These easy-to-make peanut butter cookies are the perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet yet simple. Made with just a handful of ingredients, these cookies come out soft, chewy, and bursting with rich peanut flavor. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, this peanut butter cookie recipe will hit the spot every time.
These cookies are also incredibly versatile—you can enjoy them as-is or get creative by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top. Either way, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser and an irresistible snack to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Full Recipe:
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1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
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1 cup sugar (white or brown)
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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Pinch of salt
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Use a fork to press down each cookie, making a crisscross pattern on top.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes | Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 18 cookies
Introduction to Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies are a classic treat that has been adored by dessert lovers for generations. Their rich, nutty flavor and soft, chewy texture make them a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event, holiday, or just want a simple treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, peanut butter cookies never disappoint. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients that most people already have in their pantry. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—peanut butter, sugar, and eggs come together to create a cookie that is both satisfying and delicious.
In addition to their irresistible flavor, peanut butter cookies also hold a nostalgic value for many. They’re the kind of cookie that reminds us of childhood, of baking with family, and of sharing something sweet with loved ones. With just a few steps, you can bake a batch of these timeless cookies and fill your home with the comforting scent of peanut butter goodness.
A Brief History of Peanut Butter Cookies
The origins of peanut butter cookies are a bit murky, but one thing is clear: peanut butter has been a beloved ingredient in American kitchens for well over a century. The earliest known recipes for peanut butter cookies date back to the 1910s and 1920s when peanut butter was gaining popularity as a pantry staple. It wasn’t until the 1930s that peanut butter cookies became widely recognized, thanks in part to the popularity of the recipe by Ruth Wakefield, the inventor of the chocolate chip cookie. Ruth’s cookie recipes were among the first to combine peanut butter with traditional baking ingredients like sugar and flour, and they quickly became a hit.
Today, peanut butter cookies continue to be a favorite across the globe, often appearing alongside chocolate chip cookies as one of the most beloved dessert choices. Their enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless combination of simple ingredients and comforting flavors.
Why Are Peanut Butter Cookies So Popular?
Peanut butter cookies are beloved for several reasons. For one, they are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients. The base of the cookie—peanut butter, sugar, and eggs—is simple, but it yields a rich, satisfying treat. Additionally, peanut butter cookies have a texture that is chewy on the inside with just the right amount of crispness on the edges. This delightful combination of textures adds to the overall appeal of the cookie.
Another reason for their popularity is the versatility of peanut butter. Peanut butter pairs well with a wide variety of flavors, and many people enjoy adding chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to their cookies for an extra layer of flavor. This ability to customize the cookie to suit personal tastes makes peanut butter cookies a go-to choice for bakers of all levels.
Variations of Peanut Butter Cookies
While the classic peanut butter cookie recipe is beloved by many, there are countless variations that can be made to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few popular twists on the traditional peanut butter cookie:
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Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cookies: Adding chocolate chips or cocoa powder to your peanut butter cookie dough is a delicious way to enhance the flavor. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a timeless pairing that elevates the overall taste of the cookie.
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Peanut Butter Blossoms: This variation is a holiday favorite and features a peanut butter cookie topped with a Hershey’s kiss chocolate candy. The result is a perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.
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Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies: For those who are gluten intolerant or following a gluten-free diet, you can easily make peanut butter cookies without flour. Simply substitute the flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat flour. This variation allows everyone to enjoy the deliciousness of peanut butter cookies without the worry of gluten.
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Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies: A vegan twist on peanut butter cookies replaces traditional ingredients like eggs and butter with plant-based substitutes. Vegan peanut butter cookies are just as delicious and can be made using flax eggs, dairy-free butter, and maple syrup for sweetness.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to variations, so feel free to experiment with your favorite additions to make these cookies your own!
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
While peanut butter cookies are relatively simple to make, there are a few tips that can help ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your peanut butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing the dough. This ensures that the ingredients blend together smoothly and evenly.
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Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the texture soft and tender.
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Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This results in thicker, chewier cookies with a better shape.
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Use a Fork to Create the Crisscross Pattern: One of the signature characteristics of peanut butter cookies is the crisscross fork pattern. To achieve this, press the dough balls gently with a fork, creating a crosshatch pattern. This not only makes the cookies look appealing but also helps them bake evenly.
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Watch the Baking Time: Peanut butter cookies bake quickly, so keep a close eye on them. They should be golden brown around the edges but soft in the center when done. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Peanut butter cookies are delicious on their own, but they can be even more enjoyable when paired with the right beverages or side dishes. Here are a few ideas for serving and pairing:
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Pair with Milk: The classic combination of peanut butter cookies and a glass of cold milk is always a hit. The milk helps balance out the richness of the peanut butter and provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookie.
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Serve with Coffee or Tea: For a cozy treat, serve peanut butter cookies alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The nutty flavor of the peanut butter complements the bitterness of coffee or the floral notes of tea.
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Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches: For an indulgent dessert, make peanut butter cookie ice cream sandwiches. Simply sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two peanut butter cookies. This decadent treat is perfect for hot summer days or any occasion that calls for a sweet, frozen delight.
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Add to a Dessert Platter: Peanut butter cookies make a great addition to any dessert platter. They pair wonderfully with other treats like brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and fruit tarts. The combination of flavors and textures on a dessert platter will leave your guests coming back for more.
Conclusion
Peanut butter cookies are a timeless treat that never goes out of style. With their rich peanut flavor, chewy texture, and endless variations, they are a beloved snack for people of all ages. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with new twists, peanut butter cookies are sure to bring joy to your kitchen and to anyone who enjoys them. So grab some peanut butter, sugar, and eggs, and start baking today—you’ll be rewarded with a batch of irresistible cookies that are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in on your own. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results!