Peanut butter cookies are a comforting, nostalgic treat that brings warmth and sweetness with every bite. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering, baking for the holidays, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a glass of milk. The combination of peanut butter and a soft, chewy cookie base is a match made in dessert heaven. Here’s how to make classic peanut butter cookies from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Peanut Butter Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on whether your peanut butter is salted)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for a firmer cookie)
For the Topping (Optional):
- Extra sugar for rolling the dough
- Crisscross pattern (optional, using a fork)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and turn out just the right texture.
- Mix the Peanut Butter and Sugar: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the two ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. You may also use a wooden spoon if you prefer to mix by hand, but be sure to thoroughly combine the peanut butter and sugar.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla: Crack the egg into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Mix well until the egg is fully incorporated into the peanut butter and sugar mixture. This will help create a smooth, cohesive dough.
- Add Baking Soda and Salt: Stir in the baking soda and salt (if using). The baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a soft, chewy texture. Salt enhances the flavor, especially if you’re using unsalted peanut butter.
- Add the Flour (Optional): If you prefer a firmer cookie with more structure, add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. This is optional, as some people prefer their peanut butter cookies to be soft and without flour. If you do add flour, mix it in gently until the dough comes together.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): While this step is optional, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This is especially useful if your dough seems a bit too soft.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
- Roll the Dough into Balls: Once your dough is ready, take a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. You should aim for about 1-inch balls. If you want perfectly uniform cookies, you can use a cookie scoop, which will give you evenly sized portions of dough.
- Roll in Sugar: For a little extra sweetness and a lovely texture, roll each dough ball in some additional granulated sugar. This will create a slightly crunchy, sugary exterior on the cookies.
- Press with a Fork (Optional): For the classic peanut butter cookie look, use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern onto each dough ball. This step is purely decorative, but it adds a nice touch to the cookies and ensures they cook evenly. Simply press down with the fork in one direction, then press again in the opposite direction to form the iconic crosshatch.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end—when the edges turn golden brown, the cookies are done. The center will still be slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the cookies to become too hard.
- Cool the Cookies: After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. This will allow them to firm up before transferring to a wire rack. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve: Once the cookies have cooled, they are ready to enjoy! The soft, chewy texture and peanut butter flavor make them perfect for a snack, dessert, or treat to share with others.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
- Use High-Quality Peanut Butter: The key to great peanut butter cookies is good-quality peanut butter. Use peanut butter that has a rich, natural flavor and isn’t overly sweet. If you use creamy peanut butter, your cookies will have a smoother texture, while crunchy peanut butter adds more texture to the cookies.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you’ve added the flour, mix the dough gently. Overmixing the dough can lead to dense cookies. Just mix until everything is combined, and you’ll get soft, chewy cookies.
- Chill the Dough for Better Results: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Adjust the Texture: If you prefer your cookies softer, skip the flour altogether and bake the cookies for a shorter time. If you want them firmer, add the flour as instructed. You can experiment with different amounts of flour until you achieve the perfect texture.
- Make Them Your Own: Add chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped nuts (like peanuts or almonds) to the dough to customize the cookies. A drizzle of melted chocolate on top or a sprinkle of sea salt can add extra flavor.
Variations on Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
While classic peanut butter cookies are delicious on their own, you can experiment with different flavor variations to make them even more exciting. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to the dough for a delightful combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies: Sandwich a little spoonful of your favorite fruit jam (like strawberry or grape) between two peanut butter cookies for a fun twist on the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly.
- Peanut Butter M&M’s Cookies: Add peanut butter M&M’s or regular M&M’s to the dough for extra color and sweetness.
- Nutty Peanut Butter Cookies: Stir in chopped peanuts or other nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and texture.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1 cup of old-fashioned oats to the dough for a heartier, chewy texture. You can even add chocolate chips, raisins, or other dried fruits.
Storing and Freezing Peanut Butter Cookies
Storing: Keep your peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Peanut butter cookies freeze very well. To freeze, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Final Thoughts
Classic peanut butter cookies are a versatile and delicious treat that’s loved by many. With a few simple ingredients, you can create soft, chewy, and flavorful cookies that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk or as a snack on their own, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Feel free to experiment with different variations, toppings, and mix-ins to make them your own. With this recipe, you’ll have a timeless favorite that everyone will enjoy.