There’s something about the smell of warm peanut butter cookies drifting through the kitchen that just feels like home, isn’t there? These golden little rounds are soft, chewy, and packed with that signature nutty flavor that makes you want to grab one (okay, maybe three) before they’ve even cooled. They’re simple, nostalgic, and full of feel-good vibes—kind of like a cozy blanket for your tastebuds.
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Trust me, this is one of those go-to recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Whether you’re baking up a storm on a lazy Sunday, need a quick treat for a lunchbox surprise, or just craving something sweet and satisfying—these cookies have got you covered.
Let’s be real: peanut butter cookies are the classic you never knew you missed. And this version? Oh, it hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Cookies
Versatile
Perfect for weekday cravings or last-minute guests. These cookies are quick to whip up and work for just about any occasion—from coffee breaks to potlucks.
Budget-Friendly
They use pantry staples you probably already have on hand. No fancy ingredients required, just simple baking magic.
Quick and Easy
With just a few steps and minimal fuss, even beginner bakers will feel like pros. It’s hard to mess these up, and that’s part of the charm.
Customizable
Love a little crunch? Toss in chopped peanuts or chocolate chips. Want them extra soft? Try a touch more brown sugar. This recipe is easy to tweak to your heart’s content.
Crowd-Pleasing
Kids, adults, cookie monsters of all ages—everyone loves these. They’re universally adored, and always the first to disappear from the cookie jar.
Ingredients in Peanut Butter Cookies
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Peanut Butter: The creamy (or crunchy, if that’s your jam) heart of this recipe. It brings that rich, nutty flavor and a super satisfying texture.
Butter: Adds a depth of flavor and helps create that perfect soft-in-the-middle, lightly crisp-on-the-edges bite.
Brown Sugar: Gives a chewy, caramelly sweetness and helps the cookies stay soft longer.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugar and adds that light crackly finish on top.
Egg: Binds everything together and gives the cookies structure.
Vanilla Extract: A little splash goes a long way in rounding out the flavor.
Flour: The base that holds it all together—just the right amount for that tender cookie texture.
Baking Soda: Gives the cookies their lift and helps them bake evenly.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the peanut butter flavor.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and get that golden edge.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Then mix in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Assemble the Dish: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the baking sheet, a couple inches apart. Use a fork to gently press down in a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
Cook to Perfection: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake—these cookies will continue to set as they cool.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with a glass of cold milk or enjoy straight from the cookie jar. These are dangerously good, so prepare to share—or not!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 190
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies
Fresh Salads: Okay, maybe not this time
Crusty Bread: Still not quite! But…
Here’s what does go perfectly:
Glass of Milk: A cold glass of milk is the ultimate pairing—classic and comforting.
Coffee or Tea: These cookies are amazing with a warm cup of something cozy.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a next-level dessert.
Gift-Worthy: Stack them in a clear bag, tie with a ribbon, and you’ve got the sweetest homemade gift.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Make the dough ahead of time and chill in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a warm, cozy vibe.
Dietary Adjustments: Use a natural peanut butter or swap for almond butter if preferred.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.
Double the Batch: They freeze well! Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for easy snacking later.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A1: Absolutely! Crunchy adds a fun texture, but either works beautifully.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! The dough can be made ahead and chilled, or freeze the dough balls for later.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Q4: Can I freeze these cookies?
A4: Yes! Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls. Just bake frozen dough a minute or two longer.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A5: Pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds to make it warm and gooey again.
Q6: Can I make this gluten-free?
A6: Yup! Just swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Q7: What if I don’t have brown sugar?
A7: You can use all white sugar, but the cookies may be slightly crispier and less chewy.
Q8: Do I need to chill the dough?
A8: It’s not necessary, but chilling helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
Q9: Can I add chocolate chips?
A9: Yes, please! Peanut butter + chocolate is a total dream combo.
Q10: How do I keep them soft?
A10: Store them with a slice of bread in the container. It keeps them soft longer!
Conclusion
So there you have it—your new favorite peanut butter cookie recipe. Soft, sweet, and irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for others or sneaking one for yourself, these cookies bring a little joy with every bite. Go on and treat yourself—because you totally deserve it.
Print
Peanut Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: undefined
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies are the perfect balance of soft, chewy cookie dough and a rich peanut butter center. These indulgent treats are quick and easy to make, and they deliver a deliciously chocolatey twist with cocoa powder.
Ingredients
-
1 cup smooth peanut butter
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup white granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp baking powder
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3 cups white flour
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1/3 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place 12 dollops of peanut butter on the sheet and freeze them while preparing the cookie dough.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until smooth. Add the eggs and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gently whisk in the baking soda, baking powder, flour, and cocoa powder until no clumps of dry ingredients remain.
- Form the Cookies: Take each frozen dollop of peanut butter and surround it with cookie dough, making sure the peanut butter is completely enclosed.
- Bake: Place six cookies at a time on the cookie sheet and bake for 12 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool slightly before removing from the cookie sheet. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg