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Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

5 from 75 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Arrange on baking sheet: Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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