Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that’s impossibly simple yet dangerously delicious, these Easy Peanut Butter Cookies are the answer to every cookie craving. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of hands-on time, you’ll have golden cookies that are crisp at the edges, chewy in the middle, and packed with pure peanut butter flavor. The recipe is foolproof and always gets rave reviews—plus, it happens to be gluten-free and perfect for sharing with friends or family over a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. Let’s bake up some peanut buttery joy!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Peanut Butter Cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient thoughtfully brings its own magic, whether it’s the rich nutty base or the sweet, sugary finish. Grab these basics, and you’re on your way to bakery-level cookies at home!

• Peanut Butter (1 cup, creamy or crunchy): This is the heart and soul of the cookies, offering deep flavor (creamy for smoothness, crunchy for extra texture).
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and gives the cookies their classic chew and delightful caramelized edges.
• Large Egg (1): Acts as the binder, holding everything together and adding structure to your cookies.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the peanutty aroma and adds a warm, fragrant note to the mix.
• Pinch of Salt (optional): If your peanut butter is unsalted, a little salt will make the flavors sing. If it’s already salty, you can skip this!

How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures the cookies never stick—because who wants to leave behind a single crumb?

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and that pinch of salt (if you’re using it). Stir everything together using a sturdy spoon or a spatula until the mixture turns smooth, glossy, and deeply fragrant with peanut butter. It’s amazing how these few ingredients can transform into something so tempting!

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Now, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough—this is where a cookie scoop or two spoons become your best friends. Gently roll each portion into a ball between your palms. As you do, you’ll notice the dough is soft and easy to work with, thanks to all that peanut butter richness.

Step 4: Arrange and Decorate

Place the dough balls on your baking sheet about 2 inches apart, because these cookies do like to spread a bit as they bake. Here’s the fun part: grab a fork and gently press it onto the tops of each dough ball, then rotate 90-degrees and press again. This classic crisscross pattern is the signature look for Easy Peanut Butter Cookies, and it helps the cookies bake up beautifully even.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray of cookies into the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and just turning golden, while the centers still look a bit soft. Remember, cookies continue to set as they cool—so a little softness is perfect!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; this helps them firm up enough to move. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Pour yourself something to sip—your warm, nutty masterpieces are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

Serving these cookies as-is is always a hit, but you can sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for an elevated sweet-and-salty finish. If you’re feeling extra, drizzle with melted chocolate or press a few mini chocolate chips into the tops before baking for a twist.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with a cold glass of milk—classic! But Easy Peanut Butter Cookies also pair beautifully with hot coffee, a cozy mug of hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies for the ultimate treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them in a mason jar, wrap with a ribbon, and gift to a friend. Arrange on a platter at your next gathering, or create a DIY cookie bar with sauces and toppings so everyone can build their own perfect bite. You can even crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a decadent breakfast upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any cookies left (which is a big “if”!), keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to one week—making them perfect for snacks or lunchbox treats.

Freezing

To extend their life, freeze baked Easy Peanut Butter Cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls: just shape, crisscross, and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag; bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the oven time.

Reheating

Refresh leftover cookies by warming them in a 300°F oven for about 3–4 minutes, or pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that just-baked coziness. They taste like they’re fresh out of the oven every time!

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in Easy Peanut Butter Cookies?

You can, but the texture may differ. Stir natural peanut butter thoroughly before measuring, and keep in mind that the cookies might spread more and be slightly more delicate than with conventional peanut butter.

Are these cookies really flourless?

Absolutely! Easy Peanut Butter Cookies are naturally flourless, making them ideal for those with gluten intolerance or anyone who loves a rich, peanutty bite without extra fuss.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread (any kind), which helps maintain their moisture. The bread will dry out while your cookies stay perfectly soft!

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Yes and yes! You can easily scale up for a crowd or halve the ingredients if you just want a small batch. The ratios stay the same, so your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies will turn out great either way.

Is it okay to add mix-ins like chocolate chips?

Totally! Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon work beautifully here. Mix them in with the dough just before you roll the cookies into balls for an extra touch of fun.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a go-to cookie recipe that’s as quick as it is delightful, please give these Easy Peanut Butter Cookies a try. They’re the perfect treat to whip up when time (and ingredients) are short, but the craving for something sweet is strong. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share—they’re bound to become a new favorite at your house too!

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