Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These easy peanut butter cookies are a classic treat that’s quick to make with just a few simple ingredients. Soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth anytime.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling, optional)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy full-fat peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Using an electric mixer, blend together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, egg, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth, thick, and well combined, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Scoop the dough into 1 1/4-inch balls using a heaping tablespoon cookie scoop. Knead and roll each ball in your palms until soft and smooth. If desired, roll the balls in granulated sugar for a slight crunch.
- Step 4: Place the cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 5: Press each ball down with the back of a fork, then press again at a 90-degree angle to create a criss-cross pattern. To prevent sticking, dip the fork tines in granulated sugar between cookies.
- Step 6: Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and the cookies measure about 3 inches wide. They will still feel slightly soft when touched while hot.
- Step 7: Remove the cookies from the oven and cool them on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely and firm up.
- Step 8: Serve and enjoy your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a few chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
- Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet, more nutty taste, but add a tablespoon of honey if the dough seems dry.
- To keep the fork from sticking, always dip it in granulated sugar before pressing down on each cookie.
Storage
Store cooled peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, let thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, but the cookies may be a bit more crumbly. Adjust as needed based on your preference.
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
No refrigeration is necessary. They keep well at room temperature when stored in an airtight container.
Print
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Peanut Butter Cookies are a simple and classic treat that come together quickly with just a few ingredients. They have a soft, chewy texture with a perfectly sweet peanut butter flavor, topped with a delightful criss-cross pattern. Perfect for a quick bake when you want a homemade cookie fix without the fuss.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling, optional)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy full-fat peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix ingredients: Using an electric mixer, blend together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, egg, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth, thick, and well combined. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Form cookie balls: Use a heaping tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out dough balls approximately 1 & 1/4 inches in diameter. Then, knead and roll each ball in the palms of your hands until they feel soft and smooth. If desired, roll the dough balls in extra granulated sugar for added texture and sweetness.
- Place on baking sheet: Arrange the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Create criss-cross pattern: Press down each dough ball with the back of a fork, then press again perpendicular to the first press to form the signature criss-cross pattern. To prevent the fork from sticking to the dough, dip the tines in granulated sugar between cookies.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the tops turn lightly golden brown and the cookies spread to about 3 inches wide. Note that baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely and firm up.
- Serve and enjoy: Enjoy these classic peanut butter cookies fresh with a tall glass of cold milk for the best experience!
Notes
- For best results, use creamy full-fat peanut butter to achieve the ideal texture and flavor.
- Rolling the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking adds a nice crunchy texture and slight sweetness to the exterior.
- Pressing the fork dipped in sugar helps prevent sticking and creates cleaner criss-cross patterns.
- Cookies will be soft when hot but will firm up as they cool.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peanut butter cookies, easy cookies, classic cookies, homemade cookies, soft peanut butter cookies
