Peanut Butter Cookies

Soft, Chewy, and Irresistible!

If you love peanut butter, you’re in for a treat! These homemade peanut butter cookies are packed with rich, nutty flavor and have the perfect soft, chewy texture. They’re easy to make with just a few ingredients, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion.

There’s something so comforting about a warm, freshly baked peanut butter cookie. The combination of sweet and salty flavors, along with the slightly crisp edges and soft center, makes them irresistible. Plus, they fill your kitchen with the most amazing smell!

These cookies remind me of my childhood. My family used to bake them on weekends, and the classic crisscross pattern on top always made me smile. Now, I bake them for my friends and family, and they disappear within minutes!

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple and budget-friendly it is. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or special equipment—just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a baking sheet. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, packing school lunches, or just craving something sweet, these cookies are always a hit.

About Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are a classic treat made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. They have a rich, nutty flavor with a soft and chewy texture that makes them incredibly satisfying. Unlike regular sugar cookies, peanut butter cookies have a deeper, slightly salty taste that balances perfectly with their sweetness.

What sets these cookies apart from other peanut butter treats, like peanut butter brownies or bars, is their iconic crisscross pattern. This traditional design isn’t just for looks—it helps the cookies bake evenly and creates a slight crunch on the outside while keeping the inside soft.

Why You’ll Love It

1. Super Easy to Make – No complicated steps or fancy ingredients. Just mix, scoop, and bake! Perfect for beginner bakers.
2. Rich Peanut Butter Flavor – Every bite is packed with delicious nutty goodness, making it a dream for peanut butter lovers.
3. Soft, Chewy, and Slightly Crispy – The best of both worlds! A slightly crisp edge with a soft and chewy center.
4. Kid-Friendly and Fun to Make – Kids love pressing the crisscross pattern on it with a fork. It’s a great baking project for the whole family!
5. Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you need a quick snack, a lunchbox treat, or a sweet gift, these cookies are always a hit.

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Ingredient Notes

• Peanut Butter – Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth texture, but if you love a little crunch, chunky peanut butter is a great option too!
• Butter – I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly.
• Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and makes the cookies extra chewy. Don’t skip it!
• Vanilla Extract – A small amount enhances the flavor and gives the cookies a warm, homemade taste.
• Flour – Use all-purpose flour for the perfect cookie texture. If using self-rising flour, omit the baking soda and salt.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Mixing Bowl – A large bowl to mix all the ingredients easily.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – Helps cream the butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light and fluffy. You can also mix by hand, but it takes more effort!
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – Essential for getting the right ingredient ratios.
• Spatula – Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
• Baking Sheet – A sturdy, non-stick baking sheet ensures even baking. I love using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
• Fork – Used to create the signature crisscross pattern on top of the cookies before baking.
• Cooling Rack – This helps the cookies cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.

I love using a Silpat silicone baking mat because it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! If you don’t have one, parchment paper works just as well.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars – In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step is key for soft, chewy cookies! Pro Tip: If your butter isn’t soft enough, microwave it for 10-15 seconds—but don’t let it melt completely!
3. Add the Wet Ingredients – Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, or your cookies may turn out dense instead of soft.
5. Scoop and Shape – Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to roll the dough into balls about 1-inch in size. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Create the Crisscross Pattern – Lightly press a fork into the dough balls twice—once vertically and once horizontally—to flatten them slightly and create the signature peanut butter cookie design. Pro Tip: Dip your fork in a little sugar before pressing to prevent it from sticking to the dough.
7. Bake – Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
8. Cool and Enjoy! – Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk, or store them for later! These cookies are even better the next day! Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Cold butter or eggs can make the dough harder to mix. Let them sit out for 30 minutes before starting.
• Chill the Dough for Extra Chewiness – If you have time, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor.
• Don’t Overbake! – The cookies may look underdone when you pull them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Overbaking leads to dry, crumbly cookies.
• Make Even-Sized Cookies – Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are the same size. This helps them bake evenly.
• Customize the Texture – For softer cookies, add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter. For crispier cookies, bake them for an extra 1-2 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• No Brown Sugar? – Use all granulated sugar, but the cookies may be slightly less chewy.
• Want Gluten-Free Cookies? – Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Dairy-Free Option – Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Extra Crunch? – Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy or mix in chopped peanuts.
• Chocolate Lovers – Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a peanut butter-chocolate twist!

Serving Suggestions

• With a Glass of Cold Milk – The classic combo! Dunking a warm peanut butter cookie into a cold glass of milk is pure bliss.
• Peanut Butter & Jelly Style – Spread a little jelly or jam on top of a cookie for a fun twist on the PB&J sandwich!
• Ice Cream Sandwiches – Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
• Drizzled with Chocolate – Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for extra decadence.
• With Coffee or Hot Chocolate – These cookies pair perfectly with a warm drink for a cozy afternoon snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• At Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Place a small piece of bread in the container to keep them soft—it really works!
• In the Fridge: If you like firmer cookies, store them in the fridge for up to two weeks. They taste amazing chilled!
• Freezing the Dough: Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating for Fresh-Baked Taste: Pop a cookie in the microwave for 8-10 seconds to make it warm and soft again. If you have more time, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

I love storing a batch in the freezer so I can bake fresh cookies whenever I want without making a mess!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but the texture might change slightly. Natural peanut butter tends to be runnier and less sweet, so you may need to chill the dough before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.

Why do peanut butter cookies have a crisscross pattern?

The pattern helps the cookies bake evenly and creates a slight crunch on top. Plus, it’s a fun and traditional way to make them look extra delicious!

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Absolutely! Substitute the egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and set for 5 minutes).

How do I make my cookies softer?

For extra softness, add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter, and don’t overbake! Also, storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread helps keep them moist.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe doubles easily if you need more cookies. You can also freeze extra dough for later—just roll it into balls and freeze them in a bag.

What if my cookies spread too much?

This usually happens if the butter is too soft or if the dough wasn’t chilled. Try refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.

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I’d love to hear how these peanut butter cookies turn out for you! Did you add any fun twists, like chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel? Let me know in the comments! And if you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!