Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
If there’s one dessert that fits every craving, every occasion, and pretty much every skill level, it’s these Easy Peanut Butter Cookies. Packed with rich nutty flavor and a perfect balance of sweet and salty, these timeless treats come together in a snap, need only a handful of pantry staples, and always leave you craving just one more bite. Whether you’re whipping up an after-school snack or preparing a last-minute party platter, Easy Peanut Butter Cookies are the answer to your sweet tooth’s wishes — simply irresistible in their simplicity!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every bite of these Easy Peanut Butter Cookies is built on a few essential ingredients, working together like a dream team to create classic flavor, chewy texture, and that signature crisscross top. Here’s how each one makes a difference, and how you can personalize your batch:
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter delivers rich, nutty flavor as the star ingredient and gives these cookies their signature chew. Use your favorite brand, and if you’re feeling adventurous, swap in crunchy for an extra burst of texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough to just the right level, plus helps with that light, golden finish. White sugar is classic, but you can substitute half with brown sugar for a caramel undertone.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together and provides a bit of lift, keeping your cookies moist instead of crumbly.
- Vanilla Extract: This splash of vanilla rounds out the peanut flavor with a warm, fragrant note—just a little goes a long way.
- Pinch of Salt (optional): If you’re using unsalted peanut butter, a tiny bit of salt brings balance and intensifies all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Tools
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a baking sheet. Lining it with parchment paper not only keeps the cookies from sticking but also ensures a quick, easy cleanup later—which means you get to the cookies faster!
Step 2: Mix Your Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. If you opted for unsalted peanut butter, now’s the time to add that pinche of salt. Mix everything with a sturdy spoon until the ingredients just come together and you see a glossy dough with no streaks. That’s it—no electric mixer required!
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls between your palms. Place each dough ball about 2 inches apart on your parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them enough room to spread while baking.
Step 4: Crisscross for Classic Style
Dip a fork in a bit of sugar and press gently onto each dough ball to create the iconic crisscross pattern. Not only does this add that signature peanut butter cookie look, but it also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—they should turn lightly golden while the centers stay soft. That slightly underbaked middle is the secret to chewy Easy Peanut Butter Cookies.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This quick rest helps the cookies set so they don’t fall apart—and builds delicious anticipation!
How to Serve Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Add a final flourish by sprinkling the tops with sea salt flakes while they’re still warm, or drizzling with melted chocolate. This simple touch elevates each cookie into a showstopper, and the contrast of salty and sweet really sings.
Side Dishes
The classic combo? A tall, cold glass of milk—nothing soaks up the richness of Easy Peanut Butter Cookies quite like it! For grown-ups, try pairing with hot coffee, a creamy chai latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Make an easy dessert sandwich by spreading a little jam or chocolate hazelnut spread between two cookies. Stack and tie them with rustic baker’s twine for a homemade gift, or crumble them up over frozen yogurt for a crunchy topping. No matter how you serve them, these cookies always bring smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Easy Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay chewy and fresh for up to 5 days—though in my house, they rarely last that long!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully, baked or unbaked! For baked cookies, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. If freezing the dough, roll into balls, flash freeze, then store in a baggie to bake straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To refresh leftover cookies, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 4 minutes. They’ll taste (and smell) just as if they came straight from the oven—warm, soft, and full of peanutty goodness.
FAQs
Are Easy Peanut Butter Cookies really gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe skips the flour completely, making these cookies naturally gluten-free—just be sure your peanut butter doesn’t have any added fillers.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but be aware: natural peanut butter is oilier and can make your dough slightly runnier. If using, stir well before measuring and expect a slightly softer texture.
What’s the best way to keep the cookies chewy?
The trick is to avoid overbaking. Pull the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges are golden, even if the centers look a bit soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I add extras like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Stir in about 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts or chocolate chips before shaping the dough to make your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies even more indulgent and fun.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, doubling works perfectly and is a great idea for parties or gift giving. Just be sure to mix the dough thoroughly and bake in batches for the best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Easy Peanut Butter Cookies before, you’re in for a real treat. They’re the ultimate in comfort baking: quick, fuss-free, and packed with that irresistible peanut butter flavor. Give this recipe a try—your future self (and cookie jar) will thank you!
Print
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick and delicious treat that requires just a few simple ingredients. With the perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite for any peanut butter lover.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt (optional, if using unsalted peanut butter)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Add a pinch of salt if using unsalted peanut butter.
- Shape the cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Notes:
- For added texture, mix in ¼ cup chopped peanuts or chocolate chips.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
