Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This peanut butter cookie recipe is simple, quick, and delivers that perfect homemade flavor. The peanut butter adds a delicious depth that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the sugar, while the texture is just right – chewy on the inside and a bit crisp on the outside. They’re a great choice for anyone who loves the flavor of peanut butter and wants an easy-to-make, mouthwatering dessert.

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt

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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Using a fork, gently press down on each cookie to create a crisscross pattern.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 20-24 cookies, depending on the size of the dough balls.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
Total time: 18-20 minutes

Variations

Add chocolate chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
Add a pinch of cinnamon: For a little extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
Use crunchy peanut butter: If you prefer some extra texture, swap out creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter.
Try different sweeteners: You can replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
Peanut butter and oats: Add rolled oats to the dough for a more textured and heartier cookie.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store your peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to warm them through.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. However, natural peanut butter may make the dough a bit more oily, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar or add a bit more flour to maintain the right consistency.

2. Can I substitute the sugar with something else?

Yes, you can use alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the texture and flavor.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges turn golden brown. They will continue to cook slightly after you take them out of the oven.

4. Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Yes! Chocolate chips make a fantastic addition to peanut butter cookies. Just fold in your favorite chocolate chips into the dough before baking.

5. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and bake as usual.

6. How should I store leftover peanut butter cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the freezer for longer storage.

7. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies more texture and a delightful crunch.

8. What is the best way to freeze peanut butter cookie dough?

Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can bake them directly from frozen, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

9. Can I add other mix-ins, like M&Ms or nuts?

Yes, feel free to add in any mix-ins you like, such as M&Ms, chopped peanuts, or dried fruit. Just fold them into the dough before baking.

10. Are peanut butter cookies gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any flour. However, if you’re using store-bought peanut butter or sugar, double-check that they don’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Conclusion

Peanut butter cookies are a simple yet delicious treat that everyone will enjoy. With just a few basic ingredients and a short baking time, you can whip up a batch of soft, chewy cookies that are sure to impress. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just looking for a quick and tasty dessert, this recipe is a winner every time.