If you’re searching for a classic peanut butter cookies recipe that melts in your mouth and brings back cozy childhood memories, you’ve landed in the right place! This recipe delivers that perfect balance of nutty, buttery sweetness with just the right chewy texture. Whether you love your cookies soft, slightly crisp, or perfectly golden, this recipe is easy to customize — and it uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the best peanut butter cookies, plus share expert baking tips, storage tricks, and creative variations (like peanut butter chocolate chip or flourless versions).
So, preheat your oven — your kitchen’s about to smell amazing.
🥜 Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Here’s why this peanut butter cookie recipe is a keeper:
- Soft & chewy: No dry, crumbly cookies here! These stay moist and tender.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time — great for beginners.
- No chilling required: You can bake these cookies right away.
- Perfectly peanut buttery: Rich flavor in every bite.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, oats, or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, a holiday dessert tray, or a lunchbox surprise, this recipe never fails to impress.
🧈 Ingredients You’ll Need for Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Here’s everything you need for these classic peanut butter cookies:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (use a high-quality brand like Jif or Skippy)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Extra sugar for rolling
- Chocolate drizzle or chips
- Sea salt flakes for a gourmet finish
👩🍳 How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies Step-by-Step
This peanut butter cookies recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, with only one bowl and minimal cleanup. Let’s get baking!
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- Softened butter
- Peanut butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
Use an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
Then, add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, beating on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie. Roll each ball in sugar for that classic sparkle.
Place on your baking sheet, leaving 2 inches apart.
Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern on top of each dough ball. This step gives the cookies their iconic look and helps them bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
The centers may look slightly underbaked — that’s perfect! They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool & Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Grab a glass of milk and enjoy warm peanut butter bliss!
🍯 Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
Here are some pro baking tips to make sure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Use room-temperature butter and egg. This ensures even mixing and a smooth texture.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies firm up as they cool. Take them out when they look slightly soft in the center.
- Use creamy peanut butter for classic texture. Natural peanut butters (the oily kind) can make the dough too crumbly.
- Want softer cookies? Add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter or a teaspoon of honey to the dough.
- Chill for thicker cookies. If you like puffy cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
🍫 Peanut Butter Cookie Variations
Once you master the classic peanut butter cookies recipe, have fun experimenting with flavors! Here are some delicious twists:
1. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Stir in 3/4 cup chocolate chips before baking for a sweet-and-salty combo.
2. Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
Skip the flour completely! Use:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
Mix and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes — chewy and naturally gluten-free!
3. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Add 1/2 cup rolled oats for a hearty texture.
4. Double Peanut Butter Cookies
Mix in peanut butter chips for an extra burst of nutty flavor.
5. Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Spread chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting between two cookies.
🧊 Storage & Freezing Instructions
Room Temperature:
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft!
Freezing Dough:
Roll dough balls and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
Bake straight from frozen — just add an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
🥛 What to Serve with Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies pair beautifully with:
- A cold glass of milk
- Hot coffee or cappuccino
- Vanilla ice cream (make ice cream sandwiches!)
- A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel
They’re perfect for bake sales, cookie exchanges, or gifting during holidays.
🧁 Peanut Butter Cookie Baking FAQ
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but make sure to stir it very well. The texture may be slightly more crumbly, so you might want to add 1 extra tablespoon of flour.
2. Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?
The crisscross pattern helps flatten the dense dough and ensures even baking.
3. Can I make them without eggs?
Yes! Substitute the egg with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons of water for a vegan version.
4. How do I make them crispier?
Bake 1–2 minutes longer until golden brown around the edges.
5. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely! It adds great texture and a little crunch.
❤️ The History of Peanut Butter Cookies
The peanut butter cookie has a long American heritage dating back to the early 1900s. Peanut butter itself became popular after Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (yes, the cereal guy!) patented a process for making it in 1895. By the 1930s, the crisscross fork marks became a standard step, featured in a Pillsbury cookbook.
Today, peanut butter cookies remain one of the most beloved homemade treats — simple, nostalgic, and endlessly satisfying.
🍪 Final Thoughts
This peanut butter cookies recipe is everything you could want in a homemade dessert — rich, soft, and full of that classic nutty flavor. Whether you bake them for family gatherings, holidays, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies will never disappoint.
So, grab your mixing bowl and whip up a batch today. One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe has stood the test of time.
📖 Quick Recipe Recap
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars. Add egg and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients and combine.
- Shape dough into balls, flatten with fork.
- Bake 9–11 minutes. Cool & enjoy!