly for the perfect consistency. - Butter:
Room-temperature unsalted butter is essential for a soft and rich texture. - Granulated Sugar:
Adds sweetness and a subtle crispness to the edges of the cookies. - Egg:
Brings everything together for a smooth and well-binded dough. - Vanilla Extract:
Enhances the flavor and adds a warm, aromatic touch. - Baking Powder:
Provides a little lift to ensure your cookies are perfectly soft and airy.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
- Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, sift the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together until well combined, and set aside. - Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures a smooth texture and helps the cookies hold their shape. - Incorporate Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Add the peanut butter to the creamed mixture and mix until fully combined. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is mixed evenly. - Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Stop as soon as the dough comes together to avoid overmixing, which could make the cookies tough.
- Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading. - Create the Classic Criss-Cross Pattern
Use a fork to gently press down on each ball of dough, creating a criss-cross pattern. This step not only gives the cookies their signature look but also helps them bake evenly. - Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool, so don’t overbake them! - Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period allows them to firm up and develop their perfect texture.
Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges start to change color. They’ll finish setting up as they cool, resulting in a soft, chewy center.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Especially the flour—too much can make the cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurement, or fluff, spoon, and level your flour if using measuring cups.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to keep them fresh.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw slightly and add the fork marks before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?
The dough is denser than traditional cookie dough and doesn’t spread as much during baking. The fork marks flatten the cookies, helping them bake evenly and ensuring that soft, tender texture.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but mix it thoroughly before use to incorporate the oil. If the oil isn’t evenly distributed, your cookies might turn out too oily or runny.
What’s the best peanut butter to use?
I recommend using smooth, salted peanut butter for the creamiest texture. If using a sweetened peanut butter, reduce the sugar in the recipe by 2 tablespoons.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Not at all! These cookies bake perfectly without chilling, but if you prefer to make the dough ahead of time, you can chill it. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Enjoy Your Peanut Butter Cookies!
With this easy-to-follow recipe and a few helpful tips, you’ll be making bakery-worthy peanut butter cookies in no time. These cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging yourself with a glass of milk.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out. Happy baking! 🍪