rows of peanut butter cookies on parchment paper
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Classic Peanut Butter Cookies: A Family Favorite

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Peanut butter is a survival food in my house. No matter how bare the larder gets, I always manage to keep peanut butter around. It’s one of those staples that’s both versatile and loved.

Whether spread on toast for a quick breakfast or paired with apple slices for an after-school snack (for those who can eat apples…did I mention that I am allergic to apples?!), peanut butter always pulls through.

But even in times of plenty, peanut butter holds a special place in our kitchen. My daughter, in particular, will eat it by the spoonful. And when I find the time to make peanut butter cookies, well… let’s just say I am the most popular mom in the world, at least for a little while!

peanut butter cookies with peanut butter chips, closeup overhead view
peanut butter cookies laid out in rows on parchment paper
peanut butter cookies with sugary topping, overhead view
peanut butter cookies cooling on a wire rack, overhead view

Best Peanut Butter Cookies You’ll Ever Try

If you’re on the hunt for the best peanut butter cookie recipe, look no further. These cookies are perfect for satisfying those mid-afternoon cravings, or for whipping up when the family is asking for something sweet.

They have just the right balance of peanut butter flavor, sweetness, and a hint of salt. They bake up beautifully, with a golden crisp edge and a soft, chewy center.

Every bite delivers that rich, nutty goodness we all love in peanut butter, making these the best peanut butter cookies you’ll want to bake again and again.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Even if baking isn’t your favorite activity, I promise these cookies are foolproof. No special equipment, no complicated steps—just a few pantry staples, a bit of mixing, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that are sure to impress.

peanut butter cookies with caramel chips, overhead view close up

Easy Peanut Butter Cookies for Busy Parents

Let’s face it—life as a busy parent doesn’t always leave room for hours of baking. But even when your schedule is packed, these easy peanut butter cookies come together in a snap.

With just a handful of ingredients—peanut butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and a pinch of baking powder—you’re only a few steps away from having delicious cookies fresh out of the oven.

And the best part? These cookies are forgiving. No need to worry about overmixing or complicated techniques. You can even get the kids involved—my daughter loves helping me press the crisscross pattern into the tops of the cookies with a fork.

It’s a simple way to spend time together in the kitchen, and the end result? A plate of warm, homemade cookies that disappear as fast as they cool.

peanut butter cookies with sugary topping, close up overhead view

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a chewy peanut butter cookie. The way it just melts in your mouth, giving you that perfect combination of soft and slightly crisp texture, is simply unbeatable. These chewy peanut butter cookies deliver exactly that, with each bite offering a rich and buttery peanut butter experience.

The secret to getting that perfect chewy texture? It’s all in the balance of ingredients. This recipe has just the right amount of flour to give the cookies structure, while keeping them soft and moist thanks to the peanut butter.

A quick 10-12 minutes in the oven is all it takes to bake up a batch of these mouthwatering treats. Just make sure to let them cool slightly before digging in, although in my house, that’s easier said than done!

Creative Twists on Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

While these chewy peanut butter cookies are already a hit, there are plenty of ways to add your own spin and make them even more irresistible. Here are a few fun variations to try:

  1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: For the chocolate lovers in your house, stir in half a cup of chocolate chips or chunks into the dough. You could even go all out and drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies for a decadent touch. Or, place a Hershey’s Kiss on the top of each cookie immediately after taking them out of the oven – the residual heat will soften and melt the Kiss on the top of the cookie.
  2. Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies: Create a pocket of your favorite jelly or jam in the center of the cookie before baking. Simply roll the dough into a ball, flatten slightly, and press your thumb in the middle to create a small well. Spoon in a bit of jam (like raspberry or grape) and bake as usual. It’s like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich but in cookie form!
  3. Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies: Swap smooth peanut butter for crunchy to give your cookies a delightful added texture. The little bits of peanuts add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
  4. Nutty Add-Ins: For a more complex flavor, mix in chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds. These nuts will give your cookies extra texture and a richer nutty taste.
  5. Spiced Peanut Butter Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced variation. The subtle hint of spice pairs wonderfully with the richness of peanut butter.

No matter which variation you choose, these chewy peanut butter cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Recipe by Jessie
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

30

cookies
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

12

minutes

Whip up these classic peanut butter cookies in just 30 minutes! With a perfect balance of sweetness and that signature crisscross fork pattern, these cookies are a nostalgic treat for everyone. They’re some of the best peanut butter cookies you’ll ever make, with a chewy texture that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c butter or shortening

  • 1 c brown sugar

  • 1 egg

  • 1/2 c peanut butter

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla

  • 1 c flour

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1/4 tsp slt

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  • Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Add egg, peanut butter, and vanilla and mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture a little at a time until thoroughly mixed.
  • Using a teaspoon, scoop out small amounts and roll into balls in the palms of your hands, and place on a parchment lined baking tray. Flatten with a fork dipped in cold water.
  • Bake for 10 – 12 minutes, or until the edges appear set and are very lightly browned. The centers will still look very soft. (cook for 3-4 minute longer for crispy cookies, 1-3 minutes less for softer, chewier cookies)
  • C0ol on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

Notes

  • For dough that is easier to work with (e.g. for rolled or formed cookies), cover and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours; can refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Whether you’re a peanut butter fanatic like we are or just looking for an easy dessert to whip up, these peanut butter cookies are sure to hit the spot. Make them once, and you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again.

Best of all, even the most baking-averse parent can manage these—so go ahead, give them a try and become the most popular parent in your house (at least for a little while!).

Looking for other festive cookie ideas? Check these out!

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