Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between chewy and crumbly, with that irresistible peanutty flavor we all crave. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients like peanut butter and sugars come together effortlessly to create cookies that feel both homemade and special.

This recipe works perfectly for whenever you’re in the mood for a quick sweet snack or need a crowd-pleaser for casual get-togethers — it’s so straightforward yet delivers classic comfort in every bite. You’ll find that it’s adaptable too, whether you’re baking for kids, adults, or just treating yourself to some midday happiness.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients really makes a difference in this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe — creamy peanut butter blends beautifully with both white and brown sugars to deliver depth of flavor and a moist crumb.

• All-purpose flour: Sifted together with baking powder for even texture and lift.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creams easily with sugar for that perfect cookie base.
• Peanut butter: Creamy style works best here, giving rich flavor and smooth dough.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to these cookies.
• Sugar: For sweetness and slight crispness on the cookie edges.
• Vanilla extract: A splash to enhance all the warm flavors.
• Egg: Room temperature for a smooth mix and tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough without puffing too much.

Variations

One of the fun things about this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I often experiment by adding a touch of sea salt or stirring in chocolate chips depending on my mood or the occasion, and every variation turns out delicious.

• Salted Version: I discovered that sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking elevates the flavor beautifully.
• Chocolate Chip Twist: Toss in some dark or semi-sweet chips for even more indulgence — my family goes crazy for these.
• Crunchy Peanut Butter: If you like texture, swap creamy for crunchy peanut butter and enjoy the added nutty crunch in each bite.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: I’ve had success swapping with a gluten-free flour blend but always test baking times since it might slightly differ.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder together into a bowl, then whisk them gently so they combine well. This ensures your cookies rise evenly and have a tender crumb, so don’t skip the sifting step — I used to overlook it and ended up with dense spots in my cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a handheld mixer), cream the softened unsalted butter with both the brown and white sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. You can add an optional 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt here if your peanut butter isn’t salty — I discovered this small step boosts the flavor tremendously.

Step 3: Incorporate Peanut Butter, Egg & Vanilla

Mix the creamy peanut butter into the butter-sugar blend until fully combined. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing again until smooth. It’s important that your egg is at room temperature so your dough blends perfectly without curdling — I used to forget this and it made the dough harder to handle.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

Gradually add the sifted flour and baking powder mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until everything is incorporated. Don’t overmix here; overworking the dough can make the cookies tough, which I’ve learned the hard way. Once mixed, roll the dough into 1-inch balls — this size gives you nicely sized cookies that bake evenly.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Place the dough balls spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball gently with a fork, pressing in a criss-cross pattern — it’s such a classic look and helps cookies bake evenly. Bake for about 10 minutes; they’ll look soft and just slightly golden. I always remind myself that they need to cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them — the residual heat finishes the baking and they set perfectly.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking — it contrasts the sweetness perfectly and makes each bite pop. Sometimes, I toast a few chopped peanuts on top for an extra crunchy, nutty finish that everyone notices and asks about.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea — the classic combo never fails. For dessert, I sometimes serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for an easy, indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or casual parties, I arrange these peanut butter cookies in a layered glass jar tied with a rustic ribbon, which makes a charming homemade gift. Another idea I tried was sandwiching two cookies with a dollop of chocolate ganache or peanut butter cream — turning them into mini cookie sandwiches that disappeared rapidly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They generally stay fresh and delicious for about 3-4 days, perfect for when you want a sweet snack on hand.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cookies successfully — after baking and cooling completely, I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I thaw them overnight in the fridge, they still taste just as fresh and soft as on day one.

Reheating

To warm up leftover cookies, I pop one or two into the microwave for about 10 seconds, which revives their softness nicely. Alternatively, a brief 3-4 minute heat in a low oven wrapped in foil helps maintain their chewiness without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s straightforward enough to make on a busy day yet delivers that warm, nostalgic comfort we’re all after. I encourage you to give it a try and tweak it as you like — I’m confident these cookies will become a regular favorite in your home too.

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