If you’ve ever wanted to bake the perfect peanut butter treat, this Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is just what your kitchen needs. With its rich, nutty aroma and that irresistible soft-yet-chewy texture, these cookies are a nostalgic delight that never goes out of style. Imagine biting into a warm cookie where buttery sweetness meets the deep flavor of peanut butter—all made from simple pantry staples that come together in no time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these cookies lies in their simplicity but the essential nature of each ingredient cannot be overstated. Each one plays a vital role—from adding sweetness and moisture to giving the cookie its tender crumb and golden color.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp exterior.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel flavor for depth.
- Peanut butter (2/3 cup): The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature nutty taste.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and helps with leavening.
- Baking powder (¾ tsp): A leavening agent that provides gentle rise.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Balances acidity and assists in spreading for the perfect texture.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors to create harmony in every bite.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/3 cups): Forms the structure and gives the cookies their classic shape.
How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prep ensures your cookies will bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars
Using an electric hand mixer, cream the unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step creates the perfect base for your dough by incorporating air, which gives the cookies a tender texture as they bake.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter and Egg
Next, mix in the peanut butter and the large egg until everything is well combined and smooth. The peanut butter introduces rich flavor while the egg binds all the ingredients together for that chewy consistency.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet peanut butter mixture and stir until just combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so aim for a gentle fold to keep them soft and tender.
Step 5: Shape and Flatten Your Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them around 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Use a fork to gently flatten each ball into a crisscross pattern—this is the classic peanut butter cookie look and helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes until their bases start turning golden brown. The edges should be set but the centers nice and soft. After removing from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to fully cool.
How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Want to add a little extra flair? Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the cookies right after baking to enhance the peanut butter flavor. You could also drizzle some melted dark chocolate or sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added texture and indulgence.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For an adult twist, try serving them alongside a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into sandwich treats by spreading your favorite jam or chocolate hazelnut spread between two cookies. For parties, stack them alongside other cookie varieties on a decorative platter to impress your guests with variety and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread and stay fresh longer.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough balls on a lined tray until firm, then transfer them to a resealable bag. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls onto a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too—just wrap them individually and store in an airtight container for up to three months.
Reheating
Warm frozen or leftover cookies in a low oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to regain that just-baked softness and aroma. This little trick makes every bite taste freshly made with minimal effort.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add delightful texture to your cookies, creating extra little peanut bits that make each bite even more interesting.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can lightly grease your baking sheets with butter or non-stick spray, but parchment paper is preferred because it prevents sticking and helps with even baking and cleanup.
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
Butter gives the best flavor and texture for this recipe, but margarine can work in a pinch. Oil isn’t recommended as it can make the cookies spread too much and lose their structure.
Why do my cookies turn out too flat?
This often happens if the dough is too warm or if the baking soda is too old. Make sure to chill the dough slightly if your kitchen is hot, and always check that your leavening agents are fresh.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of equal measurement, and ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about baking and enjoying a batch of these Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe treats. Their perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavor coupled with a tender texture makes them a timeless favorite worth sharing. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and bake these cookies today—you’re going to love every single bite!
Print
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. These easy-to-make cookies feature a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a delightful crisscross fork pattern on top. Ideal for snacks, dessert, or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (sifted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using an electric hand mixer, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air and achieve a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add peanut butter and the large egg to the creamed mixture, mixing well until fully combined and smooth, creating a creamy dough base.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sifted all-purpose flour. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls. Place them evenly spaced about 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten and Pattern: Using a fork, gently press each cookie ball to flatten it slightly, making a crisscross pattern on the top. This classic design also helps the cookies bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes or until the bases just begin to turn a golden color. Be careful not to overbake to maintain softness.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a richer peanut flavor, use natural creamy peanut butter without added sugar.
- Make sure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour to avoid tough cookies.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal and cleaning.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
