Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These easy peanut butter cookies are a quick and delicious treat made with just a few simple ingredients. With a soft, chewy texture and classic criss-cross topping, they’re perfect for satisfying your cookie cravings any time.
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 the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: With an electric mixer, blend together all the ingredients until combined, smooth, and thick, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Using a heaping tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out 1¼-inch balls, then knead and roll them in the palms of your hands until soft and smooth. Optionally, roll the balls in granulated sugar before baking.
- Step 4: Transfer the balls to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 5: Press down on each ball with the back of a fork, then press again from the opposite direction to create a criss-cross pattern. To prevent sticking, dip the fork tines in a little granulated sugar between cookies.
- Step 6: Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and cookies spread to about 3 inches wide. The cookies will still be slightly soft when hot.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely and firm up.
- Step 8: Serve and enjoy with a cold glass of milk!
Tips & Variations
- Use natural peanut butter for a more intense peanut flavor, but expect a slightly different texture.
- For crunchy cookies, substitute half the creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter.
- Adding a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- If you prefer a sweeter cookie, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking.
Storage
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about an hour. Reheating is not necessary, but warming cookies slightly in a microwave for 10-15 seconds can refresh their softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter alternatives like almond or cashew butter?
Yes, you can substitute almond or cashew butter for peanut butter in this recipe. The flavor and texture will vary slightly, but it will still produce delicious cookies.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling is required for this recipe. The dough can be shaped and baked immediately after mixing, making it a quick option for fresh cookies.
PrintEasy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
These Easy Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic and simple treat featuring a creamy peanut butter base combined with sugars and vanilla, baked to soft, chewy perfection with a charming criss-cross fork pattern. Perfect for a quick homemade dessert or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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 F (175 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
- Mix ingredients: Using an electric mixer, blend together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is combined, smooth, and thick, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Form cookie balls: Use a heaping tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Knead and roll each ball in the palms of your hands until they feel soft and smooth. Optionally, roll the dough balls in extra granulated sugar for a slightly crunchy exterior.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Create criss-cross pattern: Press down on each cookie ball with the back of a fork, then press again from the opposite direction to form a classic criss-cross pattern. To prevent sticking, dip the fork tines in granulated sugar between cookies.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes or until the cookie tops are lightly browned and the cookies have spread to about 3 inches wide. Keep in mind that baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy these delicious peanut butter cookies fresh with a tall glass of cold milk or your favorite beverage.
Notes
- Use creamy full-fat peanut butter for the best texture and flavor. Natural peanut butter with oil separation may alter results.
- Rolling the cookies in granulated sugar before baking is optional but adds a slight crunch and sparkle to the cookie surface.
- Cookies will be soft when hot out of the oven but will firm up as they cool; be careful not to overbake for chewy texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for best freshness.
- For a nuttier flavor, try using peanut butter with no added sugar or salt.
Keywords: Peanut Butter Cookies, Easy Cookies, Classic Cookies, Homemade Cookies, Quick Dessert, Chewy Cookies
