The Hands-Down Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

If you’re searching for the best peanut butter cookie recipe, look no further! These soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced peanut butter cookies have just the right amount of sweetness and a rich, nutty flavor. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just want a classic homemade treat, these cookies will be your new go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super soft and chewy – Melt-in-your-mouth texture with crisp edges.
• Packed with peanut butter flavor – Rich, nutty, and absolutely delicious.
• Easy to make – Just one bowl and simple pantry ingredients.
• Perfect for any occasion – Great for snacks, dessert, or gifting.
• Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or make them extra thick!

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar (adds moisture and chewiness)
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Directions

1. Make the Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

2. Shape & Bake

1. Form Dough Balls: Scoop dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
2. Create the Classic Crisscross Pattern: Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern onto each cookie.
3. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft.
4. Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

3. Serve & Enjoy

Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or store for later!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Extra Peanut Butter Flavor: Stir in peanut butter chips.
• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
• Crunchy Cookies: Use chunky peanut butter or mix in chopped peanuts.
• Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies: Skip the flour and increase peanut butter for a gluten-free version.
• Salted Peanut Butter Cookies: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.

Storage & Freezing

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Dough: Roll dough into balls and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Store baked cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but stir it well before using, as the oil separation can affect texture.

Why are my cookies crumbly?

Too much flour or overbaking can make them dry. Be sure to measure flour correctly.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes! Substitute ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water).

How do I make thicker cookies?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.

What’s the best peanut butter to use?

Creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) gives the best texture, but crunchy peanut butter works for added crunch.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or use an almond flour version.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just bake in batches and keep extra dough chilled.

Why do I need to press the cookies with a fork?

Peanut butter cookies don’t spread much, so flattening them slightly helps them bake evenly.

How do I make them softer?

Slightly underbake them and let them set on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Can I use honey instead of sugar?

Yes! Swap half the sugar for honey, but expect a slightly softer texture.

Conclusion

These Hands-Down Best Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of rich peanut butter flavor. Whether you enjoy them plain, with chocolate, or extra thick, they’re easy to make and always a crowd favorite. Try them today and enjoy the best homemade peanut butter cookies ever!

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