There’s something special about a classic peanut butter cookie, isn’t there?
That perfect combination of a crisp edge and a soft, chewy middle just feels like home.
Why This Recipe Works
After testing countless versions, Kelsey landed on this particular formula for a reason.
The higher ratio of peanut butter to flour creates an intensely nutty flavor and a wonderfully melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply unbeatable.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gather these nine simple pantry staples; each one has a specific job to do.
- All-purpose flour: This provides the main structure for the cookies, giving them their shape.
- Baking soda: It acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become perfectly puffy.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter creams beautifully with the sugar, creating a light and tender crumb.
- Brown sugar & granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and chew, while white sugar encourages spreading and crispness.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, it delivers that rich, savory-sweet flavor we all crave.
- One large egg: It binds all the ingredients together, contributing to the cookie’s soft and chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth.
- Sea salt: A bit of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness and making the peanut butter taste pop.
Choosing Your Peanut Butter
You can absolutely use natural peanut butter here, which is what Kelsey often keeps on hand.
Just make sure it’s well-stirred and smooth, avoiding any dry, hard bits from the bottom of the jar.
How to make Best Peanut Butter Cookies?
The process is wonderfully straightforward, with no chilling required.
You’ll be scooping dough before you know it.
Step 1 – Combine the Dry Ingredients
Simply grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt.
This initial step ensures the leavening is evenly distributed for a consistent bake.
Step 2 – Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
This takes about two to three minutes, and it’s a crucial step for creating that ideal cookie texture.
Step 3 – Add Remaining Wet Ingredients
Now, beat in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
The aroma at this stage is absolutely incredible, a true preview of the deliciousness to come.
Step 4 – Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the flour streaks just disappear.
Be careful not to overmix; you want a cohesive dough, not a tough one.
Step 5 – Roll and Sugar the Dough Balls
Scoop out slightly heaping tablespoons of dough and roll them into smooth balls with your hands.
Then, roll each ball generously in a small bowl of granulated sugar—this step is non-negotiable for the best result.
Step 6 – Create the Classic Pattern and Bake
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving plenty of room for spreading.
Use the tines of a fork to press down gently, creating that beloved criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie.
Step 7 – Cool Completely
Bake one sheet at a time until the edges are just set but the centers still look soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a full ten minutes before moving them; this patience is key to their final texture.
Tips
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar is a game-changer. It prevents the fork from sticking, adds a delightful crunch, and amplifies the flavor.
- For a softer cookie, bake for 10 minutes. For a crispier one, aim for 12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden.
- Always spoon and level your flour when measuring. Scooping directly with the measuring cup can pack in too much flour, leading to dry cookies.
- Don’t over-bake. The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the warm baking sheet, which gives you that perfect chewy center.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, feel free to get a little creative with your mix-ins.
Stir in a cup of chocolate chips, chopped Reese’s Pieces, or even some crispy bacon bits for a sweet and salty twist.
Storing and Freezing
Keep your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
They also freeze beautifully for up to three months, so you can always have a homemade treat on hand.
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Description
The BEST peanut butter cookies! They have soft, chewy middles, crisp edges, and a delicious nutty flavor. This easy 9-ingredient recipe requires no chilling and delivers rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with every batch.
ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and the ¼ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla and mix until creamy.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
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Scoop slightly heaping tablespoons of the dough, then use your hands to roll it into balls.
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Place the ½ cup granulated sugar in a small bowl and roll the cookie dough balls in it.
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Arrange on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between balls. Press down on the tops of the balls with a fork to form a cross-hatch pattern.
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Bake, one sheet at a time, for 10 to 12 minutes—10 minutes for softer cookies, 12 minutes for crispier ones. The cookies will be just set around the edges but still look underdone in the middle.
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Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 160kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9g14%
- Saturated Fat 3.5g18%
- Cholesterol 20mg7%
- Sodium 125mg6%
- Potassium 110mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 11g
- Protein 4g8%
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 0.7 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- No chilling needed: Make and bake these cookies immediately—perfect for spontaneous baking!
- Peanut butter tip: Use well-stirred creamy peanut butter (natural or processed). Avoid stiff, dry natural butter from the jar bottom.
- Sugar roll is key: Rolling the dough in sugar prevents sticking during the fork press and adds a delightful crunch.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
