Soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor, these classic cookies come out perfectly sweet with that signature crisscross top I always love to see. I find this timeless treat easy to make, and it never fails to impress family and friends whenever I bake a batch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and reliable this recipe is. I use basic pantry staples, and the dough comes together quickly without any complicated steps. The cookies bake up soft in the center with lightly golden edges, giving me the perfect chewy texture every time. I also appreciate how the rich peanut butter flavor really shines through, making these cookies a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert I can make for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually, I add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined.
I scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Using a fork, I gently press down on each ball to create the classic crisscross pattern.
I bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Then I let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 24 servings, which I find perfect for sharing or storing for later.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 210 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes like to switch things up depending on what I am craving. I fold in chocolate chips for a peanut butter chocolate twist, or I mix in chopped peanuts for extra crunch. When I want a sweeter finish, I press a chocolate candy into the center right after baking. I have also tried sprinkling a little flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.
Storage/Reheating
I store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When I am ready to enjoy one, I let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
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FAQs
Why do I make a crisscross pattern on top?
I press the dough with a fork because peanut butter cookie dough is dense. Flattening it slightly helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them their classic look.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
I can use natural peanut butter, but I make sure it is well stirred. I have noticed that very oily or runny natural peanut butter can slightly change the texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
I look for lightly golden edges. Even if the centers seem soft, I know they will firm up as the cookies cool.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
I like to roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, I transfer them to a freezer bag and bake them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Why are my cookies dry?
If my cookies turn out dry, it is usually because I overbaked them or added too much flour. I make sure to measure carefully and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden.
Conclusion
I find these peanut butter cookies to be one of the most comforting and dependable treats I can bake. With their soft texture, rich flavor, and simple preparation, I always enjoy making them for gatherings, special occasions, or just a cozy snack at home. Once I start baking them, it quickly becomes a recipe I return to again and again.
📖 Recipe:
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Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor, these classic cookies feature the signature crisscross top and perfectly golden edges. A simple, reliable treat made with pantry staples that is perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press each ball gently with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Fold in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Press a chocolate candy into the center right after baking for a sweeter finish.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty contrast.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To freeze dough, roll into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
