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Peanut Butter Cookies

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These peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. You'll love how quick and easy they are to make with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies come out delicious every time. Whip up a batch in no time and enjoy the irresistible taste!
This recipe is super easy to follow, with step-by-step photos and directions. We’ve also included pro tips and tricks to ensure perfect cookies. Plus, check out the frequently asked questions for all the answers you need!

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These peanut butter cookies take just twenty minutes to make, perfect for a quick dessert or snack. The soft, chewy texture and rich peanut butter flavor make them a crowd favorite at parties or potlucks.
With only a few ingredients, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and delicious results. Make them at home for a treat that everyone will love!
Ingredients

What you'll need to make these Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies:
- ½ cup of butter
- ½ cup of peanut butter
- ½ cup of sugar
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups of flour
- ¾ teaspoon of baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your peanut butter cookies recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These easy changes can make your cookies uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Substitute Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a natural sweetener option.
Substitute Peanut Butter: Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a tasty twist on your cookies.
Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in chocolate chips or chunks to add a rich, chocolaty boost to your cookies.
These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of these classic cookies.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, instructions, and helpful tips and tricks below. Let’s get started and bake delicious peanut cookies together! You’ll love how easy and fun this recipe is to make.
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
SECOND STEP: In a medium bowl with a hand mixer at medium speed, cream butter, peanut butter, white sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla.

THIRD STEP: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Then, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix them together well.
FOURTH STEP: Create 1-inch balls with your batter and roll them in granulated sugar.
Pro Tip
Use a small cookie scoop to create uniform-size dough balls.

FIFTH STEP: Place the cookie balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
SIXTH STEP: Using the tines of a fork, create a crisscross pattern by pressing down on the top of each ball.

SEVENTH STEP: Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. This will make about 4 dozen cookies.

How To Serve Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies are perfect for any occasion! Whether it’s a holiday, a family gathering, or just a fun snack, everyone will enjoy them. Here are some great ways to serve this recipe:
- Birthday Parties or Kids’ Gatherings:: Kids love the rich peanut butter flavor of these cookies! Serve them with a cold glass of milk or alongside chocolate cupcakes for a fun party treat.
- Holiday Celebrations:: Peanut butter cookies make a festive addition to any holiday dessert spread. Pair them with hot cocoa or gingerbread cookies to create a cozy winter vibe everyone will enjoy.
- Casual Get-togethers:: These cookies are the perfect snack for a game night or casual gathering. Serve them with a tray of fruit salad or vanilla ice cream for a simple yet satisfying treat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies are more than just a snack—they’re a beloved favorite for several delicious reasons:
- A Classic Favorite: These cookies combine the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with a soft, chewy texture, making them an irresistible classic. Whether for after-school snacks or cozy nights in, these cookies are sure to satisfy any craving.
- Simple Yet Delicious: With just a few ingredients, this recipe brings out the best peanut butter flavor in every bite. They are quick to make but taste like a gourmet treat, which is why readers love making them over and over.
- Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a holiday, potluck, or casual get-together, these cookies always impress. Their simplicity and deliciousness make them a go-to choice for any event.
Peanut butter cookies aren't just tasty—they're a sweet, comforting treat that brings joy with every bite!

Recipe FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works great in this recipe and adds a delicious, extra peanut crunch to each bite.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for fifteen to twenty minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape in the oven.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Your cookies are done when the edges are golden and slightly firm. They will continue to set as they cool.
Can I double the peanut butter cookie recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! You can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch for parties or gatherings.

Serving FAQ
Can I serve peanut butter cookies warm or at room temperature?
Yes, they are are delicious both warm from the oven or cooled to room temperature, depending on your preference.
What is the best way to present peanut butter cookies for a party?
Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or stack them in a jar for a fun, eye-catching display.
How many peanut butter cookies should I plan for each person?
Plan for two to three cookies per person, especially if they’re part of a dessert spread at a party or event.
Can I make smaller or larger peanut butter cookies for different serving sizes?
Yes, adjust the size of the dough balls to make bite-sized cookies or larger ones, but watch the baking time!

Storage FAQ
For the best results, follow our tips and tricks for optimal storage of these peanut butter cookies. From making them ahead to reheating, we’ve got you covered!
Can I prepare peanut butter cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to two days before baking.
What’s the best way to store leftover peanut butter cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Can I freeze peanut butter cookie dough?
Yes, freeze the dough in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge before baking.
How should I reheat peanut butter cookies?
Reheat cookies in the microwave for ten to fifteen seconds or in a 300°F oven for five to seven minutes until warm.

Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cream butter, peanut butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Then, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix them together well.
- Shape into 1-inch balls and roll in granulated sugar.
- Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
- Crisscross with a fork to flatten cookie dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
Notes
- If this recipe yields too many cookies all at once, freeze some of the cookie dough balls for easy baking in the future!
- We chilled the dough overnight after mixing then the next day let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before forming it into balls and baking. This step is optional but you are welcome to give it a try if you have any trouble with the cookies spreading too much.
- Use a small cookie scoop to create uniform-size dough balls.
After cookies have cooled, add a dollop of your favorite jam to make a PB&J thumbprint cookie.






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