If you’re craving something wonderfully nostalgic and impossibly easy, these Criss Cross Peanut Butter Cookies deliver all the flavor you love with hardly any fuss. Featuring just five staple ingredients and that signature fork-pressed pattern, this recipe packs big peanut butter taste and delightfully chewy texture into every bite. Even better, it’s naturally gluten-free and truly foolproof—perfect for baking newbies and seasoned cookie fans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Incredibly simple but thoughtfully chosen, these ingredients blend together for that classic, melt-in-your-mouth magic you crave. Every component contributes to the irresistibly soft texture and deep nutty flavor that makes Criss Cross Peanut Butter Cookies a timeless treat.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter makes these cookies rich, dense, and packed with nutty flavor. (Try crunchy for extra texture!)
- Granulated Sugar: Lends just the right amount of sweetness and helps the cookies hold their soft, chewy structure.
- Large Egg: Acts as the binder, ensuring each cookie holds together beautifully and bakes up tender.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that rounds out the peanut butter’s robust flavor.
- Salt: A small but mighty addition that balances sweetness and enhances the peanut butter’s depth.
How to Make Criss Cross Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily—no sticking, no stress, just a perfect golden bottom every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together with a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer until there are no streaks left and the mixture looks cohesive and glossy. This step is quick, but don’t rush—make sure everything is thoroughly blended for a smooth dough and a seamless nutty bite in each cookie.
Step 3: Shape and Arrange
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out dough and roll it gently in your palms to form smooth, even balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between so they have room to expand as they bake. This is the perfect moment to get kids or curious kitchen helpers involved—the dough is forgiving and fun to handle!
Step 4: Press in the Classic Criss Cross Pattern
With a dinner fork, gently press down on each dough ball in one direction, then rotate the fork and press again to create that iconic criss cross pattern. This not only makes them look classic but also helps flatten the cookies for even baking. The fun little fork marks signal to everyone these are true Criss Cross Peanut Butter Cookies!
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to set and the tops to turn a gorgeous, slightly matte finish. The cookies might seem a bit soft when first out of the oven—that’s a good thing! Leave them on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Resistance is hard, but the wait is worth it.
How to Serve Criss Cross Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Give your cookies an extra flourish by dusting them with a little powdered sugar or sprinkling with a few flaky sea salt crystals. For a chocolate twist, drop a chocolate chip or a drizzle of melted chocolate right in the center after baking—both options add delightful contrast and a hint of decadence.
Side Dishes
Criss Cross Peanut Butter Cookies shine alongside a tall glass of cold milk, but they’re also fabulous paired with coffee, tea, or even banana slices for a playful afternoon snack. For dessert platters, try serving them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy but impressive treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies in a pretty jar tied with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift. They’re also great as lunchbox surprises or tucked into picnic baskets. For parties, consider sandwiching ice cream, Nutella, or jam between two cookies for deliciously indulgent peanut butter “cookie sandwiches.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Criss Cross Peanut Butter Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days, making them great for snacking all week long.
Freezing
If you’d like to stash some away for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Layer cooled cookies between parchment sheets in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll last up to three months—just thaw at room temp before serving.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds. If you’re reviving a whole batch, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a low oven (around 275°F) for 3–5 minutes—just enough to soften them up and make your kitchen smell irresistible again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds little pops of nuttiness and extra texture. The cookies will still hold their shape, and you’ll get that irresistible contrast from the peanut pieces.
Are Criss Cross Peanut Butter Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since there’s no flour involved—just check that your peanut butter doesn’t have any wheat-based additives if you’re baking for someone with sensitivities.
Can I double the recipe?
Without a doubt! This dough scales up easily. Double all ingredients and bake in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the baking sheets so the cookies still brown beautifully.
What’s the best way to get the perfect criss cross on each cookie?
Dip your fork in a little granulated sugar before pressing to keep it from sticking and to add a subtle sparkle to the tops. Press gently so you don’t flatten the cookies too much—we want thick, chewy results!
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Mix in mini chocolate chips, chopped roasted peanuts, or even a handful of butterscotch morsels for a fun twist. Just don’t overload the dough or the cookies may spread too much in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something undeniably joyful about sharing a fresh batch of Criss Cross Peanut Butter Cookies with friends or family—warm, classic, and packed with peanutty love. The ease of this recipe means anyone can bake up a batch on a whim, so go ahead and treat yourself. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Print
Criss Cross Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Criss Cross Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delicious, gluten-free cookies in no time.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Create the crisscross pattern: Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern into each cookie, flattening them slightly.
- Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set and tops look dry.
- Cool: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- For a chocolate twist, press a chocolate chip into the center after baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
