Easy 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.
- Author: Amaya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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