Peanut butter cookies are classic, soft or crispy baked treats made with peanut butter as a primary ingredient. They’re easy to make with a few pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs, and are known for their rich, nutty flavor and crisscross fork pattern on top.
There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade peanut butter cookies. With their signature nutty aroma, chewy or crumbly texture, and that iconic fork-pressed crisscross on top, they’ve become a timeless treat across generations. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a lunchbox snack, or just because, mastering how to make peanut butter cookies is a worthwhile and satisfying kitchen skill.
This guide walks you through the best peanut butter cookie recipe, ingredient tips, variations, storage tips, and answers to common baking questions to ensure your cookies come out perfect every time.
Ingredients for Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need for a classic peanut butter cookie recipe:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (adds chewiness and depth)
- 1 egg
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but enhances flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Chill (Optional but Recommended)
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes in the fridge helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and improves flavor.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them 2 inches apart on your baking sheet.
Step 6: Create the Crisscross Pattern
Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball in two perpendicular directions to make the traditional crisscross marks.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or store them once fully cooled.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter for smooth mixing.
- Don’t overbake. Slight underbaking ensures soft centers.
- Crunchy or creamy peanut butter? Both work, but creamy gives a smoother texture while crunchy adds bits of peanut throughout.
- Natural peanut butter (the kind that separates) may make the dough greasy or dry—stir well or stick with shelf-stable brands.
- Add chocolate chips for a twist, or dip half in melted chocolate for a fancy version.
Peanut Butter Cookie Variations
| Variation | How to Modify |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use a gluten-free flour blend or try 1 cup PB + 1 cup sugar + 1 egg (no flour needed!) |
| Vegan | Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) |
| Peanut Butter Blossoms | Press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie right after baking |
| Oatmeal Peanut Butter | Add 1/2 cup rolled oats to the dough for a heartier texture |
| Double Peanut | Stir in crushed roasted peanuts or peanut butter chips |
Storing and Freezing Peanut Butter Cookies
Room Temperature:
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
- Let them cool completely
- Freeze in layers between parchment
- Store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months
Freezing Cookie Dough:
- Scoop dough into balls
- Freeze on a baking sheet
- Transfer to a freezer bag
- Bake from frozen (add 1–2 minutes to baking time)
Common FAQs
Can I make peanut butter cookies without flour?
Yes. A popular 3-ingredient recipe uses just peanut butter, sugar, and egg. The result is a denser, chewier cookie, and it’s naturally gluten-free.
Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?
The crisscross fork marks help flatten the dense dough for even baking and are a hallmark of peanut butter cookies.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture may vary. Make sure it’s well-mixed (no oil separation) and be prepared for slightly more crumbly cookies.
What type of peanut butter works best?
Shelf-stable creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) yields the most consistent results.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie Estimate)
Note: Values will vary based on size and ingredients used.
- Calories: ~150
- Carbs: ~16g
- Sugar: ~9g
- Fat: ~9g
- Protein: ~3g
Conclusion
Now that you know exactly how to make peanut butter cookies, there’s nothing stopping you from baking a batch of these warm, nutty treats. Whether you prefer them soft and chewy or with a slight crisp, this recipe delivers every time.
Peanut butter cookies are easy, adaptable, and deeply satisfying. Once you try them fresh from the oven, you’ll see why they’ve earned a permanent place in the cookie hall of fame.
