The Best Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Kickstart your baking with the best homemade peanut butter cookies—soft, chewy, and irresistibly simple. One bite will have you hooked.

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

These peanut butter cookies are a true crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of soft chewiness and rich flavor. You’ll adore how easy they are to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

  • Quick and easy: With minimal prep time, these cookies are ready to bake in no time.
  • Irresistible texture: Soft, chewy, and slightly crumbly—they’re everything you want in a cookie.
  • Customizable: Add chocolate chips, drizzle with melted chocolate, or dip in milk for extra indulgence.

Recipe

classic peanut butter cookies

Peanut butter cookies are a classic treat loved for their rich, nutty flavor and soft, chewy texture. These cookies are easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients, making them a perfect option for both novice bakers and seasoned cookie enthusiasts.

Ingredients:

1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract (if using), and salt. Mix until well combined.
  3. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  4. Use a fork to gently press down on each ball, creating a crisscross pattern.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  6. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes:

  • For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies.
  • You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.

Equipment:

Mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, fork, wire rack

Time:

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10-12 minutes

Cuisine:

American

Serving:

Makes approximately 18 cookies

Nutrition

Peanut butter cookies offer a balance of flavor and nutrition. Here are the key nutritional details per serving:

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories120
Total Fat7g
Saturated Fat1.5g
Cholesterol10mg
Sodium85mg
Total Carbs12g
Dietary Fiber0.5g
Sugars8g
Protein3g

What To Serve With It

There’s nothing like dunking peanut butter cookies in cold milk—it’s a classic combo that never gets old. If you’re feeling fancy, try pairing them with vanilla ice cream for a sweet, creamy contrast. I also love crumbling them over yogurt or blending them into a milkshake for an extra treat.

Milk Pairings

Pairing peanut butter cookies with milk is a classic combo I can’t resist. There’s something magical about dunking a warm, chewy cookie into a cold glass of milk—it just melts in your mouth. I love whole milk for its creamy richness, but skim milk works if you prefer something lighter. For a twist, try almond or oat milk; their nutty flavors complement the peanut butter perfectly. Chocolate milk is another fun option, adding a sweet, nostalgic touch. Whatever you choose, make sure the milk is ice-cold—it balances the cookie’s warmth and richness so well. Trust me, it’s heaven.

Ice Cream Combos

When I think of peanut butter cookies, I can’t help but imagine how incredible they’d be with ice cream—it’s like a match made in dessert heaven. The rich, nutty flavor of the cookies pairs perfectly with creamy scoops. Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, letting the peanut butter shine, but I also love chocolate or caramel swirl for a sweet twist. Feeling adventurous? Try cookies with salted caramel or banana ice cream—trust me, it’s amazing! A warm cookie with cold ice cream makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s the ultimate treat, whether it’s dessert or just because.

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