Best Peanut Butter Cookies

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Crumbly edges, soft centers, and an irresistible richness — these Best Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic comfort in every bite. With just the right amount of sweetness and that signature nutty depth, they melt in your mouth while still offering a satisfying chew. Whether you grew up with a peanut butter cookie in your lunchbox or just discovered their magic, this recipe brings out the best in this timeless treat.

What makes these cookies stand out is their simplicity and full-bodied flavor. Made with pantry staples and ready in minutes, they’re perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or sharing with loved ones. The sugar coating adds a delicate crunch on top, while the traditional fork crosshatch gives that nostalgic homemade touch.

Why You’ll Love This Best Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

• Soft, chewy texture with lightly crisp edges
• Packed with bold peanut butter flavor
• Only a few basic ingredients required
• Freezer-friendly dough for future cravings
• Perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or cozy nights in

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment)

To achieve cookie perfection, a few tools go a long way:

• Mixing bowls – Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients separately to ensure even distribution.
• Hand or stand mixer – Helps cream the peanut butter and sugar for a smooth, fluffy dough.
• Baking sheet – A flat, sturdy surface ensures even baking.
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Fork – Used to make the classic criss-cross pattern on top of the cookies.
• Cookie scoop – Ensures uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking.

Each tool plays a vital role in achieving the texture and look these cookies are known for.

Preparation Tips

Make sure your peanut butter is smooth and not separated — natural peanut butter can lead to dry or inconsistent results unless thoroughly mixed. Creaming the peanut butter and sugars well is crucial for that light, tender interior. Don’t skip chilling the dough if it’s overly soft; this helps prevent spreading. For that signature sugary crust, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before flattening them with a fork. Keep an eye on baking time — slightly underbaked cookies will continue to cook on the sheet, locking in moisture without drying out.

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Ingredients for This Best Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural or oily)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for slightly firmer cookies)

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to help the cookies bake evenly. Set aside a shallow bowl of granulated sugar for rolling the dough.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat until light and fluffy — about 2-3 minutes. This aerates the mixture and gives the cookies a soft texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully incorporated. The mixture should become smoother and more cohesive.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt. If using flour, add it at this stage. Stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as that can toughen the dough.

Step 5: Scoop and Roll

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough. Roll each portion into a ball and then roll in the granulated sugar bowl to coat completely. Place each sugared dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them.

Step 6: Flatten with a Fork

Using a fork, gently press each dough ball twice in a criss-cross pattern. This flattens the cookies slightly and creates that classic peanut butter cookie look.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers may still appear soft — that’s perfect. Don’t overbake.

Step 8: Cool

Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without drying out.

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Notes

These Best Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful balance of chewy and tender with a light crunch on top. They can be easily customized with add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. If you prefer a more structured cookie, a small addition of flour (1/4 cup) will give a firmer bite. They taste even better the next day, as the flavors settle and deepen.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using natural peanut butter: The oil separation can cause uneven texture and spread.
• Skipping the sugar coating: It adds a crisp texture and that sweet contrast to the nutty base.
• Overbaking: The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you pull them out. They will firm up as they cool.
• Not spacing the cookies properly: Give them enough room to spread without sticking.
• Overmixing the dough: This can make the cookies tough and dry.
• Using cold ingredients: Room temperature peanut butter and egg mix better for a smoother dough.

Storage Instructions

Once fully cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container — it helps retain moisture. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in layers separated by parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the raw dough balls (before sugar coating) and bake from frozen with 1-2 extra minutes added to the baking time.

Estimated Nutrition

Per cookie (based on a batch of 20 cookies):

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugar: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, but it will change the texture slightly, making the cookies more rustic and crunchy.

What happens if I skip the baking soda?

The cookies may not rise or spread properly. Baking soda helps with texture and structure.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

These are naturally gluten-free if you omit the optional flour. Just ensure all your ingredients (like baking soda) are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just ensure you mix thoroughly and bake in batches to avoid crowding the cookies.

Why are my cookies dry?

Likely causes include overbaking, using too much flour, or overmixing the dough. Stick to the recommended times and measurements.

Can I refrigerate the dough?

Yes. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can make it easier to handle and helps with shape retention during baking.

How do I make the cookies softer?

Bake them a minute less and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely. The dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These Best Peanut Butter Cookies are a true crowd-pleaser — nostalgic, delicious, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned cookie connoisseur, this recipe delivers dependable results with rich flavor and the perfect chewy texture. Keep it simple or make it your own with fun twists. Either way, you’ll want to bake them again and again.

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