Simple Peanut Butter Cookies That Will Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth
Peanut butter cookies are a classic treat that many people crave when they’re in the mood for something sweet, and this recipe is designed to satisfy that craving with minimal fuss. Whether you love peanut butter on its own or prefer the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, this cookie recipe can be easily adapted to meet your preferences. The dough is perfect for making peanut butter blossoms, or if you prefer a simple peanut butter cookie without the chocolate, it’s equally delicious.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It uses basic ingredients, but the result is a cookie that is rich in flavor and soft in texture. If you’re a peanut butter lover, you’ll appreciate the depth of flavor in these cookies, which are perfectly sweet and slightly nutty, without being overwhelming. What’s even better is that these cookies are easy to make, so you can bake them whenever the urge strikes.
The Ingredients You Need for Peanut Butter Cookies
To make these delicious peanut butter cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter: The key to a rich, soft texture.
- ½ cup white sugar and ½ cup brown sugar: A combination of sugars gives the cookies just the right balance of sweetness.
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter: Choose a good-quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the ingredients together for a chewy texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the peanut butter flavor.
- 1 ½ cups flour: Forms the base of the dough and gives structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly and become soft.
- Optional 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, spiced note that enhances the peanut butter.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cookies.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
Making peanut butter cookies is simple and straightforward, but there are a few tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.
- Prep the Ingredients
Start by microwaving one stick of butter for about 30 seconds until it’s softened but not melted. Add this to the bowl of your stand mixer (or a regular mixing bowl if you’re using a hand mixer). - Cream the Butter and Sugars
To the softened butter, add the white sugar and brown sugar. Cream the mixture together until it is smooth and well combined. This step is essential because it helps create a light texture in the finished cookies. - Add the Egg and Vanilla
Once the sugars and butter are creamed together, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully combined. This will help the dough come together into a smooth consistency. - Mix in Dry Ingredients
Next, add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon (optional), and salt to the bowl. Mix the dough until everything is fully combined. You should see a smooth dough forming, but be careful not to overmix it. - Chill the Dough
For the best results, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up. This will make it easier to handle when forming the dough balls and will help the cookies maintain their shape when baking. - Form the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out one tablespoon of dough. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then place them on the prepared baking sheet. - Flatten with a Fork
To create the classic criss-cross pattern on your cookies, use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball. This also helps the cookies flatten out slightly for even baking. - Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Optional Step: Add Chocolate
If you’re making peanut butter blossoms, this is the time to add a chocolate kiss on top of each cookie while they’re still warm. Simply press a chocolate piece into the center of each cookie once you’ve taken them out of the oven. If you prefer classic peanut butter cookies, just let them cool as-is.
Freezing the Dough for Later Use
If you want to make a big batch of cookies but don’t want to bake them all at once, this dough freezes wonderfully! I recommend using Souper Cube Cookie Cubes to freeze individual portions of dough. This makes it easy to bake one or two cookies whenever the craving hits, without having to make a new batch from scratch each time. Simply pop a cube or two out of the freezer, let them thaw slightly, and bake them as you normally would.
Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
If you’re a fan of the classic peanut butter blossoms, this dough is perfect for that too! After baking the cookies, simply place a piece of high-quality chocolate on top of each one. I recommend using chocolate like Dove over the usual Hershey’s Kisses to elevate the flavor and create a more decadent treat. The sweet chocolate pairs perfectly with the salty, nutty peanut butter cookie, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cookies
These peanut butter cookies are incredibly versatile, allowing you to create a variety of cookie styles. Whether you want a simple peanut butter cookie, a peanut butter blossom, or even a cookie with a twist of chocolate, this recipe delivers. With its easy-to-follow steps, minimal ingredients, and the option to freeze the dough for later, this recipe is perfect for those looking for a fuss-free, delicious homemade cookie.
This Recipe is in my Cookbook, From Scratch!
I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.
From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:
Check Out The Pantry Labels
In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.
Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Microwave one stick of butter for only 30 seconds. Add to the bowl of your stand mixer or a big bowl.
- To the softened butter, add the sugars and cream together until smooth and well combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix until a dough forms.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out one tablespoon of dough. Roll each ball to make them smooth and round.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Use a fork to create a criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie, gently flattening them.
- Bake for 10 to 14 minutes until edges are slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cook on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- After five minutes, add a chocolate to the top (optional) to make peanut butter blossom cookies, or just let the cookies cool completely.
