Embrace the timeless charm of Peanut Butter Cookies, a classic treat beloved by many for its rich, nutty flavor and soft, chewy texture. This simple yet irresistible recipe is a celebration of peanut butter, transforming basic pantry staples into golden-brown cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking a batch for a cozy family gathering, a casual get-together with friends, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these peanut butter cookies promise to deliver a delightful taste experience that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
My journey with Peanut Butter Cookies began on a rainy afternoon, with a craving for something sweet and the comforting aroma of peanut butter in the air. As I mixed the ingredients, following a recipe passed down through generations, I couldn’t help but feel a connection to the past—to all those who had enjoyed these cookies before me. The first batch out of the oven was met with eager anticipation, and the verdict was unanimous: absolute perfection. Each bite was a blend of nostalgia and joy, a reminder of simple pleasures and the timeless appeal of homemade cookies.
Over time, baking these cookies became a cherished ritual in our home, a way to welcome guests, celebrate milestones, or simply enjoy the warmth of the kitchen. It’s a recipe that’s more than just about cookies; it’s about creating memories, sharing happiness, and bringing people together, one delicious bite at a time.
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Cookies
- Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: Perfect for peanut butter lovers, offering a deep, nutty taste in every bite.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Strikes the perfect balance between softness and chewiness.
- Easy to Make: A straightforward recipe that’s great for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with the addition of chocolate chips, nuts, or a chocolate drizzle for variety.
Ingredients Notes For Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter: The star of the show. Use creamy for smooth cookies or chunky for added texture.
- Sugar: A combination of granulated and brown sugar adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor.
- Butter: Provides richness and helps to create a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookies’ structure.
- Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough, giving it shape and texture.
Recipe Steps
- Cream Together Butter and Sugars: Start by beating the butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Peanut Butter and Eggs: Mix in the peanut butter and eggs, blending until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and press down with a fork to create a crisscross pattern. Bake until golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freeze: Freeze the dough balls or baked cookies for longer storage. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Baking Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies at Home
Ingredients
- Peanut butter: 1 cup (creamy or crunchy, based on preference)
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup (packed)
- Eggs: 1 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, plus extra for rolling the cookies
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape and Sugar the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat. Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Create the Classic Pattern:
- Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly and create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The cookies will still be soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape and Sugar the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat. Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Create the Classic Pattern:
- Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly and create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The cookies will still be soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.