There’s something utterly irresistible about a batch of Classic Peanut Butter Cookies. The moment they hit the cooling rack, their warm, nutty aroma fills the kitchen and draws everyone in—kids, adults, even the dog if you’re not careful! These cookies balance a deeply satisfying peanut butter flavor with a soft-in-the-middle, lightly crisp-edged texture, all topped off with that iconic crisscross pattern. For anyone seeking a nostalgic treat that’s joyfully easy to make, this recipe always delivers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Classic Peanut Butter Cookies is how few ingredients stand between you and cookie bliss. Each component brings something special to these cookies, whether it’s richness, chewiness, or just pure, nutty comfort!
- Peanut Butter: Opt for creamy peanut butter for the signature smooth texture and bold, nutty flavor that shines in every bite.
- Unsalted Butter: Makes the cookies wonderfully rich and tender; be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and gives the cookies their classic snap at the edges.
- Light Brown Sugar: Contributes chewiness and a gentle caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with peanuts.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together, creating the perfect cookie dough consistency.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the warm, cozy notes for that fresh-from-the-oven smell and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that holds your cookies together with just the right crumb.
- Baking Soda: Gives the cookies lift so they’re beautifully soft and bake up golden.
- Salt: Brings out the peanut butter’s depth and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Getting the oven ready at the outset ensures your dough won’t sit around too long, keeping those cookies ultra-soft.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Aim for a mixture that’s fluffy and well blended. This is where the magic starts: the combination of fats and sugars sets the stage for chewy, tender cookies bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once your mixture is creamy, crack in the large egg and pour in your pure vanilla extract. Stir until everything’s fully incorporated. You’ll notice the dough gets silkier, binding together in a way that’s destined for cookie greatness.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the leavening is distributed evenly, leading to cookies that bake up soft without any unexpected pockets of flour.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your peanut butter mixture. Mix gently—just until it all comes together. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop once you don’t see any more streaks of flour. The dough should look thick and slightly sticky.
Step 6: Shape and Pattern the Cookies
Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls using your hands, then place them about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheet. Now for the fun part: use a fork to press each ball twice, creating the iconic crisscross pattern every Classic Peanut Butter Cookie is known for. This flattens them and gives that picture-perfect texture.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden and the centers look set. Don’t overbake—they’ll firm up as they cool! Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The result: cookies with soft centers, lightly crisp edges, and all that peanutty goodness.
How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking—the contrast of salty and sweet is irresistible! For special occasions, try dipping half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and letting them set on parchment. The melting, slightly bitter chocolate puts a grown-up twist on this childhood favorite.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs with Classic Peanut Butter Cookies quite like a cold glass of milk, but if you’re feeling adventurous, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies for a dreamy dessert. Or set them out alongside a fresh fruit platter for a sweet balance of flavors at your next get-together.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in a cellophane bag, tie with a ribbon, and you have a thoughtful homemade gift. For parties, arrange them in a pyramid on a colorful platter or create a “cookie dip” bar with bowls of warm chocolate and crushed nuts. However you present them, your Classic Peanut Butter Cookies will steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Classic Peanut Butter Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread in with the cookies if you want them to stay extra soft—the cookies will absorb the moisture, keeping them irresistibly chewy.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead or save some for a rainy day, these cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze either the baked cookies or unbaked dough balls. For the dough, shape and crisscross pattern them, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
Nothing beats a warm cookie! If your Classic Peanut Butter Cookies have lost their just-baked feel, pop one in the microwave for 10-12 seconds or warm a small batch in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes. They’ll taste as though they came fresh out of the oven all over again.
FAQs
Why do Classic Peanut Butter Cookies have a crisscross pattern?
The crisscross pattern not only gives these cookies their unmistakable look, but it also helps flatten them for even baking and creates lovely ridges that catch a bit of extra sugar or sea salt on top.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds little bits of peanuts throughout the cookie for an irresistible texture. Just keep an eye on the dough—if it seems extra thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk to help bring it together.
Can I make Classic Peanut Butter Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour and double-check all other ingredient labels. The cookies will be just as delicious and hold their shape beautifully.
What other mix-ins can I add?
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are a fantastic base for creativity. Stir in chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even mini pretzel pieces for a sweet and salty twist. Just be careful not to overload the dough, or the cookies may spread unevenly.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should look lightly golden, while the centers will still seem a bit soft when you pull them from the oven. Don’t worry—they’ll continue to set as they cool, ensuring the perfect soft-yet-chewy bite.
Final Thoughts
For anyone seeking comfort, nostalgia, and pure homemade joy, Classic Peanut Butter Cookies deliver every time. Roll up your sleeves, gather your simple ingredients, and embrace the cookie magic—once you try this recipe, you’ll want to bake a double batch every time!
Print
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless favorite, combining the nutty richness of peanut butter with the sweet crunch of sugar. Perfect for any occasion, these easy-to-make cookies will delight your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Shape and bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool before enjoying!
Notes
- For a creative twist, try dipping half of each cookie in melted chocolate or sprinkling with flaky sea salt before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
