Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Get ready to bake some pure happiness! Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers, with crisp golden edges, soft chewy centers, and that nostalgic fork-pressed crisscross. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just because you need a delicious snack, these cookies come together quickly with pantry staples and bring big flavor in every bite. Once you try them, I’m convinced they’ll become your go-to cookie recipe too!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies is how a short list of everyday ingredients transforms into a cookie that’s anything but ordinary. Each ingredient has a purpose, from creating that classic nutty flavor to delivering just the right amount of chewy softness and crunchy edges.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is essential for a rich, tender cookie and helps to cream together the sugars for a smooth dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies bake up slightly crisp around the edges.
• Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar gives depth of flavor and keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Choose a classic creamy peanut butter for the iconic taste and smooth texture.
• Large Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture for that perfect cookie bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and gives these cookies a wonderful aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure so the cookies aren’t too thin or too cakey.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light, soft crumb.
• Baking Powder: Adds a little extra lift, ensuring a perfectly balanced texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch accentuates the peanut butter flavor and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking, gives you easy cleanup, and helps the cookies bake evenly. Getting this out of the way first means you’ll be baking as soon as your dough is ready!

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. Beat until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This step fills your cookies with air, giving them the perfect lightness while ensuring a totally smooth dough.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the creamy peanut butter, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are beautifully incorporated. At this stage, the dough will smell absolutely irresistible—try not to sneak a taste!

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This extra step makes sure the baking agents are distributed evenly so the cookies rise perfectly and have just the right flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together into a smooth dough. Be careful not to overmix—this is the secret to a soft, tender cookie! The dough will be soft but not sticky, and ready to roll.

Step 6: Shape and Crisscross

Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them between your palms. Place each dough ball on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some room for spreading. Press the tops gently with a fork, first one way and then the other, creating that signature crisscross pattern you’ll see in every batch of Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges just start to turn golden brown. The centers will look a bit soft but will set as they cool. This is key for that dreamy, chewy middle!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This little rest helps them firm up just enough to handle (and also develops a hint of crispness around the edge). Now, stand back and watch them disappear—Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies never last long!

How to Serve Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

The classic crisscross is always a winner, but feel free to elevate your cookies even more. A light sprinkle of coarse sea salt or a few chocolate chips melted on top takes Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies into gourmet territory. Try dusting with powdered sugar if you want something extra sweet and pretty!

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic duo. They’re also wonderful alongside hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. If you’re hosting, a platter of mixed cookies with brownies or blondies adds sweet variety that everyone will appreciate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cookies stacked in a glass jar tied with ribbon, or as sandwich cookies with a layer of chocolate, peanut butter, or jam between two for an extra-special touch. Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies also make lovely ice cream sandwich bases—just add a scoop of your favorite flavor and dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, store Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days—honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Once cooled, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. You can even freeze the dough balls, then bake right from frozen with an extra minute or two in the oven for fresh-from-the-freezer cookie magic.

Reheating

To refresh cookies that have been stored or frozen, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 2 to 3 minutes. They’ll come out warm and just as soft and delicious as when you first made them—the way Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies should be enjoyed!

FAQs

Why do I need to press the cookies with a fork?

The crisscross pattern isn’t just for looks! Peanut butter cookie dough is thicker than most, and pressing the balls down helps them bake evenly and gives that signature texture that makes Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies extra special.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra nutty bits for more texture. Just know your cookies may spread a little differently, but the flavor will be delicious all the same.

What kind of sugar works best in this recipe?

A mix of white and brown sugar provides the perfect balance of sweetness and softness. You can use all brown sugar for even chewier cookies or all white sugar for a slightly crispier result, but I love the balance of both for Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies.

How do I make them gluten free?

Simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies will hold together beautifully and taste just as wonderful—no one will know the difference!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! This recipe scales up easily. Double every ingredient and use multiple baking sheets, or bake in batches. Freshly baked Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies make every gathering more special, so don’t be shy about making more.

Final Thoughts

If you love classic, crowd-pleasing cookies, you can’t go wrong with a big batch of Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies. Their irresistible flavor and soft, chewy bite are always a hit, and the simple recipe makes delicious homemade cookies totally doable—no fuss, just fun. Give them a try and make them your family’s new favorite treat too!

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