There’s just something nostalgic and heartwarming about a freshly baked peanut butter cookie, right? The way the edges crisp up just slightly, while the center stays soft and chewy—and that unmistakable peanutty aroma that fills the kitchen? It’s like a warm hug for your senses. These cookies are ridiculously easy to make, totally crave-worthy, and perfect for any occasion—from late-night cravings to school lunchbox surprises. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.
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Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Great for everything from bake sales to cozy afternoons with coffee. Serve them as-is or jazz them up with a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples. If you’ve got a jar of peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you’re pretty much good to go. No fancy ingredients required!
Quick and Easy: No chill time, no complicated steps—just mix, scoop, and bake. Perfect for when you want cookies now.
Customizable: Want them extra chewy? Add a splash of vanilla or some brown sugar. Prefer a crunch? Toss in some chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips.
Crowd-Pleasing: There’s a reason these cookies are a classic. They strike that perfect balance of sweet and salty, chewy and crisp—beloved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Here’s what makes these Peanut Butter Cookies irresistible:
Peanut Butter:
Creamy peanut butter is the heart and soul of this recipe. It gives the cookies their rich, nutty flavor and chewy texture. If you love a bit of crunch, go ahead and use crunchy peanut butter instead!
Sugar:
White sugar keeps things sweet and helps the cookies get those beautiful crackly tops. Want a deeper flavor? Swap in some brown sugar or do half-and-half.
Egg:
Just one egg is all you need to bind everything together and give the cookies that perfect chewy bite.
Optional Add-ins:
Think chocolate chips, crushed peanuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top—these little touches take your cookies to the next level.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfectly golden bottoms.
Mix Your Ingredients:
In a bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Stir until smooth and well-blended. The dough will be thick—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want.
Scoop the Dough:
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet. Use a fork to create that classic crisscross pattern on top—it helps flatten them and adds a little texture.
Bake to Perfection:
Pop them in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have that lovely cracked look. They’ll still look a little soft in the center—that’s the sweet spot!
Cool Down:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool, so be patient (if you can!).
Serve and Enjoy:
Grab a glass of milk, tea, or coffee, and dig in. These cookies are perfect warm from the oven or cooled to chewy perfection.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies are delightful all on their own, but here are a few fun ways to serve them:
Milk & Cookies:
Nothing beats the classic combo. Serve with a cold glass of milk or warm oat milk for a nostalgic treat.
Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Scoop your favorite ice cream between two cookies and press gently. Roll the sides in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a playful twist.
Drizzled Chocolate:
A light drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate over the top takes these cookies from simple to stunning.
With Coffee or Tea:
Perfect for a cozy afternoon break—sweet, satisfying, and soul-warming.
Additional Tips
Make-Ahead Dough:
The dough keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days—just wrap it tightly. Or freeze the dough balls and bake straight from frozen when cookie cravings hit.
Allergy-Friendly:
Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter if you’re avoiding peanuts—just note the flavor will change a bit.
Storage Tips:
Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For a just-baked feel, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds before eating.
Freeze for Later:
These cookies freeze beautifully. Freeze baked cookies in layers with parchment between them and reheat as needed.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A1: You can, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily or dry. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Q2: Can I make them gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely—this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include flour!
Q3: Can I double the recipe?
A3: Yes, and you probably should! These cookies disappear fast.
Q4: Can I make these vegan?
A4: Try using a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water). Let it sit for a few minutes before mixing in.
Q5: Why do my cookies crumble?
A5: They may be slightly overbaked or missing the right ratio of ingredients. Be sure to measure accurately and don’t skip the egg.
Q6: Can I add chocolate chips?
A6: Definitely! Fold in a half cup of chocolate chips for a classic flavor combo.
Q7: Do I need to chill the dough?
A7: Nope! That’s one of the best parts—no chilling required.
Q8: Can I use a mixer?
A8: You can, but a spoon or spatula works just fine. It’s a great one-bowl, no-fuss recipe.
Q9: How do I make them extra chewy?
A9: Use a mix of white and brown sugar for added moisture and a chewy bite.
Q10: What if I like crispy cookies?
A10: Just bake them a minute or two longer. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
Conclusion
There you have it—soft, chewy, peanut buttery goodness in every bite. These Peanut Butter Cookies are proof that simple recipes can be absolutely magical. Whether you’re baking for someone you love or treating yourself (because you totally deserve it), these cookies are the perfect little joy to have in your recipe box. Now go make a batch—you won’t regret it!
Print
Peanut Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Cookies are the easiest treat you’ll ever make! With only three ingredients—sugar, peanut butter, and an egg—you can whip up a batch of irresistible cookies in no time. Soft, chewy, and full of peanut butter flavor, they’re perfect for a quick snack or dessert. Perfect for easy baking recipes, simple high-protein meals, and quick dessert ideas.
Ingredients
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1 cup sugar
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1 cup peanut butter
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1 egg
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Make dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, peanut butter, and egg. Stir until smooth and well blended.
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Scoop dough: Using a spoon, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are golden. For a softer, chewier cookie, remove them a little earlier.
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Cool: Let the cookies cool before enjoying.
Notes
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For added texture, you can press a fork into the tops of the cookies to create a crisscross pattern before baking.
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If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can add a pinch of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg