Peanut Butter Cookies – The Ultimate Homemade Cookie Recipe Everyone Will Love
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, buttery, and packed with rich peanut flavor. Their crispy golden edges and tender centers create the perfect texture, while the signature fork marks give them their iconic appearance. Ready in under 30 minutes using everyday ingredients, these cookies are ideal for beginner and experienced bakers alike. They're delicious on their own or paired with a glass of milk, making them a timeless treat for every occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1½-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball gently with a fork, making the traditional crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture.
- Natural peanut butter may produce a more crumbly cookie.
- Do not overbake; the cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Room-temperature ingredients mix more evenly.
- Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it's too soft.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
- Freeze the dough for future baking.