Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cookies that are rich, chewy, and bursting with that unmistakable nutty goodness, you are going to fall head over heels for these Classic Peanut Butter Cookies. They blend the creamy warmth of peanut butter with just the right amount of sweetness and a delightful crisp edge that makes every bite pure comfort. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or sharing at a family gathering, this recipe delivers a nostalgic taste that feels like home on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using pantry staples that come together to create those iconic flavors and textures we all crave in Classic Peanut Butter Cookies. Each ingredient plays a key role—whether it’s the buttery softness, the perfect golden hue, or that lift and texture that make these cookies so irresistible.

• Peanut butter, 1 cup: Creamy or chunky peanut butter works great to provide the star ingredient’s rich, nutty backbone.
• Butter, ½ cup (softened): Adds moisture and a velvety richness that enhances the cookie’s tenderness.
• Brown sugar, ½ cup: Gives a deep caramel flavor and helps keep the cookies chewy.
• Granulated sugar, ½ cup: Balances sweetness and supports a slight crispiness around the edges.
• Egg, 1 large: Binds everything together while contributing to a soft, cakey texture inside.
• Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Elevates all the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
• All-purpose flour, 1½ cups: The structure of the cookie, giving it substance without heaviness.
• Baking soda, 1 tsp: Helps the cookies rise and maintain a light texture.
• Salt, ¼ tsp: Balances sweetness and enhances peanut butter’s flavor intensity.

How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Peanut Butter, Butter, and Sugars

Start by combining the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is creamy and fluffy—this step is key because it creates a luscious base that ensures your cookies will be perfectly tender and full of flavor.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Once your peanut butter mixture is smooth, crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Beat everything together until fully incorporated. This helps bind your dough and adds that wonderful depth of vanilla aroma that complements the peanut butter beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together. Mixing the dry ingredients separately makes it easier to gradually fold them into the wet mixture, ensuring your batter stays smooth and even throughout.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet peanut butter batter, stirring gently. Mix just until the flour disappears to keep your cookies tender and avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to a tougher bite.

Step 5: Shape and Flatten the Dough

Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet. Use a fork to press each cookie down in a crisscross pattern. This not only gives the Classic Peanut Butter Cookies their signature look but also helps them bake more evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a gentle golden brown. The baking time is perfect for achieving that delightful balance of crisp edges and a chewy center. Once out of the oven, let them cool on a rack to firm up slightly before indulging.

How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies shine on their own, you can elevate them by sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. The burst of saltiness perfectly offsets the sweetness and enhances the peanut flavors. For a fun twist, try dipping half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and letting it set—pure bliss!

Side Dishes

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, naturally. If you want to switch it up, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm mug of rich hot chocolate. The creamy drinks and the chewy cookies create an unbeatable comfort combo.

Creative Ways to Present

These cookies make fantastic gifts or party treats when stacked in a pretty tin layered with parchment paper. You can also sandwich two cookies with a smear of chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting in between to create a decadent little dessert sandwich that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Classic Peanut Butter Cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay chewy and delicious for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either baked or as shaped dough balls. For baked cookies, place layers separated by parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Dough balls can be flash-frozen on a tray, then transferred to a freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To revive that freshly baked warmth, pop your cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a warm oven for a few minutes. This will soften the cookies and freshen their flavors, just like they came out of the oven seconds ago.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds delightful bits of peanuts to your Classic Peanut Butter Cookies, giving them extra texture and a slightly more rustic feel. Both versions will taste amazing, so choose based on your preference.

Should I chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough isn’t necessary for this particular recipe—but if you’d like firmer cookies or to prep in advance, an hour in the fridge won’t hurt. Just let the dough soften a bit at room temperature before shaping to avoid cracking.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture benefits, but if needed, margarine can be used with slightly different results. Avoid using oil since it changes the dough consistency and won’t yield the classic chewy texture.

How do I make the cookies less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar amounts slightly, but since sugar helps with texture and browning, be cautious with big reductions. Experiment by cutting each sugar by a tablespoon and adjust according to taste.

What is the best way to ensure perfectly shaped cookies?

Rolling uniform-sized dough balls and pressing them gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern will help your cookies bake evenly and develop their signature look. Don’t press too hard or the cookies will become too flat.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a cookie that combines nostalgia, simplicity, and pure peanut buttery joy, these Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are a must-try. They are quick to make, deliver consistently wonderful results, and have a way of bringing a smile to anyone who takes a bite. Trust me, once you make these cookies, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.

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