Craving something rich, chewy, and packed with peanut flavor? This peanut butter cookies recipe is your go-to for a soft, classic treat made with simple ingredients and full of homemade charm. We’ll walk you through the full process—from mixing the dough to baking the perfect batch, plus tips for freezing, storing, and customizing your cookies.
Contents
- 1 Why Everyone Loves a Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- 2 Ingredients You Need for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies
- 3 Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- 4 Step-by-Step Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Instructions
- 5 Peanut Butter Cookie Baking Tips and Techniques
- 6 Make-Ahead, Freezing & Storage Tips
- 7 Peanut Butter Cookie Variations to Try
- 8 Tools & Equipment That Make a Difference
- 9 Serving Suggestions & Creative Pairings
- 10 Conclusion: Master the Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Anytime
Why Everyone Loves a Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
From lunchboxes to holiday trays, peanut butter cookies bring a comforting, familiar taste. They’re easy to make, kid-approved, and perfect for any occasion.
Simple, customizable, and satisfying
This peanut butter cookies recipe delivers a chewy bite with just the right balance of sweet and salty. Plus, it’s easy to adjust—use natural peanut butter, go gluten-free, or toss in some chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Peanut butter cookies have been a kitchen favorite for nearly a century. Their signature fork marks and soft texture make them a timeless choice for home bakers.
Ingredients You Need for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies
To create the best peanut butter cookies recipe, start with quality basics. You likely have most of these ingredients on hand. Here’s what you need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 and 1/3 cups (170g) | Gives structure to the cookies |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon | Helps cookies rise |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Balances sweetness |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (113g), softened | Adds richness and flavor |
| Brown sugar (light/dark) | 1/2 cup (100g) | Adds moisture and depth |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup (50g) + 1/2 cup (100g) | Sweetens and coats for crisp edges |
| Large egg | 1, room temperature | Binds ingredients |
| Creamy peanut butter | 3/4 cup (185g), room temp | Star ingredient, adds flavor & fat |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Rounds out flavor |
These simple ingredients combine into a dough that’s easy to work with, flavorful, and perfect for baking soft and chewy cookies.
Why the type of peanut butter matters
For this peanut butter cookies recipe, creamy peanut butter is best. Processed brands like Jif or Skippy give consistent results. Natural peanut butter can be used, but it must be stirred well and may create a slightly more crumbly cookie due to its oil separation.
Avoid crunchy peanut butter unless you specifically want texture, as it can dry out your dough.
Optional add-ins and variations (chocolate chips, peanuts, etc.)
Once your dough is mixed, feel free to personalize it. In fact, many bakers love using this peanut butter cookies recipe as a base for fun mix-ins.
Here are some great options to stir in after mixing the dry and wet ingredients:
| Add-In | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate chips | 1 cup (180g) | Adds richness and sweetness |
| Peanut butter chips | 1 cup (180g) | Intensifies the peanut flavor |
| Chopped peanuts | 3/4 cup (150g) | Adds crunch and a salty contrast |
| Mini marshmallows | 1/2 cup | For a gooey, fun twist (best partially frozen) |
Pro Tip: If you add chips or nuts, skip the fork indent step. The dough will already be textured and might not hold the crisscross well.
Print
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 32 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy, and rich in flavor, this peanut butter cookies recipe is a homemade classic that’s easy to make and always satisfying.
Ingredients
1 and 1/3 cups (170g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, plus 1/2 cup (100g) for rolling
1 large egg, at room temperature
3/4 cup (185g) creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter until smooth. Add brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar, beat until fluffy.
3. Add egg, then mix in peanut butter and vanilla. Scrape sides of bowl as needed.
4. Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until combined.
5. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
7. Roll dough into balls (about 18g each). Roll in remaining sugar, then place on baking sheets.
8. Press down with a fork to create a crisscross pattern. Reshape into thicker discs if needed.
9. Bake for 11–12 minutes until edges are set. Centers will look soft.
10. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let sit for 30 minutes before baking.
You may use natural peanut butter, but expect a slightly crumblier texture.
Add-ins like chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped peanuts can be added for variation. Skip the fork pattern if using mix-ins.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookie Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Instructions
Start by preparing your dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set this aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment to cream 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter on high speed for 1 minute until smooth. Add 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is fluffy and fully combined.
Next, crack in 1 large egg and mix until fully blended. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Now add 3/4 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix again until everything is well combined and smooth.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until a soft, creamy dough forms. The dough may feel slightly sticky, which is totally normal.
Cover the bowl tightly and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, up to 3 days. Chilling is essential in this peanut butter cookies recipe because it helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Mixing, shaping, and crisscross fork technique
Once your dough is chilled and firm, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Scoop about 1 tablespoon (roughly 18 grams) of dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the dough is portioned out. In a small bowl, add the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Roll each dough ball in the sugar until evenly coated.
Place the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use a fork to gently press down on the tops, first one way, then the other, to create the classic crisscross pattern.
This step isn’t just for looks—it also helps the cookies bake more evenly. If the cookies flatten too much after pressing, use your fingers to gently reshape the edges into a thicker disc for even baking.
Expert baking tips for soft and chewy texture
Bake the cookies for 11 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—they should look set and lightly browned, while the centers will still appear soft. That’s exactly what you want.
Don’t overbake. These peanut butter cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after they’re removed from the oven. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the best texture, let the cookies rest for at least 15 minutes after baking. This gives them time to set and develop that perfect soft center with slightly crisp edges.
Peanut Butter Cookie Baking Tips and Techniques
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even the best peanut butter cookies recipe can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear:
- Overbaking: This is the number one mistake. Peanut butter cookies should come out of the oven while the centers still look soft. If they’re fully set in the oven, they’ll turn hard after cooling.
- Skipping dough chilling: Warm dough spreads too fast. Chilling firms it up, keeping your cookies thick and chewy.
- Using the wrong peanut butter: Natural peanut butter separates and creates uneven results unless thoroughly stirred. Stick to creamy, processed brands for consistency.
- Too much flour: Always spoon and level your flour. Scooping directly from the bag packs in too much, leading to dry cookies.
Avoiding these mistakes makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.
Whether you love a chewy bite or a little crunch, this peanut butter cookies recipe can do both depending on how you bake them.
For a chewy cookie, bake for exactly 11 minutes, then cool on the sheet for 5 more. This locks in moisture.
For a crispier edge, bake for 12–13 minutes and let them sit on the hot tray a bit longer. Just don’t walk away—they can overbake fast.
Other texture tips:
- Use dark brown sugar for a softer texture (it has more molasses).
- Don’t flatten the cookies too much—leave a little height after the crisscross.
- Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack for even firmness.
Cookies that flatten too much often come from:
- Butter that’s too warm: Make sure it’s softened, not melted.
- Skipping the chill: Dough should be firm to the touch before baking.
- Over-mixing the dough: This adds air and causes spreading. Mix until just combined.
Reshape the cookies after pressing the fork pattern if needed. A thicker disc before baking helps them stay puffy in the oven.
Make-Ahead, Freezing & Storage Tips
Freshly baked peanut butter cookies stay soft and chewy for days—if stored the right way. Once completely cooled, place cookies in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Keep them at room temperature and they’ll stay fresh for up to 7 days.
To lock in moisture, place a slice of white bread in the container. The cookies absorb the moisture from the bread and stay soft longer.
If stacking cookies, separate layers with wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Avoid storing them in the refrigerator. Cold air can dry out cookies and dull the flavor. Room temperature is ideal for this peanut butter cookies recipe.
Want fresh cookies on demand? This recipe is freezer-friendly in two smart ways—freeze the dough or the baked cookies.
Freezing cookie dough:
- Roll dough into balls (about 18g each).
- Skip the sugar coating and crisscross step.
- Place on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag.
- Store up to 3 months.
When ready to bake, let dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Roll in sugar, press with a fork, and bake as usual—just add 1 extra minute to the bake time.
Freezing baked cookies:
- Cool cookies completely first.
- Place in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Use parchment paper between layers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature or microwave one cookie at a time for about 10 seconds to warm it up.
Baking straight from frozen? No problem. Here’s how:
- Let the dough sit out for a short time to take the chill off (about 30 minutes).
- Roll in sugar after thawing slightly.
- Make fork marks just before baking.
- Bake at the regular temperature, but increase the time by 1–2 minutes.
This trick is perfect for busy days when you want warm peanut butter cookies without all the prep.
Peanut Butter Cookie Variations to Try
Using almond butter or other nut butters
Want to switch it up? You can absolutely use almond butter in place of peanut butter in this recipe. The result will be a cookie that’s still nutty and delicious, but slightly more delicate in texture. Almond butter has a thinner consistency, so expect a slightly crumblier cookie.
Other options to try:
- Cashew butter: Milder flavor, very creamy.
- Sunflower seed butter: Great peanut-free option for those with allergies.
- Hazelnut spread: Adds a chocolate-nut vibe but will change the sweetness level.
Just make sure any nut butter is stirred well and at room temperature. If you’re using natural butters, avoid the top oil layer—they’ll bake better with even consistency.
Making gluten-free and dairy-free versions
To make this peanut butter cookies recipe gluten-free:
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Brands like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill work great.
- Check your baking soda is certified gluten-free (some aren’t).
To go dairy-free:
- Swap unsalted butter for plant-based butter or coconut oil.
- Make sure your chocolate chips or other add-ins are dairy-free too.
These small swaps make your cookies accessible to more diets without sacrificing flavor.
This peanut butter cookies recipe can easily be turned into a festive treat for any time of year. Here are a few fun twists:
- Holiday peanut butter blossoms: Press a chocolate kiss into each cookie right after baking.
- Pumpkin spice peanut butter cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the dry mix for a warm fall twist.
- Valentine’s Day version: Roll dough in pink or red sugar crystals before baking.
- Halloween mix-ins: Fold in candy corn, mini peanut butter cups, or colored sprinkles.
These variations are perfect for parties, gifts, or making your usual cookie batch a bit more special. Plus, they all start from the same simple peanut butter cookies base, making them easy to whip up with ingredients you already have.
Tools & Equipment That Make a Difference
Best baking sheets and silicone mats for even baking
One of the easiest ways to upgrade your peanut butter cookies is by using quality bakeware. Thin or cheap baking sheets often cause uneven browning or even burnt bottoms.
Here’s what works best:
- Heavy-duty aluminum baking sheets: These distribute heat evenly and resist warping.
- Rimmed sheets: Help prevent dough balls from sliding off when transferring in and out of the oven.
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper: Prevent sticking without needing excess grease or sprays. Mats also encourage even color on the cookie bottoms.
These simple swaps can make a noticeable difference in how your cookies bake.
Why chilling the dough matters
This might be one of the most important steps in the peanut butter cookies recipe. Chilling the dough for at least 1 hour:
- Firms up the butter so the cookies don’t spread too much
- Marries the flavors together for deeper taste
- Makes rolling cleaner since the dough is less sticky
If you’re short on time, place the dough in the freezer for about 30 minutes instead.
Skipping this step is one of the top reasons cookies lose their shape or turn out flat and crispy instead of soft and chewy.
While it’s totally possible to make cookie dough by hand, using a mixer makes things faster and more consistent.
Electric stand mixers are ideal for large batches or thick doughs. The paddle attachment creams butter and sugar evenly, creating a light, fluffy base.
Hand mixers work great for smaller batches or if you’re short on space. They still provide enough power to mix everything thoroughly without wearing out your arm.
If you do mix by hand:
- Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon.
- Soften your butter properly before starting.
- Be patient and mix in stages to avoid clumps.
Either method works, but a mixer helps you get the most reliable results every time you follow this peanut butter cookies recipe.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Pairings
Peanut butter cookies are rich and satisfying on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of simple sides and drinks.
Try these serving ideas:
- Cold milk: Classic and always a favorite, especially for kids.
- Vanilla ice cream: Sandwich a scoop between two cookies for an instant frozen treat.
- Hot coffee or cocoa: The salt-sweet combo of the cookie enhances the drink’s flavor.
- Fruit slices: Add fresh apple or banana slices on the side to balance the richness.
These ideas elevate a simple cookie into a more thoughtful dessert or snack.
Easy ways to turn them into dessert sandwiches
Looking to make your peanut butter cookies recipe even more fun? Try turning them into sandwich cookies. Here are a few delicious filling ideas:
| Filling | Flavor Pairing | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese frosting | Slightly tangy and sweet | Chill before spreading for best hold |
| Chocolate ganache | Rich and decadent | Use room-temp cookies to prevent melt |
| Marshmallow fluff | Soft and sticky sweet | Great for kids and parties |
| Nutella or cookie butter | Intensely flavored | Spread thinly, don’t overload |
To make: simply spread your filling on the bottom of one cookie, top with another, and press gently. For best results, chill the sandwiches for 10–15 minutes before serving so the filling sets.
Peanut butter cookies make excellent gifts because they travel well and stay fresh for days. Here’s how to package them with care:
- Stack and wrap: Stack 4–5 cookies and wrap tightly with plastic wrap or cellophane.
- Use boxes or tins: Line with parchment to prevent sticking and crumbs.
- Add a label: Include the name of the cookie, ingredients (for allergies), and a “Best By” date.
- Decorate: Tie with ribbon or twine for a polished, homemade look.
These thoughtful touches make a simple peanut butter cookies recipe feel like a special, heartfelt gift.
Conclusion: Master the Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Anytime
Whether you’re baking a quick batch for the family or freezing dough for future cravings, this peanut butter cookies recipe gives you everything you need to make soft, chewy, crowd-pleasing cookies every time. With simple ingredients, flexible options, and expert baking tips, you can truly make this recipe your own.
Try fun add-ins, go gluten-free or dairy-free, or shape them into sandwich cookies for something different. However you mix it, these cookies bring comfort and flavor in every bite.
