Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a cookie recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious, you’re going to love this Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out—soft, a little crumbly, and packed with that irresistible peanut buttery flavor you crave. When I first tried making peanut butter cookies from scratch, I used this exact recipe, and it quickly became a family favorite. So, if you want a no-fuss, foolproof cookie that you can whip up in under 15 minutes, keep reading—because this recipe really is fan-freaking-tastic.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these easy peanut butter cookies lies in simple, everyday ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Plus, I always recommend using room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough and better texture.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure; I prefer weighing it for accuracy to avoid dense cookies.
• Butter (unsalted): Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt perfectly—plus, it should be softened, not melted.
• Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter works best here to give those signature rich, nutty notes.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that deepens the cookie’s taste.
• Granulated sugar: Helps create a delicate crispness along the edges.
• Vanilla extract: A splash brightens the overall flavor—don’t skip it!
• Egg (large): Acts as a binder; again, room temperature is key for a smooth mix.
• Baking powder: Just enough to give your cookies a little lift without puffing them up too much.

Variations

I always encourage you to make this Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe your own. One of the things I love about it is how adaptable it is for all sorts of additions and tweaks.

• Chocolate chips: Adding a handful of chocolate chips gives a gooey surprise in every bite—I tried it on a whim, and my husband declared it “cookie perfection.”
• Crunchy peanut butter: Swap out creamy for crunchy for those extra nutty bursts throughout the cookie.
• Oats: Stir in some quick oats for added texture and a slight chewiness that’s very satisfying.
• Salt flakes: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the sweet-salty balance.

How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Your Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This only takes a couple of minutes and helps create a tender cookie texture. I use a hand mixer for this step—it makes the process so much easier and faster. If you don’t have one handy, just be patient and stir vigorously!

Step 2: Mix in Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

Next, add the peanut butter along with the egg and vanilla extract. Mix everything until smooth and fully combined. This step is where that classic peanut butter flavor really shines through. I always make sure my egg is at room temperature to avoid curdling the butter mixture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder, then gradually add this to your wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix, or your cookies could get tough. The dough should be soft but not sticky. I learned this the hard way when I once overworked the dough and ended up with chewy cookies that were a little too dense!

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them two inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you want the classic peanut butter cookie look, gently press each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern before baking. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.

How to Serve Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top right after baking—it balances the sweetness and makes these cookies feel a little more special. Sometimes, I drizzle melted dark chocolate over them for an extra decadent touch that everyone loves.

Side Dishes

These peanut butter cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk (classic combo!) or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. I also sometimes serve them alongside fresh fruit for a balanced snack that hits both sweet and refreshing notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love arranging these cookies on a tiered tray with some chopped peanuts and little bowls of chocolate chips and caramel sauce nearby so guests can customize their treat. Wrapping a small stack in parchment with a ribbon makes an adorable homemade gift, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh for about 4-5 days. If you want to keep them soft, I add a slice of bread into the container—trust me on this little trick!

Freezing

Freezing baked cookies works great for me. I place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I want a quick treat, they thaw in about 30 minutes on the counter or can be warmed gently in the microwave.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave revives that fresh-baked softness. You can also pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes for a slightly crisper edge with that perfect chewy center.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe has become my go-to when I want a quick homemade treat that feels lovingly made but doesn’t tie me up for hours in the kitchen. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and incredibly tasty—the perfect kind of recipe to have in your back pocket. I can’t wait for you to try it and see for yourself how those simple ingredients come together to create something so comfortably delicious. Happy baking, friend!

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