If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that combines the nutty richness of peanut butter with the unforgettable crunch of Rice Krispies, then you’re in for a real treat with this Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe. These cookies offer a perfect balance of soft, chewy texture with crispy bursts in every bite, all wrapped in a delightful blanket of chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite that everyone will ask you to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe calls for some classic, easy-to-find ingredients that work together to create a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the peanut butter’s creamy richness to the Rice Krispies’ irresistible crunch, making each bite a little moment of magic.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure, ensuring your cookies hold together beautifully.
- Baking soda: Adds just the right amount of lift for a tender texture.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a soft, chewy finish.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the perfect spread.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses undertone and moisture.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and contributes to the tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Crunchy peanut butter: The star player giving that beloved nutty flavor and slight crunch.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Infuses delightful crispness that makes these cookies stand out.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melts into delightful pockets of chocolatey goodness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and release easily. This small step saves you from any sticky situations later and helps keep the bottoms perfectly golden.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Whisking these together ensures that your leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to cookies that rise beautifully and have balanced seasoning.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This incorporates air, which makes your cookies tender and gives them a lovely texture. Take your time here—around 3 minutes is perfect for a light base.
Step 4: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the large egg to add moisture and binding power, then mix in the vanilla extract for warmth and complexity. Next comes the crunchy peanut butter, which should blend smoothly with the wet ingredients, setting the rich nutty tone these cookies are known for.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want to keep that tender texture while ensuring the dough is well incorporated.
Step 6: Fold in Rice Krispies and Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in the Rice Krispies cereal and semisweet chocolate chips. The cereal adds the signature crunch that makes these cookies a showstopper, while the chocolate chips provide bursts of melty sweetness with every bite. Be careful not to crush the cereal; you want to retain those crisp little pockets throughout.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on your parchment-lined baking sheets. Give each ball a gentle flattening with a spatula or fork for even baking and that classic cookie shape.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re ready when the centers feel firm and the edges turn a light golden brown.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Once out of the oven, transfer your cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step lets the cookies set perfectly, making them easier to handle and enhancing their signature chewy-crisp texture.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, you can elevate their visual appeal and flavor by adding a small drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. These simple garnishes add a sophisticated touch and intensify the peanut butter and chocolate pairing.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of coffee or tea for the ultimate comfort snack experience. They also pair wonderfully with vanilla or coffee ice cream, creating a delightful dessert combination that balances creamy and crunchy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, stack the Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe in a clear jar tied with a rustic ribbon or arrange them neatly in a decorative box with parchment paper. You can even sandwich two cookies with a dollop of peanut butter frosting or Nutella for a decadent treat that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their wonderful chewiness and crisp pockets for up to a week, making them an excellent grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
If you want to extend their shelf life, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months—just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring that freshly baked warmth back in your Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This revives their crisp edges and soft centers perfectly, avoiding any sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of crunchy in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using creamy peanut butter will result in a slightly smoother texture with less crunch, but the flavor will remain wonderfully rich and peanutty. If you want the crispy texture, you can try mixing in a handful of peanuts as a fun twist.
Are Rice Krispies the only cereal that works well here?
Rice Krispies are ideal because they add light, airy crunch without overwhelming the cookies. However, you can experiment with other puffed rice cereals or even crushed cornflakes for a different but delicious texture.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour. Ensure that your baking soda and other ingredients are certified gluten-free for the safest results.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Chilling the dough can even enhance the flavors and improve the cookie’s texture by preventing too much spread during baking.
What’s the best way to avoid flat cookies?
Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted before creaming with the sugars. Also, chilling the dough as mentioned helps cookies hold their shape better, resulting in a thicker, chewier final product.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of peanut butter, crisp cereal, and chocolate chips all nestled in a cookie. If you’re searching for a new favorite to bake, you can’t go wrong with this Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe. It’s reliable, fun to make, and utterly delicious. So grab your mixing bowl, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch of these scrumptious cookies—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies combine the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter with the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies cereal, all studded with melty semisweet chocolate chips. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful balance of chewy and crispy in every bite, making them an irresistible treat for cookie lovers.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
Add-Ins
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 ¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. This creates a light texture for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then add the vanilla extract and crunchy peanut butter. Mix well until the batter is smooth and consistent.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen cookies.
- Add Cereal and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and semisweet chocolate chips with a spatula. Stir until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball gently with a spatula or fork to ensure even baking and the desired cookie shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, rotating baking sheets halfway through to promote even cooking. Bake until the centers are firm and the edges are lightly browned.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to allow them to set and maintain their shape.
Notes
- Softened butter is key for creaming properly; leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before use.
- Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture contrast against the soft, chewy cookie base.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and ensure all other ingredients are allergy-safe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
