If you’re on the hunt for that perfect blend of chewy, crispy, sweet, and salty, let me introduce you to your new favorite treat: Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies. These delightfully nostalgic cookies are all about balance, featuring that unmistakable peanut butter richness, a hint of caramel-y brown sugar, and airy pops of crunch thanks to Rice Krispies cereal. Whether you’re sneaking one after dinner, sending a batch to a friend, or sharing them at a gathering, these cookies never fail to spark smiles (and second helpings!). Simple ingredients, easy instructions, and a flavor combo that’s a crowd-pleaser every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll be amazed at the magic you can create. Each ingredient really shines in these Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies, lending its own burst of flavor or important touch of texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture, allowing the cookies to have just the right amount of chew.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, it gives the cookies their signature nutty flavor and soft texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds that quintessential sweetness and a bit of crunch around the edges.
- Brown sugar, packed: Infuses a deep, caramel note and helps keep the cookies soft.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the cookies’ tender bite.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm, comforting flavors in each bite.
- All-purpose flour: Supplies structure so the cookies don’t spread too thin.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that perfectly soft interior.
- Salt: Brightens up the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Rice Krispies cereal: The secret to extra crunch! These little crisped rice pieces are what set these cookies apart.
How to Make Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep your cookies from sticking. These simple steps help set you up for stress-free baking success.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This aerates your dough and ensures every bite of your Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies is soft, rich, and evenly sweet.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in your vanilla extract, then beat until everything is well mixed. The egg helps give your cookies structure, while the vanilla adds a cozy layer of flavor that ties everything together.
Step 4: Whisk and Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined for the ultimate tender crumb.
Step 5: Fold in the Rice Krispies
Switch to a spatula and gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Go easy here — you want to keep those cereal pieces as whole as possible for the signature crunch in every bite of your Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches between each (they’ll spread a bit as they bake). Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten the tops, then pop the pans in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for those golden-brown edges — that’s your cue they’re just right.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the trays for about five minutes. This makes them easier to move without falling apart. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait!). They’re irresistible warm, but just as tasty later on.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies
Garnishes
For a fun twist, sprinkle a few extra Rice Krispies or a pinch of flaked sea salt over the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven. You could even drizzle a little melted chocolate in zig-zags for extra flair — imagine the delight on everyone’s faces!
Side Dishes
Pair your Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies with a tall glass of ice-cold milk, a cozy cup of coffee, or a smoothie for an afternoon treat. They also shine on any dessert platter alongside fruit, fudge, or classic chocolate chip cookies for variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them tall and tie with baker’s twine for a sweet edible gift, or sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a bonus treat that always gets rave reviews. They look adorable arranged on a bright platter for a party or tucked in a lunchbox for a special surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. I recommend placing a slice of bread in the container, too — it keeps the cookies soft and fresh by absorbing any extra moisture.
Freezing
Want to enjoy Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies beyond the first week? Freeze fully cooled cookies in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container for up to three months. Layer parchment between cookies to prevent sticking, and just let them come to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you love your cookies a little warm and gooey, simply pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds. They’ll taste almost like they just came out of the oven, and the Rice Krispies will hold their delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds even more texture to these Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies. You’ll get extra peanut pieces for deeper flavor and a satisfying bite.
Can I substitute other cereals for the Rice Krispies?
Rice Krispies provide that special light, airy crunch, but you can experiment with similar puffed rice cereals. Avoid dense or super sugary cereals, as they’ll change the texture and could overwhelm the peanut butter flavor.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter isn’t melted, only softened, and chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking if your kitchen is particularly warm. This helps your Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies hold their shape for the best results.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Go for it! Mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts mix in easily and give a fun new twist. Just be careful not to overload the dough so the cookies still bake nicely and keep their signature crispiness.
Do these cookies work for gluten-free diets?
While the classic version uses regular flour, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and opt for a gluten-free crisp rice cereal. This way, everyone can enjoy the joy of Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never experienced the magic of Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies, now’s your chance! They’re warm, peanutty, and packed with that iconic crunch that keeps you coming back for more. Whenever you’re in the mood for a treat that’s both classic and unexpectedly delightful, bake up a batch and share the love — you just might start a new cookie tradition!
Print
Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies are a delightful twist on classic peanut butter cookies, with the added crunch of Rice Krispies cereal. Easy to make and perfect for snacking or dessert!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in cereal: Gently fold in Rice Krispies cereal.
- Shape and bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, flatten slightly, then bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
