Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
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Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
These peanut butter cookies are the ultimate homemade treat, crafted with simple pantry staples. You only need creamy peanut butter, sugar, and an egg to create a dough that bakes into soft-centered, golden-edged delights. Ready in just 20 minutes, these easy peanut butter cookies are perfect for a quick snack or a holiday cookie exchange.
My love for these simple peanut butter cookies began on a rainy afternoon, a memory steeped in the comforting aroma of roasting peanuts and sugar caramelizing in the oven. It’s a recipe I return to again and again, especially during the holiday season when I’m assembling platters of festive treats like my classic chocolate chip cookies and delicate thumbprint cookies. There’s something beautifully ritualistic about pressing that classic criss-cross pattern into each ball of dough, a small act that transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort. I often serve them alongside a pot of Earl Grey tea, finding the pairing elevates both the floral notes of the tea and the rich, nutty sweetness of the cookies.
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cookies
- Effortless Preparation: This dough comes together in one bowl with just a spoon, no mixer required.
- Pure Peanut Butter Flavor: Using a full cup of creamy peanut butter ensures an intensely nutty, rich taste in every bite.
- Perfect Texture: They bake up with slightly crisp edges and wonderfully soft, chewy centers.
- Always a Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults at any gathering.
Gather Your Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cookies
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Use a standard, shelf-stable brand for the best texture and consistent results.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create those perfectly crisp edges as the cookies bake.
- Large Egg: Binds the dough together and adds structure; ensure it’s at room temperature.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the warm, nutty flavors of the peanut butter.
- Baking Soda: The leavening agent that gives the cookies their slight lift and tender crumb.
- Kosher Salt: This is essential for balancing the sweetness and highlighting the peanut flavor.
Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Easy 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies with classic criss-cross pattern. Ready in 20 minutes with just peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Perfect simple dessert.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- oven
- baking sheet
- spatula
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- fork
- wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir until a thick, cohesive dough forms with no streaks of dry ingredients remaining.
- Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful and roll it between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Use the tines of a fork to press down on each dough ball to flatten it slightly, then press again in the opposite direction to create a classic criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and lightly golden. The centers will still look soft.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes to firm up. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring.
Creative Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Stir in one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies: Simply substitute creamy peanut butter with the crunchy variety for extra texture.
- Peanut Butter Blossoms: Press a chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie right after baking.
My Tips for Perfect Cookie Texture
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, but cohesive enough to roll into balls.
- Proper Spacing: Place dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- The Criss-Cross Press: Dip your fork in a little sugar before each press to prevent sticking and create a clean pattern.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies are done when the edges are golden but the centers still look soft; they firm up as they cool.
How to Store and Keep Fresh
- Store: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Freeze Dough: You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag; bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the time.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The cookie dough can be made, portioned, and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter for peanut butter cookies?
I do not recommend using natural, oily peanut butter for this recipe. The consistency can vary too much, often resulting in cookies that spread excessively. For the best texture, stick with a standard, homogenized brand like Jif or Skippy.
Why do you put a criss-cross pattern on peanut butter cookies?
The criss-cross pattern serves two purposes. It flatten the dense dough ball so it bakes evenly, and it creates more surface area for a delightfully crisp edge. It’s also the classic, recognizable look for peanut butter cookies.
How do I make my peanut butter cookies soft and chewy?
The key to soft and chewy cookies is to not overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look soft and slightly underdone. They will continue to set up as they cool on the hot baking sheet.
Can I make peanut butter cookies without eggs?
For an egg-free version, you can try a 3-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe that uses just peanut butter, sugar, and a binding agent like flax egg. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
More Irresistible Cookie Recipes
Bake a Batch of Comfort Tonight
With their rich peanut flavor and satisfying chewy texture, these homemade peanut butter cookies are a timeless treat you’ll want to make again and again. They are wonderfully simple, yet the result feels special and deeply comforting. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your home, filling your kitchen with the same warm, welcoming aroma that I love so much.
